PAPER 1:  IRONY

Where should you start in writing a paper about literature? Meyer presents lots of information (developing a thesis, arguing about literature--including sample questions, organizing, using quotations, and sample student papers--all at the end of the textbook (1563 +). This paper must be uploaded:  How to Upload a Paper.

In this first paper, you will analyze your *choice of stories for their use of irony. Certainly using one or more of the **critical strategies will sharpen your analysis. You may use material from any of your assignments. This paper should be a minimum of 1250 words (approximately 5 pages--use word count). The paper should follow MLA format, including a works cited page.

Your emotional response to a work of fiction is important in your appreciation of it; however; you should not use your emotional response as the sole basis for your analysis of any work of literature. Keep in mind these are not research papers or reports. Use research sparingly. Do not plagiarize! Stories and poems that have been around for awhile have something written about them available on the web. Whole papers are for sale. Don't go there!

*The number of short stories that you choose is up to you. What do you need to create an interesting analysis in 5 pages?
**See "Critical Strategies for Reading" in Chapter 46 (1533 +).

Requirements

  • 1250 words minimum (approximately 5 pages)

  • MLA paper format

  • In-text citations per MLA (See Directory to MLA in-text citation models in Rules for Writers or whatever rhetorical handbook you have.)

  • Works Cited per MLA.  Remember that these stories are all in our textbook, which is an *anthology.  See MLA LIST OF WORKS CITED #10 or MLA section of Rules for Writers.

*anthology

Points 100

PAPER 2:  THE POETRY OF LANGSTON HUGHES

The poetry of Langston Hughes represents a significant chapter in twentieth century American literature. The poetry included here both chronicles and evokes African American life during the middle decades of the last century. Moreover, it celebrates the culture and heritage of what is called the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, which has continued to be a vital tradition and presence in American life. (Meyer 907)

Write a paper discussing how Langston Hughes' poetry provides a critique of relations between blacks and whites in the U.S.

See Chapter 31 for a discussion of Hughes' literary legacy and many of his poems.

You may use material from any of your assignments. This paper should be a minimum of 1250 words (approximately 5 pages--use word count). The paper should follow MLA format, including a works cited page.

Your emotional response to a work of fiction is important in your appreciation of it; however, you should not use your emotional response as the sole basis for your analysis of any work of literature. Keep in mind these are not research papers or reports. Use research sparingly. Do not plagiarize! Stories and poems that have been around for awhile have something written about them available on the web. Whole papers are for sale. Don't go there!
 

Do not simply paraphrase or summarize the poems you choose.  This assignment requires a discussion of themes.  You certainly may include an analysis of poetic language if this reasonably works in your essay.  Whatever you do, be specific.  Use examples.

Requirements

Points:     100

FINAL FORMAL PAPER 3:  THE OUTSIDERS

Compare and contrast the novel The Stranger by Albert Camus and the drama Othello by William Shakespeare.

Requirements

  • Minimum 2,500 words (10 pages) + works cited page

  • MLA paper format

  • In-text citations per MLA.

  • Works Cited per MLA. 

  • Upload this assignment.  If you're confused, see How to Upload Assignments file.

Some questions to kick off your own brainstorming:

  • Are the crimes similar?  Also, is the passion or intent the same for Othello and Mersault?  Are these both crimes of revenge?

  • How do the central characters change during the course of the play/novel?

  • Could the concept of the  "tragic hero" be applied to Othello and Mersault?
    Hint: Investigate Aristotle's concept of the tragic hero and the modern sense of the character.

  • Is it better to be in touch with emotions albeit they get the better of Othello OR is it better to be so detached that the character feels no pain? How do their emotions effect the outcome of their stories?

  • Could the play or the novel be considered a tragedy? 

  • Could either of the main characters be considered a tragic figure?

  • Othello is painted as a character of great stature and command. A total outsider, yet he wins the command of the richest state in the word, but doesn't he remain an outsider? Likewise, Mersault is an outsider.  One translation for the title (originally written in French: L'Étranger) is often translated as The Outsider.  In what sense can both be described as tales of outsiders?

  • What is the reason for the killing from each character's own perspective versus those around him?

  • What role does race play in each of these?  Do the problems stem from racism in the society? 
    Hint: Mersault is a white French man whose forefathers made their home in Algeria--a country of people of color.  Historically, the French turned Algeria into a part of France, with French settlers occupying (some might say "stealing") significant parts of Algeria.  When Algeria won its independence from France in 1962, the Muslim Algerians did not have the right to vote.

  • Does the play present the relationship of Othello and Desdemona as failing because both had character flaws – him credulity and her naiveté – an incompatibility of age and youth, military and civil society?

  • To what extent to do chance and coincidence bring about the events?

  • Can you find similarities between Marie and Desdemona?  How responsible are they to themselves and to others? Can they be discussed in the same breath, or are they from such different worlds that nothing useful can be said to compare them? 

  • Are these pieces organized in accordance with Fretag's Pyramid?

  • Do The Stranger and Othello share themes? 

*This definition is from Wikipedia.  I caution you though.  Wikipedia is not an appropriate source for academic papers.  It is, however, a great place to quickly find information that is often accurate.

Points: 200