SELECT ONE TOPIC. WRITE IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS.
1. Discuss the motif of auto racing in the novel. How does Denny, and by default, Enzo, use auto racing as a metaphor
for life?
• “A motif is a recurrent image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme, while a theme is a central
idea or message” (“Motif”). Literarydevices.net
2. In what situations in The Art of Racing in the Rain is the quote below true and not true?
• “That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or
ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves” (43).
3. Describe and analyze the character of Eve in the novel.
• How does Enzo feel about Eve when they first meet? How does Eve feel about Enzo? How does this
relationship evolve in the course of the reading?
YOUR PAPER SHOULD
 Include a creative, original, two-part title (title and subtitle).
 Use an appropriate attention-getting device (introduction) as well as a concluding device (conclusion).
 Include a well-written thesis statement. Argumentative thesis formula is required (introduction).
 Use the novel as textual evidence (primary source). No outside research required.
 Include direct quotes from the novel. Quote Sandwich is required in each body paragraph.
 Follow the conventions of standard English. Correct use of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
 Use the 8 sentence body-paragraph formula for each body paragraph.
 Include a works cited (cite the novel).
POINT OF VIEW
 Use 3rd person point of view. Remove any form of first person and/or 2nd person point of view.
MLA DOCUMENT DESIGN
 Document Settings. Times New Roman. 12-point font. 1” margins. Double-space.
 Identification Block. Name. Professor’s name. Course and section #. Due date.
 Header. Include last name and page number.
LENGTH
 Essay Length. 3 full pages. Max 4 pages. Works Cited will be on the page 4 or 5 of essay (cite the novel).
DUE DATES
 Final draft. Submit FD to D2L assignment folder by _____________________ before_______.
Prof. Hutchens ENGL 1121 Guidelines
 NOTE: Any essay that is missing in-text citations within the text of the essay and / or missing a work