Book Reviews Assignment: Rabbit Run By John Updike

Book Reviews Assignment Description Rabbit Run By John Updike1500

Book Reviews - Assignment Description [Rabbit, run by John Updike] 1500 words max The book review should draw on the literary criticism techniques discussed in “How to Read Literature” by Terry Eagleton. You should use APA format to reference the Eagleton text throughout your paper. You may organize the review addressing each of the topics in Chp 1-5 of Eagleton’s text. Utilize the course lectures on Chp 1-5 of Eagleton’s text to understand how to examine and review your book. You may structure your review like this: Introduction – 1 paragraph Sometimes it is best to write this last! It summarizes what you are about to talk about. Body – 5-10 paragraphs Openings Identify at least 1 or more literary tactic that the author used to open the book. Was it effective? Why or Why not? Characters How did you learn about the characters? Was it an effective way to learn about the characters? Why or Why not? Did you get to know one character more than others? Why? Narrative Who is telling the story? From what point of view? Do you think that was a good selection? Consider another point of view from where the story could have been told… how would have that impacted the story. Interpretation What school of criticism most accurately reflects what you think the themes and symbols of the novel are trying to communicate? Why did you select that school of criticism? Provide at least 2 examples of the themes, signs, symbols, language character that you think are connected to the school of criticism you selected. Value What does the school of criticism that you selected value? What does the school of criticism that you selected think is important? What does the school of criticism that you selected emphasize? Provide at least 2 examples from the book that demonstrate what it values. Conclusion – 1 paragraph These should look similar to the introduction. It should not introduce new ideas. It should summarize what you just wrote about in the body of your paper. Literary Elements (i.e.) you may want to include/refer to in your paper):

Paper For Above instruction

The assigned task involves composing a comprehensive book review of John Updike's novel Rabbit Run, limited to 1500 words. The review must incorporate literary criticism techniques outlined in Terry Eagleton's “How to Read Literature,” with proper APA citations throughout. The review should be organized according to the topics in Chapters 1-5 of Eagleton’s text, utilizing course lectures to deepen understanding. The suggested structure includes an introduction, body, and conclusion—each with specific focuses.

The introduction should succinctly preview the main points, ideally written last. The body is expected to contain 5-10 paragraphs, each analyzing key aspects such as the opening of the book, character development, narrative voice, and interpretation guided by a chosen school of criticism. For openings, consider literary tactics used and their effectiveness. For characters, evaluate how the reader learns about them, whether one character is more developed than others, and the methods used to reveal their traits. Regarding narrative perspective, identify the narrator, assess its suitability, and consider alternative viewpoints and their potential impacts.

Analysis of interpretation should focus on selecting an appropriate school of criticism (e.g., psychological, feminist, Marxist) that best explains the novel's themes and symbols. Support this choice with at least two examples from the text demonstrating relevant themes, signs, symbols, language, or characters aligned with the selected school. The value section should explore what this school emphasizes as important, with two illustrative examples.

The conclusion should mirror the introduction in tone and structure, summarizing the main analysis without introducing new ideas. Throughout, literary elements such as symbolism, character development, narrative style, and thematic motifs should be discussed in relation to Eagleton's critique methods.

References

• Eagleton, T. (2008). How to Read Literature. Yale University Press.
• Updike, J. (1959). Rabbit, Run. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Felski, R. (2008). The Uses of Literature. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Bruns, W. (2017). Literary Theory: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Barry, P. (2017). Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester University Press.
• Scott, J. (2008). Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Bloom, H. (1985). The Anxiety of Influence. Oxford University Press.
• Wellek, R., & Warren, A. (1956). Theory of Literature. Harcourt Brace.
• Woods, T. (2008). Literary Theory: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Hicks, D. (2012). Literature and Literary Theory. Routledge.