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Book Analysis: Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich

In your analysis of Nickel and Dimed you will follow an element throughout the book and explain its significance for a reader's understanding of the book. Some elements you may wish to select from and suggestions for development are:

• A repeated image. E.g. How are the poor represented?
• A developing character: E.g. How does the narrator change? Does she find what she expects? How does she feel about this?
• A theme E.g. The value of money in her world vs. the one she visits.
• A cultural attitude. E.g. How do we see or not see the poor? or, What is the attitude of most people towards the poor?
• An argument. E.g. What conclusions does the author draw from her experiences? Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
• The writer's persona. E.g. How does Ehrenreich present herself, her values, her beliefs, her talents, her biases, etc.
• A symbol E.g. What does the company of Wal-Mart represent?
• The meaning of the title.

You are not limited to the above. If you wish to analyze the book using different criteria be sure to check with me to make sure it is acceptable.

As you explain the importance of an element, use quotes from the book to support your analysis. The essay must be approximately one thousand words, or three to four pages long. You may use sources other than the book itself, but you must use correct MLA citation for all references.*

1.  Begin your essay by briefly summarizing the book in one long paragraph. At the end of that paragraph you must state your main idea (thesis).
2. Divide your idea into three or four main points then tackle each of them in order. When you reference the book, make sure that you do so in chronological order. Start with the beginning and find text that supports your point, then go through the book, in order, to the end.
3. Then move on to the next point and do the same thing.
4. At the end of the essay come to some kind of reasonable conclusion that is supported by the evidence you have given to your reader in the body of the essay. Restate your main idea (thesis), but IN DIFFERENT WORDS.

• The first workshop for this essay will be on October 9. Bring four copies.
• The second workshop for this essay will be on October 16. Bring four copies.
  
  NOTE: IF YOU OR YOUR PAPER IS MISSING FROM A WORKSHOP YOUR GRADE WILL GO DOWN BY 10% FOR EACH ABSENCE.
• The Final Draft of your Book Analysis is due on October 23 at the beginning of class. Place it in a folder with a copy of each rough draft and all of the peer workshop sheets.

This Book Analysis is worth 20% of your Class Grade.

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*REMINDERS:

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