Mayor of Casterbridge.
Description Using the course description statement as a guideline, focus your attention on the first two chapters and the last two chapters of The Mayor of Casterbridge. It is clear that, as critic Ian Gregorputs it, “The last two chapters stand in the same dramatic relationship to the full novel as the first two.” In what ways is this true? Although you may refer to the plot, the focus here should be on the techniques employed by Hardy to convey this relationship. You should be able to explore how these four chapters suggest what the writer’s purposes might be, to evaluate what the expectations of the audience should be, and to demonstrate how the “conventions and the resources of language contribute to effective writing.” This essay should stress stylistic choices by the writer and should not focus exclusively on themes. The best essays will do the following: 1. Establish a thesis that indicates your goals for discussing the novel in the context of this assignment. 2. Analyze the material rather than repeat it or evaluate it. 3. Focus on HOW the author achieves meaning through his specific choices. 4. Present material intelligently and carefully. 5. Cite the novel frequently and correctly. 6. Your essay should be approximately five typed pages, double-spaced. Do not exceed five pages unless you have something of critical importance that justifies the extended length.