ENGL 1040 Reading Literature: Coming of Age

Purpose
The purpose of this essay is to explore the novel Paper Towns by paying attention to the story’s use of literary devices. Writers will use their own opinions and reasoning, coupled with research, to craft a meaningful commentary on the novel.

Content
Writers may choose one of the following prompts for their essay:

1. Watch the film version of Paper Towns (20th Century Fox, 2015) and compare and contrast the book with the movie. Writers may consider differences or similarities in theme, characters, plot, or other elements. Ultimately, the essay will decide which genre is most effective in getting the message of the story across, and how meaning is changed with the difference of genres.

2. Discuss the genre of Coming of Age literature in general, by using scholarly research that explores or defines this genre. Writers will then use Paper Towns as an example, showing how the novel highlights or challenges aspects of the genre.

Format
This essay should be between 3-5 pages (double-spaced, size 12 font) in length. Writers may choose to use either MLA or APA, but must pick one and cannot blend the two.

All essay prompts will use Paper Towns as a source, and additional research will be required depending on the prompt used. All essays must use at least three total sources: Paper Towns + a minimum of two additional sources.

Writers may choose the types and content of sources they feel best support and/or add background to their ideas. Writers should take care to find high-quality, verifiable sources. Scholarly sources are highly preferred (and in the case of prompt 3, they are required). The JSTOR database (jstor.org) is recommended.