Using specific evidence from Camus’ book, write an essay in which you explain how the symbols Camus includes help to demonstrate his argument about Existentialism. To what extent do the symbols of the novel underscore his major themes? Cite several instances where the same symbol is used to show Meursault’s transformation, or where three different symbols are used to underscore the same argument. Make sure your analysis really connects the symbols to the meaning! Strong critical analysis is key.
1) Limit direct quotes to six to ten consecutive words of text.
2) Introduce all quotes, start and end every paragraph with your words.
3) Don’t use questions (essays should make statements).
4) Avoid over-claiming by using qualifying language “in some cases,” “it may be that,” “for some people,” “in my experience”.
5) Aim for three to four sentences of analysis for every quote or detail you identify.
6) Reach for formal academic tone and vocabulary.
7) Write in third person (no “you,” “I”, “us”, or “we”).
8) Write about literature, or articles, in the present tense. I.E. “Stuart Greenstreet claims…” not “Stuart Greenstreet claimed…”
9) The titles of films, novels, and plays should be underlined when writing by hand; the titles of short stories articles, and poetry should be in quotation marks when writing by hand.
10) Proof-read carefully. Watch out for fragments and run-ons. Two independent clauses may be combined with a semi-colon or a comma and a conjunction.