In this course thus far, we have seen early American Literature vary drastically from week to week. In this
essay, I ask you to choose one “week” (or, literary movement) that we have studied thus far and, using two
of the assigned readings from that week, compare/contrast how they exemplify (or reject) the ideas of that
particular literary movement.
As a reminder, here are the literary “movements” we have studied thus far that you may pick from.
Whichever you pick, please make sure I know that upfront in your essays: Romanticism.
Likewise, you should also be making larger connections to what this particular literary movement means
to early America, as they attempt to define themselves through literature.
Guidelines
Write an essay of 2,000 words MINIMUM – 2,500 MAX (2,500 being a firm limit, not a goal) answering the above prompt.
Choose at least two of the assigned readings from this course. Both must be from the same unit and compare/contrast the chosen texts in response to the above prompt.
This essay is not long, and does not give a lot of room for much expansion; therefore, theses must be clear, specific, concise and direct.
In all cases, essays should answer with close reference to the chosen texts; you may briefly refer to additional selected readings from the unit to support a point or establish relevant context, but your close analysis needs to focus itself on the two texts chosen.
In addition, please draw from one relevant critical (i.e. secondary) work when setting forth your argument—however, this should only briefly support your argument. Again, your analysis should focus itself on the chosen texts. JSTOR.org is an excellent resource. Likewise – I provide secondary sources each week! Use them!
Please conform with MLA style (in-text citations & Works Cited page; not footnotes & bibliography). 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins. Number your pages with your last name (i.e. “Kale 1” “Kale 2” etc.), either top or bottom. Acceptable grammar and punctuation is required.
