1. NORS 293
Identity Essay
Tutorial

2. You are to analyze the concept of identity as it
applies to inhabitants of the north with respect to
their residence in the north and sense of place.
That is, you will consider the books and articles we
have read, as well as our discussions online, and you
will analyze how living in the north shapes the
individual (and collective, if you choose) identities of
those who live here/there.

3. You should consider what characteristics are
attributed to the north, such as:
Its being a frontier (what does that imply?)
Its climate and living conditions being harsh
Long periods of darkness
Distance from population centers / isolation
The supposed greater freedoms
The supposed greater emphasis on individualism
Exceptionalism (the theory that northerners
are a cut above people who live in other places)

4. Then consider whether you think that people of the
north actually identify with these characteristics
and values that often are ascribed to the north.
That is, how does living in the north influence the way we
think about ourselves?
Do the harsh conditions in the north make people feel that
they are exceptional, that they are hardier, more
resourceful, more independent than people who live
elsewhere?

5. Essay Format
Write an introductory paragraph making a thesis
statement about how living in the north affects people’s
identities (how they view themselves).
Lay out the main points you will be addressing.
I suggest that you focus on no more than 3 or 4 aspects of
identify that are shaped by northern conditions.
State clearly what these are.
Make a final statement (in your introductory paragraph)
that declares whether and how people’s identities are
shaped by where they live.

6. Then . . .
Develop your themes
Identifying specific conditions
Identifying their impact on identity
Referring to books and/or articles we have read.
For each characteristic of northern identity you address,
you should refer to three or four readings.
 For instance you might note that heroes Juha (in Juha) and Isak (in
Growth of the Soil) clearly illustrate the resourcefulness and
hardiness that is necessary for thriving in the north.
 Notonly are these qualities identified with northern living, they are
especially admired in the north.

7. Then . . .
After you have developed your themes (aspects of
northern identity)
Write a paragraph that summarizes the points that you
have made.
Conclude with a final statement that reiterates the
emphasis of your paper (your central point).
Your paper must be (at least) 10 full pages long.

8. Writing Tips
Watch verb tenses!
Think carefully about whether past or present is
appropriate.
When writing about present conditions and identity, use
present tense.
When writing about the past, about what authors wrote
and about what characters in the books did, use past
tense.

9. Subject – Verb Agreement
Have agreement between subject and verb.
Everyone . . . his or her
No one . . . his or her
People . . . their
A person . . . his or her

10. Use of apostrophes
1800s, 1900s, 1890s (no contractions)
the ’70s, the ’90s (contraction replaces missing
numbers)
The Ehrlanders are coming
The Ehrlanders’ house
Dr. Ehrlander’s house

11. That, who, which
People who a person who
Buildings that a building that
Dogs that
Doug gave me a present, which was really nice.
Doug gave me a present that was really nice.
Do you see the difference in meaning?

12. Words to avoid:
All vulgar or off color language
Get and got (say achieved, found, acquired,
became . . . )
Contractions
“things” (say subjects, ideas, conditions, concepts,
obstacles – be specific!)
“it” and “this” (identify what you’re talking about)

13. When referring to a historical person or author
Use first and last name or last name
Sidney Huntington or Huntington
 You should not call Mr. Huntington “Sidney.”
Jill Fredston or Fredston
Fen Montaigne or Montaigne
In referring to characters in the novels, refer to
them as the authors do.

14. Quotations
Any quotation that fits on less than 8 lines should
simply have quotation marks around it (followed by
the citation).
Any quotation that is 8 lines or more should be
indented on the left and does not take quotation
marks.
Be sure to cite properly!
Follow a quotation with your own statement
(analysis).

15. Citations
Cite quotations.
(Fredston, 22).
Cite examples from the text that you paraphrase.
For instance if you want to mention when Huntington
saved himself after falling through the ice on his snow
machine, follow the discussion with (Reardon/Huntington
243-244) or whatever the pages are where that passage
is located.
Whenever you discuss specific incidents in a reading, you
must cite the passage, even when you paraphrase, rather
than quoting.

16. Plagiarism
Copying someone else’s work will result in a zero on the
paper. This includes:
Copying text from the book without quotation marks;
Copying from an online document;
Turning in a paper written wholly or partially by someone
else.
There is no need to do outside research for this paper.
I want you to reflect on our readings and discussions.