Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” in one group’s literature that you can trace through 2 or more writers OR choose two stories
Choose one of the essay types below and write a thesis driven, 1000-1200+ word essay.
Theme essay
Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” in one group’s literature that you can trace through 2 or more writers OR choose two stories/writers from different groups. Pick a theme which is interesting to you, a “connection” you noticed among some writers as you worked your way through the assigned readings, an insight you had which draws some writers together in a unique way. You need to focus on a common theme that was repeated within one group, between groups, or within and between groups.
- Country Roads (immigration)
- Family Matters (family dynamics)
- Americana (life in America)
- To Assimilate or Not to Assimilate (is that a question?)
- You can choose another topic to focus on, just talk to me about it first.
When you write your essay, be careful not to simply summarize what each writer “says” about your chosen theme. Explore how the writers you choose are similar and/or different in their ideas about the theme. Does one writer seem to simply repeat another writer’s ideas? Does a particular writer seem to add a very original or unique idea to the “conversation”? Does a writer seem to directly disagree with another writer? Does the theme change or evolve through different periods (early or late 20th century, pre-, post-war, 21st century)? Are there common images or arguments among the writers?
In terms of a “thesis” or central idea for your essay, you will need to draw some original “conclusions” or “interpretations” about your chosen theme and writers. You will want to present an idea, focus, or direction that other readers may not have thought about. You can begin with or include an idea mentioned in class, but of course you will want to develop that idea several steps further in your essay. Furthermore, research is not required for this essay; in fact, I’d rather you not do any research at all but instead really focus on and analyze and think about the “primary texts” we’ve read. You can look at articles written about the stories or authors to strengthen your ideas.
In one paragraph in your essay, focus on one aspect of some literary device the author uses in the work. Explain how that author’s use of the literary device helps us understand the work better. Does the author use dialogue to emphasize language barriers? Is the point of view important to the story (1st, 2nd, 3rd person)? How is the story arranged? Etc.
Write an essay in which you explore a “theme” in one group’s literature that you can trace through 2 or more writers OR choose two stories
APA
1244 Words