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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, 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.*

• The first workshop for this essay will be on October 25. Bring four copies.
• The second workshop for this essay will be on November 1. Bring four copies.
• The Final Draft of your Book Analysis is due on November 6 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.

*REMINDER: Your paper will not be accepted if you copy ideas or words from someone else. You are here to learn so I don't expect perfection. I would much rather receive an imperfect piece that is all yours than a perfect one that was written by someone else.

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