In an essay of 500-750 words (2-3 pages) choose one of the following:
1. Choose two stories, plays, or a story and a play whose protagonists want similar things. Discuss what those characters want; explain how what they want is similar; and address the obstacles that threaten to prevent them from obtaining what they want–focus especially on obstacles related to societal and cultural attitudes as well as any flaw(s) the characters exhibit.
2. Choose two poems that are similar in terms of theme and explain how each poem is similar and different in its approach to theme. Focus especially on literary elements that contribute to the overall meaning of the poems.
3. Expand a writing assignment you have completed before the midterm exam into an argumentative essay. Do so by developing a claim you have made into a thesis statement, and then write at least 3 body paragraphs that support the thesis by providing evidence from the text you are addressing. Remember, a claim is an opinionated statement with which a reasonable person might disagree.
4. Perhaps you’re interested in a particular issue, theme, or topic. Perhaps you’re interested in the historical context surrounding one of the assigned readings. This is your chance to develop your own essay project. However, you must tell me your idea for the project and get my approval to receive credit. Just message me with your idea!
Essays must only address texts from the assigned reading for the course
Essays should be structured around a thesis statement (claim and reasons) and provide adequate and specific textual evidence as support
Do not use secondary source material
Essays should be written in MLA style and include a Works Cited page
Upload essays to Canvas as a Word doc., Google doc., or PDF
Quoting prose and poetry
Citing a work in an anthology
MLA Sample Paper
MLA Sample Works Cited page
