The parenthetical citation gives the page number of the book in which the quoted words may be found. Make sure to put the Page Number (Cotzee page#).

Novel: Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee
Be aware that you will be writing about a novel, which in its broadest sense is any extended fictional narrative almost always in prose, in which the representation of character is often the focus. Good authors use the elements of fiction, such as plot, theme, setting etc. purposefully, with a very clear goal in mind. One of the paths to literary analysis is to discover what the author’s purpose is with each of his choices. Avoid the problem that many students have, which is to hold the erroneous assumption that simply retelling what happened in detail is good enough (no, it is not). Plot summary is necessary, but not the intended goal in a literary essay.
Criteria:
In addition to being written at college level, your essay must meet the following criteria.
Include an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Use at least three quotes from the book.

When citing your sources, use MLA style for literary essays. It is helpful to keep your handbook open to the MLA tab as you write.

Minimum 850 words (more complex topics might require more)

Language: This is a composition class — your writing and grammar count.

Use specific supporting details from the book and at least two from outside sources.Go to the Miami Dade Databases (not Google) for your sources.

Formatting and Typing Guidelines for Literary Essay in MLA

Spacing your paragraphs: In Microsoft Word, make sure you look under the Paragraph section. On the bottom of the left hand side there is a box which reads “Do not add extra spaces to like paragraphs.” Check that box! In academic papers, there are no extra spaces between the paragraphs, nor between Works Cited entries. The paper must be typed, double-spaced. Click on Double space (avoid the Multiple designation) in the same box.

Indent your paragraphs. You may use the Tab key in Microsoft Word.

Your heading is on the upper left hand corner of the first page.

The title is centered, using the same font and font size as the rest of the paper.

Do not underline or italicize your own title. Do italicize other people’s titles within the text. Underlining is no longer used.

Use either Times New Roman (preferred), or other readable type, 12 pt. font. Do not use fancy, unusual fonts.

Beyond the first page, your last name and page number should be inserted on the upper right hand corner, using the Insert > Page Number on the menu bar of Microsoft Word. The Works Cited page is the last page of the paper and is also numbered.

Use one-inch margins at the top, bottom and sides of each page.

Long quotes: Quotations of four or more lines in the typescript should be set apart (ten spaces or two strokes of the TAB key) followed by the page number. Short quotes: Passages of fewer than four lines are integrated into the text of the paper with quotation marks.