Writing Assignments

Joan Mitchell Untitled Cubist Landscape 150

Directions: Please submit your writing assignments to me via e-mail. Save your file as a Word, Works or RTF file, and attach the file to your message. When sending assignments, your e-mail message should include your name, the class number (English 214), and the name of the assignment which is attached. Use correct MLA format to set up your pages and document your sources; for more information see The Writing Tutorial Services at Indiana University. Make sure that you eliminate spelling, grammar, and other mechanical errors from your writing. Send your e-mail to me at annw708@earthlink.net

About Wikipedia

Avoid citing Wikipedia in academic essays. Since it is not edited by reputable experts, it often has errors and isn't reliable. It's okay to use it as a starting point for your own research, but go on and find other sources to verify the information, and cite those in your essay.

Writing Assignment 1

Directions: Choose one of the following topics and write a complete, considered answer. Be sure to support your statements with evidence from the text, and be sure to document correctly using MLA format. Required length: 2-5 pages (500-1250 words).

This assignment is due Friday, March 10.

"The Darling"
"Lawns"
"River of Names"
"Tall Tales From the Mekong Delta"
"Men Under Water"
"Cathedral"
"Daddy Garbage"
"Talk of Heroes"
"Moonwalk"
Angels in America
72 Hour Hold

1. One of the general trends of contemporary literature is that it reflects political, social and personal disillusionment. Do you see this attitude in any of the works on the list above?

2. Another trend of contemporary literature is to believe that nothing can be truly "known" ; that is, everything one knows is dependent on one's perspective and one's interpretation of the facts. And further, even "facts" are debatable. Do you see this attitude in any of the works on the list above?

3. One of the themes in the novels and short stories we've read is courage. Choose two characters, each from a different work on the list above, and compare their brands of courage.

4. In what ways does Tony Kushner's Angels in America follow or contradict the general trends of contemporary literature?

5. Choose your own topic; clear it with me first.

For help writing this assignment, go to Writing About Literature ; for more specific help, feel free to e-mail me with questions.

Writing Assignment 2

This assignment is due Friday, April 28.

In the Lake of the Woods
Cold Mountain
In the Time of the Butterflies
"The Tears of Squonk," 31
"How Carlos Webster Changed His Name," 101
"Otherwise Pandemonium," 155
"Chuck's Bucket," 221
"Weaving the Dark," 202
"Up the Mountain," 237
"Goodbye to All That," 354
"The Martian Agent," 447

1. Choose one work from the list above and discuss the ways in which it deals with the theme of heroism.

2. Choose one work from the list above and discuss the ways in which it deals with family relationships.

3. Choose one work from the list above and discuss the ways in which it deals with romantic relationships.

4. Choose one of the works above and discuss its use of symbolism.

5. Choose one of the works above and discuss how it deals with theme of mythology.

6. Choose one of the works above and discuss how it deals with the themes of hope and despair.

7. Choose your own topic; clear it with me first.

For help writing this assignment, go to Writing About Literature ; for more specific help, feel free to e-mail me with questions.

Writing Assignment 3

Choose one of the following topics and write a complete, considered answer. Be sure to support your statements with evidence from the text, and be sure to document correctly using MLA format. Required length: 2-5 pages (500-1250 words).

This assignment is due Friday, May 19.

Everything is Illuminated
Flight

1. Discuss the ways in which Sherman Alexie expresses his political views in Flight.

2. Choose one work from the list above and discuss its depiction of family relationships.

3. Give your interpretation of the symbolism in one of the above works.

4. Discuss the ways in which either Jonathan Safran Foer or Sherman Alexie uses humor in his work.

5. One of the general trends of contemporary literature is that it reflects political, social and personal disillusionment. Discuss one of the works on the above list: do you see this attitude in it?

6. Choose your own topic; clear it with me first.

Final Exam

Of the works we have read this semester, which one have you liked the best? Explain. Which one did you like the least? Explain. Which did you think was the best written? Explain. This is a personal essay, so feel free to use "I." Suggested length: 1-3 pages.

Maximum possible points: 50.

This assignment is due by midnight on Tuesday, May 30.
NO LATE FINALS WILL BE ACCEPTED!!!