Class:  English 2130

Assignment: Response Essay #3

Due Date:  See syllabus

Length:  3-4 pages

Assignment: The texts for consideration for this assignment are Mark Twain's The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, Kate Chopin's The Story of an Hour, and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. As you are deciding on a topic for this assignment, a sign for analysis that begs interpretation, think about the historical and literary contexts out of which these texts arise.  For instance, consider how the definition and explanation of American identity and the American dream continue to be defined and altered as we move from one literary time period to the next and continue to discuss the authors and texts that evolve out of these specific periods.  Consider the characteristics of each time frame (as discussed in class and on your online notes) as well as thematic elements that are borne out of the discussions we have had of these texts and their authors.  Remember to consider each text not as a unique entity in and of itself but as part of a larger context—one that has helped to define what we call American literature.

Assessment: You can approach this assignment in a number of ways.  It is, however, very important that your essay establishes and writes in support of a specific thesis.  In other words, your essay must do more than simply summarize or paraphrase the work.  Your thesis should be more than simply stating whether or not you like or dislike, agree or disagree with what the author says.  Use specific references to and/or examples from the work to support you thesis.  Your analysis should focus on one literary work; however, you can also make brief comparisons to another work (or works) we have read so far in class to clarify or strengthen your specific points.  I will assess your essay based on the following:  1) the qualitative strength of your thesis; 2) your ability to convincingly support your thesis with specific textual and cultural references; 3) the organization of your paper; 4) college-level expectations for grammar, editing, and style. **also see grading rubric posted on your syllabus

Format and Submission:  Your response essay must conform to MLA documentation and style. This includes the format of the first page as well as the format of all quotations and citation of all primary sources.  You are not required, in this essay, to incorporate a secondary source.  However, if you choose to do so, be sure to cite it properly in-text and also include it on your Works Cited page.  If you need a reference for formatting, see A Writer’s Resource.  The essay should be submitted in hard copy form by 4 pm on the due date. Any essays submitted after that time will be subject to the late work policy posted on your syllabus.  No electronic copies will be accepted unless the student is absent on the date the essay is due.  No exceptions.**Note:  **Essays that do not meet these requirements will automatically receive a failing grade on this assignment.**