Read The Rod of Justice by Machado de Assis

Description Write a 1000—1200 word (approx. 4–5 pgs in standard formatting) literary analysis of Herbert Mason’s Gilgamesh addressing one of the following topics. A literary analysis goes beyond a mere emotional response to the text or review of the text’s plot and explicit themes. Instead, it should clarify and explain in detail your interpretation of the text OR a particular aspect of the text, an interpretation that is the result of close reading and structural analysis (as we discussed in class). Ask yourself not only what the author is saying, but how and why he uses particular words or structures. This essay requires that you demonstrate close reading and structural analysis, and that you form a specific, interpretive claim about the text, using specific evidence from the text to support your analysis. ALL sources must be cited correctly in MLA style. It is not required (or recommended) that you consult outside sources for this assignment. However, if you do use an outside source, it must be cited correctly, as do all sources used. Choose 1 of these topics: 1. Mason’s Gilgamesh tells the story of the legendary or mythical Gilgamesh; it also populated with many mythical stories and characters. Consider Tyson’s description of the work of anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss, for whom myth “embodies the attempt of all structures to make sense of an otherwise chaotic world” (204). In your essay, explore the degree to which Gilgamesh—or Gilgamesh— is trying to create order of a world or of phenomena that feel chaotic, nonsensical, or scarily unknowable. [Here are some questions you can consider to form your argument: What is Gilgamesh (or others in his world) worried about? What purpose do the gods serve? How does he/they deal with that? Does Gilgamesh or Gilgamesh succeed in making sense of something? If so, what, and how? If not, why not? Does the world of Gilgamesh end up an ordered world, where people feel like they have purpose and meaning, or does Gilgamesh abandon the attempt to impose structure?] 2. In Mason’s Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh goes on several journeys, physical as well as spiritual/emotional/psychological. Consider the overall trajectory of both Gilgamesh and Gilgamesh. In your essay, explore which of Northrop Frye’s “mythos” structures best captures the nature of this trajectory or Gilgamesh’s journey. (Remember that they are the mythos of summer, winter, autumn, and spring; some are static, whereas others change.) [Here are some additional questions to consider to help you form an argument: Do you think Gilgamesh is/was a “hero” (or what that even means), whether he is/was a flawed character, or if you think he changes either himself or his world over the course of the narrative. Does Gilgamesh or his world change for the better? For the worse? Stay the same? And why?] Criteria –A Central Argument. Include a thesis statement that lays out your argument. Make sure that your argument offers a specific interpretation of the text and its structure. –Supporting Evidence & Analysis. Provide evidence from your interpretation of the text (i.e. close reading) in order to support your claims/argument. Be specific and thorough. Plot summary is not evidence. –Clarity & Organization. Follow an organized structure. The ideas presented should relate to one another. Each paragraph should have a focus and a purpose or “reason for existence.” Remember to lead with your ideas/claims, and not with plot. –Address the Prompt. Meet the requirements (appropriate length, format, topic, citations, draft deadlines, etc.)