write on a horror novel of your choice: Dracula Novel by Bram Stoker & Interview with the Vampire Novel by Anne Rice
By responding to your own critical questions, you will interpret the primary work’s images, symbols, tone, suggestions, messages, and ideas. You will take a stand on issues in the work by interpreting key details. Additionally, you will develop your argument by interacting with and building on ideas from other scholars.
Key Questions for Developing Your Argument/Research Essay
Here is a list of some questions to get you started. It is by no means exhaustive. Simply answering these questions will not generate an adequate essay. You have to use critical judgment and insight to determine how to shape your essay.
What do the major tensions and conflicts in the novel suggest? What meanings do you derive from the tensions and conflicts?
What are some interesting connections that you can make?
Can you make connections to broad and important subjects?
What insights can you make on the issues in your sources?
What insights can you add to the subject matter?
How do your sources complicate your ideas?
What big concepts can you tackle in your essay?
How can you support your position? Are there any weaknesses in your support?
How and why do you agree, disagree, or agree/disagree with your sources?
What would the opposition say about your ideas? How can you enter into a dialogue with the opposition?