all system red analysis

Objectives: The students illustrate their knowledge of All Systems Red by Martha Wells by critically analyzing it in an essay. Students illustrate they can write a literary argument and demonstrate that they can successfully integrate quoted passages using MLA in-text parenthetical citation and works-cited citation rules when supporting claims.

Choose one of the following writing topics on All Systems Red by Martha Wells and write a literary argument, minimum 1000 words and 6 paragraphs.
Despite Murderbot continually telling the reader it doesn’t care, argue that Murderbot cares and has feelings about several things in the novella.

Argue whether or not Murderbot is an unreliable narrator. Does Murderbot intentionally try to “mislead or distort the reader’s judgement about other characters and actions”? (Literature and the Writing Process 981)
Discuss the structure of the novella, and argue that each of its eight chapters ends in a cliffhanger, a suspenseful ending leaving the reader wanting answers to questions in the next chapter.
Argue that All Systems Red is a social novel that raises questions regarding class in society. Address the way androids are treated in the novel by humans, as a sub-class.
Science fiction generally discusses what is and what is not considered human. Argue that Murderbot is more human than the humans of the Graycris/Evil Survey crew, the humans who run the corporation that has built Murderbot and has funded the survey teams, and the augmented human Gurathin.

II. Your goal is to argue an interpretation of the novella and to support your interpretation with specific references and quoted passages from the fiction. The essay must be typed, double-spaced, and proofread carefully. The heading must appear in the upper left-hand corner of the first page only, with the following items: your name, Professor Ng-Southard, ENG 102, and date. Each item must appear on a separate line. The essay must have your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page. Do not add extra-spaces between the heading and title and the title and introductory paragraph. Also, no extra spaces between body paragraphs.

III. The essay should have a unique title that is not a complete sentence. Wait to title your essay after you have finished the final draft. Do not underline, bold, increase the font of your title. Do not set it in quotation marks. Do not title your essay All Systems Red.

IV. The introductory paragraph must introduce the author, the title of the work, and date of publication. This paragraph should introduce your point, the thesis of the essay. A good placement for the thesis statement is the last sentence of the paragraph because it will provide a natural transition to your first body paragraph. The body paragraphs serve to develop your thesis, where you are required to use specific references and quoted passages to support your points. You should vary the types of quoted passages. You may integrate short passages within your sentences, but you also should have a couple of passages that are introduced as support for your thesis. Do not begin or end a paragraph with a quoted passage from the novella. The topic and concluding sentences should be your points, in your words. Remember to include strong transitions between your paragraphs. The conclusion ends your discussion by emphasizing your thesis. The essay also needs a works-cited citation for the novella after your finish the conclusion. Cite the novella a book. You need not go to outside sources for this essay; however, if you do, you must cite them within your essay if you use their ideas to support your thesis. You then would include them on your works-cited page as well.

V. Use MLA style in-text citation when quoting passages from the text. In-text citation is also called parenthetical documentation because you must include citation information within parentheses. Also, use MLA style citations for your works-cited page. If you do not demonstrate this type of knowledge in your essay, the highest grade you could earn is a D+. Refer to pages 26, 122, and 123 for guidance on MLA style. There is also a Purdue OWL link for formatting quoted passages using MLA style in Module 2.

VI. You may not use first person in this essay. The personal pronoun “I” should not appear in this particular essay, ever.

VII. Remember to discuss literature in the present tense, as literature is “ever present.” Use phrases like the following “The theme is…,” “The character acts ….,” “The plot takes this direction…,” and so on. Avoid using phrases such as “This paper will cover,” and any similar phrases as they are redundant. The reader knows that every statement in your paper will cover your thesis, so there is no need to tell the reader what the essay/writing will do.

VIII. Avoid summary. This essay asks you to critically think about the novella, not summarize it. Assume that your reader has read the All Systems Red. Your essay should interpret and evaluate it.

IX. Do not hesitate to ask me any questions or to ask for suggestions during any stage of your writing process. Ask questions about the stories in the Class Questions Forum. You also are welcome to visit the Writing Center online for help during the writing process.

X. Do not plagiarize your essay. You will fail the class if caught. When using outside sources, make sure you cite them in-text as well as include the source in a works-cited citation. Refer to the plagiarism statement in the syllabus.