Author: Anonymous

One of the works that we have had this term that illustrate hubris the most is Jack London’s “To Build a Fire.”  What other work that we have had this term illustrates hubris (overwhelming human confidence – usually to a negative effect) the most?  Explain.  

1.  Although many of the texts that we have had this semester have focused on men, women (both as characters and authors) have had a prominent role in several of the works.  Compare and contrast two of the female characters we have had this semester.   Although it is not required, do try to examine women from two different works.   In your essay, you must analyze the female characters in the works.  Some things you might consider are: –   Are women heroines or villains in the work?  –   How do they affect the plot?     What is their relation to the hero of the work? This is NOT a checklist, but some ideas for you to start your brainstorming.  You must come up with your own thesis and prove it throughout the course of your essay. 2. Which one of the works that we have read this semester most embodies American values?  Why?  In your analysis, consider: What are American values? Are the values implicit or explicit? What are thin intents of the text? This is NOT a checklist, but some ideas for you to start your brainstorming.  You must come up with your own thesis and prove it throughout the course of your essay. 3. A famous writer once said, “Modern stories are about what the protagonist wants and what he/she is willing to do to get it.”  In your essay, analyze what one of the characters/people in one of the works we have read this semester wants and how their desire to get it affects the narrative.  In your analysis, consider: How the character’s desire affects the events in the story Is the character successful?  How does that change the way you view the story? How does this desire show you something about the human condition? This is NOT a checklist, but some ideas for you to start your brainstorming.  You must come up with your own thesis and prove it throughout the course of your essay.

From the narrator of “Cathedral” to Willy Loman, we have seen characters that feel out of place.  Why do so many authors this term have characters like this?  Justify your opinion.  

The First World War and the Second World War had a major influence on art and culture.  What author or work do you think was influenced by one of the World Wars the most?  Justify your answer.  

Twyla and Roberta wonder about Maggie’s _______________.  

Whitman’s “Song of Myself” was only published once. 

Passage Explication 4: don’t sing benna in Sunday school; you mustn’t speak to wharf-rat boys, not even to give directions; don’t eat fruits on the street—flies will follow you; but I don’t sing benna on Sundays at all and never in Sunday school; this is how to sew on a button; this is how to make a buttonhole for the button you have just sewed on; this is how to hem a dress when you see the hem coming down and so to prevent yourself from looking like the slut I know you are so bent on becoming;

In “Cathedral,” the blind man often calls the narrator ___________.  

In “Cathedral,” the blind man and the narrator’s wife communicated through _____________.  

What work that we have had this term is most exemplifies American culture?  Explain.