American Literature

Option #1: “The Rich Brother” and “Sonny’s Blues” Write a comparative analysis of “the Rich Brother,” and “Sonny’s Blues.” Focus on what you see as the three or four most interesting and significant points of comparison and contrast between the two stories. There are many ways in which you could develop your paper; for example, you could write a character analysis in which you focus on the main characters (the two brothers) from each of the two stories. However you develop your paper, avoid simply stating that similarities and differences exist; comment upon the significance of these similarities and differences. Your goal is to enhance your readers’ understanding and appreciation of these stories. Assume that your readers have read both stories; therefore, there is no need to summarize the plot extensively. Again, as you write your paper, keep in mind that you want to help your readers understand the significance of the discussion points that you have chosen. The thesis of your paper should make an overall point about both stories.

1) After watching A Streetcar Named Desire, what do you think of the performances? Did anything surprise you about this movie? What do you think the movie was saying about gender and class? (https://archive.org/details/A.Streetcar.Named.Desire.1951.464×336.25fps.739kbs.V4mp3.MultiSub.WunSeeDee ) 2) How is the version of “Battle Royale” in the book different from the video we watched? What are some of the symbols in this scene, and what do? you think they represent? https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/selena.anderson/engl2307/readings/battle-royale-by-ralph-ellison (link to the article) and the link to the video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVTv3ilp4LA) 3) Ginsberg’s poetry is breakthrough in many ways, but is undoubtedly obscene. Even worse, Ginsberg was a member of NAMBLA, an organization that supports pedopihilia and wants to remove laws against underage sex. In other words, most people would regard him as a horrible human being. So, should we bother to study him? What about his poetry makes him worth remembering, despite his behavior and beliefs? Where should we draw the line on “cancel culture”? https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49303/howl ( link to the poem ) or YouTube link the poem https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkNp56UZax4 ( link to the poem) 4) After watching the Wallace video and reading his essay, comment on whether you think he can take his own advice. Where do you see him practicing the kind of good writing he is talking about in the video, and where do you see him falling victim to his own criticisms? Or does he? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52kiS1oV2k0 (link to Wallace ‘s video) FOR WALLACE’S ESSAY am sending the link to the textbook with the page number I think it will be better to read directly from the textbook https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kjF4ucnOjfqQizyWPw3Drqf75rhGkgb6 (link to the textbook) From consider the lobster by Wallace (PAGE 3468) PLEASE USE SCHOOL LEVEL ENGLISH PLS

The Last of the Mohicans is a work of fiction that nonetheless contains many elements from the non-fiction that we have been reading. What are your thoughts about the short excerpt you have read of this popular and influential American novel? http://www.gutenberg.org/files/940/940-h/940-h.htm

Essay Questions #Read “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. LawrenceDirections: Write 3pg. essay on the following topics. Be persuasive in outlining your criticism/interpretation. One must incorporate 1-2sources from scholarly journals. Must adhere to MLA guidelines.TOPIC: There are many cultural and domestic elements present within “The Rocking Horse Winner.” Why did Paul die? Can we blame his mother for his demise? Briefly explain what capitalism is and how class structure may have influenced Hester’s motives. You must be persuasive in your argument.

Topic : Write an essay in which you relate A Doll’s House to Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s story “The Yellow Wallpaper” (MLM 231-244). How can these works of literary fiction inform and reflect each other? Indeed, Perkins Gilman argues in her book Women and Economics that “woman should not be confined to the household and made economically dependent on men” (MLM 231). Her story “The Yellow Wallpaper” shows an outcome of such dependence. Do you think that Ibsen and Perkins Gilman wanted to achieve similar aims in their works? If so, why? If not, why not? 1. You must cite the text using correct MLA formatting. 2. You must fully analyze all of the quotes you choose to incorporate into your essay. At minimum, you should have at least 1 quote for each body paragraph. 3. You should reflect on the language of the play. In other words, do not overlook intriguing word choices, unusual pauses (i.e. what is not said), and striking repetitions. 4. You need both an introduction and a conclusion. 5. You need a combination of analysis and evaluation, making sure not to devolve into plot summary (which is neither analytical nor evaluative). 6. Your essay needs an original and persuasive thesis. The thesis statement is a maximum of three sentences. (About your thesis statement for Essay #3. Please note that your thesis statement must be approved by me. I will be reviewing them, and I will give you the green light if it looks good. If you need more refinement, I will let you know what I think.) 7. Creating a catchy and effective title for your essay.

