749 words arguing an original thesis comparing Dracula or another character as they appear in the novel to their characterization in one of either F.W Murnau’s nosferatu, Tod Brownings 1931 Dracula film, or the movie Blacula. A good thesis is surprising and/or counterintuitive (but must be supportable using honest quotation from the text). A poor thesis is unsurprising–avoid summary. Any thesis must be supportable/supported with honest quotation from the text. It is best to structure (at least) the first interpretation in traditional way (i.e. the first interpretation should have a clear introduction outlining the thrust of the argument, body paragraphs supporting the argument, and a clear conclusion summarizing the argument as a whole, especially the developments the body paragraphs have made to the argument as originally presented in the introduction). It is best to structure the individual paragraphs similarly (i.e. individual paragraphs should begin by introducing the subject central to the paragraph, introduce a quotation, quote, analyze a quotation, and conclude by summarizing the paragraph’s overall argument–see below). Introductions should avoid broad generalities and proceed to the argument in as few words as necessary. Succinctness is desirable and wordiness should be avoided. It is probably necessary that each body paragraph contain a quotation from a relevant source. Writing in-text citations and a Works Cited page, sources must be correctly cited in keeping with MLA guidelines (which can be found here: MLA Formatting and Style Guide, in-text citations, Works Cited).
Again, interpretations must include works cited pages. It is of the utmost importance that interpretations adequately distinguish between original and borrowed writing and ideas. Quotations are best surrounded by introductions and analyses. Quotations should be as concise as possible—papers should quote only as much as they will be interpreting.
Interpretations must be at least 750 words, not counting heading, title, works cited, or quotations.