Paper # 4: Research Paper
Your fourth and final paper is your research paper. This six to eight page paper is due on May 1. Like your previous papers, you will analyze a primary text, which will be supported by secondary texts. However, the purpose of this research paper is to develop your research skills and broaden your knowledge of the graphic novel V for Vendetta. You will refer to outside sources and learn to incorporate your own voice/analysis alongside those you find in your research. Keep in mind: you are still writing an argumentative paper. This means that your analysis should still be textbased and focused on the novel. You must use three outside sources:
1. Two articles from published journals, available in from the library databases
2. A book Your first step is to decide what topic interests you most. It might be beneficial to choose from a discipline that you are pursuing academically (i.e., your major). You may come up with your own topic or you may choose from the ones I have provided below. Here are some topic suggestions:
1. Explore the political aspects of the novel and relate these aspects to historical or current events.
2. Analyze one of the themes (or other literary elements such as symbols) of the text and its the significance in the development of a particular character or the development of the plot.
3. Consider the behavior of Codename V and determine if he is a hero or villain. Research the attributes of both archetypes and construct an argument for either.
4. The graphic novel contains a lot of artistic/cultural/historical references. These references are made for specific reasons and relate to the plot indirectly. Choose one reference and, after conducting research, construct an argument on how this reference relates to the plot.
5. Explore the concept of protests and “resistance.” Analyze these concepts in V for Vendetta and research how they have been used as an example for modern “resistance” movements.
6. This semester we have worked with a variety of topics: identity and conflict, hero’s journey, power corruption, etc. Choose one of these topics and analyze how its development affects the characters and/or plot.