The subject of immigration, and more specifically civil rights for undocumented immigrants has been a lightening rod for controversy, political discourse, and media attention recently. Use the information you learned in the Explore learning module this week about civil liberties, as well as the articles and websites below to develop an essay answering the question – “Should ‘undocumented immigrants’ be granted civil rights and/or US citizenship?” Why or why not? ” Use additional online resources, as needed, to develop your argument. What constitutional rights do undocumented immigrants have? Fairness for All – The Work of the Immigrants’ Rights Project “Undocumented Immigrant” Is a Made-Up Term That Ignores the Law ‘Are all undocumented immigrants criminals?’ Should the Government Allow Immigrants Who Are Here Illegally to Become US Citizens? The writing assignment should be a minimum of 500 words and include an introduction with an overview of your essay, ending with a thesis statement answering the question “Should ‘undocumented immigrants’ be granted civil rights and/or US citizenship? Why or why not?” in your own words. The essay should also include a body with support for your claim. You may use the City College library’s databases to locate outside resources to provide support. Be sure to end your essay with a solid conclusion that wraps up and summarizes all of the ideas presented throughout your essay. Your paper should be formatted in APA style with an APA-formatted title page. Any outside resources should be included on a separate reference page and also formatted in APA style.

Consider the following statements: The civil rights movement has not ended. The fight for equality continues in this country for many different groups. First, do you consider this statement to be true? If yes, state why and give an example of a group of people who are attempting to enforce their equal rights in today’s society. If no, state why and your rationale and justification for disagreeing with the statement.

Write a character analysis of Troy Maxson and address the question of what we “follow,” “watch,” and “learn” from him. No matter what we personally think of Troy Maxson (or any other such representative character in literature), he is a flawed human being (if he weren’t, he would be of no interested to us) with redeeming qualities. In addition (and to offer perspective), contrast Troy Maxson to Macon Dead from Morrison’s Song of Solomon. What does Macon Dead’s experience add to the discussion of making one’s way in America, particularly when the odds are against one’s ability to succeed? What do these two men symbolize that is wholly representative about the American experience? For the 4 sources, please use: -Fences by August Wilson -Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison -August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle Plays -August Wilson’s “I Want a Black Director”

Write an analysis essay about “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” by Chaucer that focuses on how it fits the mock-heroic genre. Here are the requirements for your essay: Write 500-600 words, not including the heading and works cited page. Your essay must consider the following questions: How is the story of Chanticleer a mock-heroic? What story elements or writing techniques does Chaucer use to expand and “elevate” this simple tale which help identify it as a mock heroic? In what ways does Chaucer use “The Nun’s Priest’s Tale” to ridicule the heroic style? You may examine the following elements, but you do not need to address them all: Humor Elevated language Stories-within-stories Character development Moral lessons Format and Requirements: Your essay must have an introduction with a thesis statement, a conclusion, and several body paragraphs. Each body paragraph must focus on one specific aspect of the text (a story element, a style element, a theme, etc), and explain that element in detail. It must focus on analyzing the story as a mock heroic. Use direct examples (quotes—with line numbers) from the tale and specific facts as evidence. Explain everything fully. Use of proper punctuation, spelling, grammar, and format your paper according to MLA standards: one inch margins, 12 point font, Times New Roman, and double-spaced with a heading. Be sure to document your citations according to MLA style. Uploaded file should be titled with your first name, last name, and the title of the assignment (not the essay)

Develop a 250-500 word journal entry defining what success means to you in college and beyond. To help you write this entry, consider some of the following: Find a quote (or make one up) that best summarizes your definition of success. Note the author of the quote, and use quotation marks as appropriate. Why does this quote best represent your personal definition of success? What people do you consider to be successful and why? What is your definition of success? What will you do to achieve success? What is the biggest change you need to make in order to be successful in college? How does your ability to write and communicate well fit into your strategy? How will you know you’ve achieved success?