Japanese culture essay needs some help

As mentioned in lecture, you have the option to do an extra credit paper.  For those of you interested in extra credit, you should write a short (three page) essay about either the novel Some Prefer the Nettles or the anime Grave of the Fireflies. 
The extra credit assignment is similar to the essays, in terms of format and citation. Please include your thoughts and analysis of the novel or the anime, as well as relating them to the materials we read in class. For example, you may connect the novel with other literatures we read, and/or the historical information, the social background, and/or what we know about the author. As for the anime, you may connect it with the history of Japan during and after the war, and/or compare it with other animes we watched, and/or relate with the readings on animes this week. 
Structure, logic and your opinions (not just like or dislike, but your thoughts on them) are expected. Beyond these requirements, you have more freedom than the two papers. 
Also, if you want to write something not about the novel or the anime, but on some other readings in the class, I could accept that on a case-by-case basis. It is not encouraged, but if you have a really good topic, or a topic deeply resonate with you, please let me know and I will share my suggestions accordingly.