1. Select one of the assigned poems by Dickinson, Frost, or Whitman
(preferably not one we studied in detail), and offer your own
interpretation of that poem. Be sure to consider all aspects of the poem:
imagery, rhyme, rhythm, metaphors, figurative language, etc.
2. America has long been characterized as a melting pot—a culture of
cultures. As such, American literature often functions to introduce
readers to lives, experiences, and voices to which they otherwise might
not have access. By comparing and contrasting two stories, one from the
19th century (Jewett, Freeman, Chesnutt, Twain, Gilman, Chopin, Crane)
and one from the 20th century (Anderson, Faulkner, Hurston, Ellison),
argue for the extent to which American literature strives to make
invisible lives visible. Does such literature give voice to those who our
culture might deem “other” or different? Does such literature help
people of different regions, classes, experiences learn how others in their
country live? Do not just answer these questions. Use them to help you
develop an argument. Be detailed in your examples, and remember that
when you compare/contrast works, it is not sufficient to note similarities
and differences. You must also assert the significance of comparing the
works and of noting the similarities and differences.
3. A central characteristic of Modernist literature is the depiction of
individuals who find it difficult to connect in any meaningful way. By
discussing “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” and a modernist short
story of your choice (Faulkner, Anderson, Ellison, Hurston), discuss the
modernist inability to connect. Be sure to argue clearly what your
chosen works seem to say about this struggle.
4. Select either Hurston’s “The Gilded Six Bits” or Ellison’s “From
Invisible Man” and compare and contrast it with either Crane’s “The
Open Boat” or Chopin’s “The Storm.” In doing so, argue for how the
later, modernist work from the Harlem Renaissance uses naturalist ideas
to depict 20th century experience. To what extent do the characters in
Hurston or Ellison face an indifferent world? In what ways, do the
wrestle with forces that they cannot overcome? Are the reasons the same
for both your chosen work from the 20th century and your chose work
from the 19th century? Do not just answer these questions. Use them to
help you develop an argument. Be detailed in your examples, and
remember that when you compare/contrast works, it is not sufficient to
note similarities and differences. You must also assert the significance of
comparing the works and of noting the similarities and differences.
5. Discuss the relationship between death and beauty in Stevens’
“Sunday Morning” and A Streetcar Named Desire. Be detailed in your
examples, and remember that when you compare/contrast works, it is
not sufficient to note similarities and differences. You must also assert
the significance of comparing the works and of noting the similarities
and differences.
