Take a look through the newspaper, listen to the radio, or watch the news on TV and find an analogy that is being used to describe a famous person or current event. (For example, the Monica Lewinsky scandal was often compared to Watergate.) Try to find an analogy that interests you; it does not necessarily have to be one you agree with. If you're especially creative (and courageous), you might want to invent your own analogy.

For this essay, I'd like you to explore this analogy in detail. Open it up, scrutinize its parts, and really examine how it works. The structure of your essay is up to you, but you must do two things: First, you must describe the analogy itself, in detail. This means you'll have to do research on both of the elements. Second, discuss the implications and validity of the analogy you have chosen. Consider tone, purpose, bias, audience and other elements that might determine the analogy's effectiveness. Is the analogy logical? If it fails, how so? Why might this analogy have been used? Can you think of another analogy that might have worked better? (These questions are guidelines, not questions you necessarily have to address.)

This is a research essay, and you must use at least 4 sources. Only 1 of those sources can be from a web page. (Online scholarly journals, newspapers, and books are fine to use, though.) Your sources don't necessarily have to make use of the analogy, but they must provide relevant information about your topic.

Due Thursday, March 28: Two things: 1. Two short paragraphs (100-150 words), each describing one element of your analogy. 2. A working Works Cited with at least 4 sources, two for each element of the analogy, correct MLA format. (See Bedford!)

Due Thursday, April 4: Two copies of your essay. 800-1000 words. Correct citation usage and format DO count towards your grade, so be sure to consult your Bedford if you have questions.