Anthology of American Literature
Section 2 (required): please respond to the following question in at least 600 words.
Select a theme or topic of your choice (feel free to choose from the list on Blackboard). Analyze, compare, and contrast how your selected theme/topic is employed in TWO of the texts we have read so far. You do not need a focused thesis statement—just show me how you are thinking through your theme/topic as it plays out in your selected works. Make sure to use textual evidence to support your analysis (who knows—a careful reading of a line or passage could result in a surprising discovery!), but be careful not to summarize the texts.
Required Texts:
The Norton Anthology of American Literature, volumes A (8th edition) ONLY!
· William Bradford, selections from Of Plymouth Plantation (NAL A, pp. 122-126, 134-138, 139-143, 148-150, 152-155)
· Mary Rowlandson, A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson (NAL A, pp. 257-274)
Suggestions:
· Review the texts/your notes, brainstorm, and outline before writing out your responses
· Think about how the themes of this course intersect
· Although you should provide evidence for your claims, avoid lengthy quotes from any
course material
· Think quality over quantity: longer responses do not guarantee a better grade
· Proofread your work
· Try not to begin the midterm on the day it is due!
| SECTION 2 | ||
| POINTS POSSIBLE | EXPECTATIONS | POINTS RECEIVED |
| 6 POINTS | ANALYSIS: Response demonstrates critical and thoughtful engagement with the course material. | |
| 4 POINTS | EVIDENCE: Response adequately demonstrates knowledge of the material discussed in class. | |
| 2 POINTS | WRITING: Response meets the minimum word requirement and is free of errors. |
TOTAL POINTS: /12
Themes and Key Terms
American, American identity
American exceptionalism
Christianity, salvation, Providence
Colonization
Cult of white womanhood
Culture
Disease
Education, reading and writing
Exploitation, oppression
Family
Gender
Genre
Hypocrisy
Identity
Manifest Destiny
The myth of America
Natal alienation
Nature, savagery, civilization
Pain, suffering, fear
Perception of Native Americans
Quest for freedom
Rhetoric
Slavery
Sympathy
Violence
