REQUIREMENTS: Using AT LEAST 250 words (but no more than 500 words) for each response, provide TYPED, M.L.A. formatted responses to TWO of the four questions below, following the specific instructions that follow.
For typed responses of this length, MORE THAN ONE PARAGRAPH is needed for BOTH questions. Single-paragraph responses will lose points for poor organization/execution.
ALL Students are REQUIRED to answer EITHER question #1 or question #2.
ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE SOURCES may be used to answer any of the questions below — just the texts assigned in class!
Due to the word count restrictions, students should avoid overgeneralized introductions and/or conclusions. Focus on the SPECIFIC COMPARISON as much as possible.
Students are expected to provide at least two direct quotations from each of the texts they discuss (using proper M.L.A. formatting). These quotations will, if done correctly, focus and reinforce your specific arguments with textual evidence. Responses that lack relevant quoted material showcase weak critical thinking and lose points.
Responses that do not follow basic M.L.A. formatting requirements (discussed repeatedly in class) or that incorrectly format quotations must receive point deductions.
A correctly-formatted Works Cited page must be included with each answer.
Scores will be based on students providing well-written, accurate, specific information focusing on the themes, arguments, and/or other significant concepts from the works selected.
Vague, general, or disorganized responses, along with those that are repetitious and inaccurate, will be marked down. Responses that are heavy on plot summary or article summary and weak on direct comparisons / analysis between the texts will also be marked down.
Responses that are well-written, showcase expected student knowledge of the texts, and demonstrate individual critical thinking insights (through awareness of details in the text indicated by the student) will (obviously) receive higher scores.
Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc., are ALWAYS part of the grade!
Texts discussed in one of your answers may not be used again in the second question you select. (No “recycling” the same text in both answers.)
Students who want to answer MORE than two questions: I will only read and score the FIRST two responses you provide. Anything after that will be ignored!
1. (ALL students are required to answer this question OR question #2!) For this response, compare EITHER Kate (from Taming of the Shrew) OR Margot Macomber (from “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”) to Serena Joy (from The Handmaid’s Tale). Focus on clear SIMILARITIES between these characters’ attitudes and the reasons WHY those attitudes exist. Do NOT compare MORE THAN ONE character to Serena Joy, and do NOT discuss what makes the characters different or present a vague / general comparison that lacks direct quoted material from whatever texts are part of your response.
3. (Students may not answer this question if they have already answered or plan to answer question #2.) Focusing on specific examples and direct quotations, prove that Petruchio qualifies as a “Hemingway code hero” (as defined/ discussed in the Hemingway Study Guide). Students may select a different significant character from Taming of the Shrew that they feel is a better example of a “code hero,” if they wish, but ONLY ONE character from the play may be analyzed.
