Essay #1                                                                     Due Date: September 17, 2002

September 13, 2002                                 Length: at least two (2) pages, typed

 

Your Task:

 

Write a critical essay in which you discuss at least two of the works we have read (Smith, Bradford, etc.) from the particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the Critical Lens. In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the statement, agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it, and support your opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the two works

 

Critical Lens:

“Men make history.

History does not make the man.”

 - Harry S. Truman

 

Guidelines:

 

Be sure to

 

• Provide a valid interpretation of the critical lens that clearly establishes the criteria for analysis

 

• Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it

 

• Choose at least two of the works we have read that you believe best support your opinion

 

• Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze the works you have chosen

 

• Avoid plot summary. Instead, use specific references to appropriate literary elements (for example: theme, characterization, setting, point of view) to develop your analysis

 

• Organize your ideas in a unified and coherent manner

 

• Specify the titles and authors of the literature you choose

 

• Follow the conventions of standard written English