Reference for writing essays in 1102

student essays

DUE WEDNESDAY - May 7th - 1 p.m.

There is a first time for everything, so "they" say.  Here are your topics for your final essay. It is to be completed out-of-class, typed, in MLA format,  and the hard copy handed in on Wednesday.  I will NOT accept email or late papers under any circumstance.  If your paper is NOT completed and submitted Wednesday, plan to stay from 1- 3 p.m.and write your essay in class.

English 1102 final essay topics. Choose one of the following topics for your final essay. Please note that you MUST use specific words, phrases, and lines from the poems to support the essay development. Employ your skills of writing--interesting introduction, organization, clear transitions to keep your essay coherent and provide adequate development that leads to a thoughtful conclusion.

Time and Man -- poets are more keenly aware than most people of the brevity of man's life and its relationship to time. Select two poems of those we've read that deal with time and man. Discuss each poem with emphasis on the speaker's perspective (or the poet's) regarding time and its relationship to man. Use specific words, phrases, lines from each poem to support your analysis.

The Insignificance of Man - The Wizard of Oz was only a m;an who presented himself as "great and powerful." In at least two or more of the poems we've read, the speaker or poet seems to be reminding readers that we are no more or less than human, a small thing in comparison to the galaxy, nature or eternity. Select two of the poems we've read that illustrates this concept and using specific words, phrases, and lines from each poem, explain how man's place in the universe is conveyed.

Situational Irony in Poetry - Explain the concept of situational irony. Then identify two poems of those we've read in which situational irony is evident and explain the point that is made by the speaker's/poet's use of irony in the poem. In what way is irony used to help convey the theme. How would the poem fail without the use of irony? Be sure to use specific words, phrases, and lines from each poem to explain how situational irony is developed.

The Development of Theme by Tone - Select EITHER two poems that are opposite in tone and theme OR two poems that are similar in tone and theme. Specify the tone using specific words, phrases, and lines from each poem and explain how these carefully selected words help to convey the poet's theme.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY

Your final exam counts 20% of your final grade. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could add 5 points to the final essay grade?!  All it takes is your time and attention. Attend a performance of Middle Georgia State's production of The Glass Menagerie this week and bring in proof of your attendance (this is given out after every show).  The performance is FREE for all MGSC students. Here are the specs:

Poetry for Discussion

Acquainted with the Night

By Robert Frost 1874–1963 Robert Frost

I have been one acquainted with the night.

I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.

I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.

I have passed by the watchman on his beat

And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet

When far away an interrupted cry

Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;

And further still at an unearthly height,

One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right. 

I have been one acquainted with the night.

The Journey by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice--

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

"Mend my life!"

each voice cried.

But you didn't stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only thing you could do--

determined to save

the only life you could save

The Significance of Titles in Poetry

IN poetry, as well as prose and drama, titles are of great significance; in some cases the title itself becomes the first line of the poem. In other instances, if there is no title to a poem (also common for poets), the editor/publisher uses the first line of the poem as the title.

In the Robert Frost poem, “Out, out—“ the title is taken from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In his speech, Macbeth considers first the untimely death of his wife, then the brevity of human life and whether life itself has meaning. By using the title “Out, out—“ Robert Frost expects his reader/audience to:

• make the connection to the speech in Macbeth
• see a similarity in the situation he presents in the poem
• contemplate the same eternal aspects of death

It is important then to familiarize oneself with titles and question whether there are underlying meanings or allusions* to fully understand the poem. (*allusion – a reference to the past, whether historical, literary or religious)

From Shakespeare:

Out, out, brief candle!
Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player,
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.

"What are the topics going to be like on the final essay?"

Sample:

A dramatic monologue is a poem whose speaker is NOT the poet, but a persona created by the poet. In a dramatic monologue, the speaker addresses a silent audience and in his/her speech reveals the dramatic situation and his/her own character. Explain "Hazel tells Laverne" and "My Last Duchess" as dramatic monologues. What words, phrases, lines from each poem indicate the situation and reveal the speaker's character.

Poems for Discussion the week of 4/21

The  Dramatic Monologue - an emphasis on the SPEAKER of the poem
*A dramatic monologue is a poem in which the speaker addresses an unseen or silent audience, imagined to be present; in so doing, the speaker reveals the situation and some aspect of his/her own character/personality.

• 608 - "Hazel Tells Laverne"
•  please read the student essay on this poem, pages 609-610
• 702 - "My Last Duchess"

Irony in poetry:

• 685 - "Richard Cory"
• look for symbolism in this poem
• 691 - "Surprise"
• 554 - "Oh, oh"

Carpe diem [seize the day] in theme and importance of diction that creates tone:

• 612 - "To the Virgins to Make Much of Time"
• 888 - "Nothing Gold Can Stay"
•        - "Ozymandiaz"

Similarity and difference in tone and theme:

• 689 - "A Man Said to the Universe"
• 885 - "Out, Out--"
• be aware of the source of the title

Final Exam Dates - FYI !!!

English Comp. II - 08 - Exam is Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - 1:00 - 3:00


English Comp. II - 96 - Jones Co. - Wednesday, May 7, 2014 - 8 a.m.




Last full day of class is Monday, May 5


Any/all of the poems we discuss in the last two weeks are subject to being addressed in the final.


Topics will NOT be given in advance, but all possible topics are in the book.  In addition to the 2-3 questions under "Considerations For Critical Thinking and Writing" that follow each poem, read further down to "Connection to Another Selection" (see the example on p. 703) to contemplate which topics would be appropriate for a final essay topic.


Whichever topics are chosen, you will need to find specific support from the poem's diction and syntax. Your essay will need to use supporting language from the poem, followed with your explanation of words/phrases/lines.


PLEASE read some of the student essays that analyze poetry to have an idea of what is expected. (Examples: pg. 609; 647; 669; 764; 789; 813; 861) NOT all of these are long and involved, but each uses specifics to support a thesis based on the poem(s).

Introduction to Poetry

Introductory Powerpoint:

Please note -- there is a powerpoint which we may or may not watch in its entirety. It's filled with wit (ha!) and funny cat pictures (and who doesn't love a funny cat photo). Sadly, I was unable to email it to you because D2L does not allow a file this large to be emailed. If you would like a copy, please let me know and I will email it to you, individually. The powerpoint is intended to introduce poetry in a less formal manner than these standard notes, and also to remind you that poetry, like any art form, is meant to be appreciated, as well as studied.

Since we may not have "world enough and time" [as Andrew Marvel penned] for the above powerpoint introduction, our study will begin HERE:

Needed to understand poetry: PATIENCE - ATTENTION - a GOOD DICTIONARY, AND
 an awareness that the poet loves language and what it is capable of saying and not saying. Poets draw upon words the same way a painter uses composition, value and color to create a masterpiece.

Please read the introduction that begins on 548 and the two poems WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMENTARY:
p. 550: "The Secretary Chant"
p. 551 - "Those Winter Sundays"
pgs. 560-562 "The Fish" - term: speaker, bottom of page 562

*Strategies for READING poetry, pg. 568-569 (don't worry about #11)

*Strategies for WRITING about poetry, pg. 592-593: 1-16; 18

TERMS--note that some include examples of poems:

figurative language
literal language
connotation
denotation
685-686: irony - "Richard Cory"
symbolism
683 - allegory - "The Haunted Palace"
605 - tone
metaphor
simile
personification
601 - diction
605 - syntax
636 - image
     Terms connected with the SOUND in poems:
           rhyme
           rhythm
           onomatopoeia
           assonance
           consonance
           alliteration

We will be reading a selection of poems. The final essay will be based on our study of the specific poems we read. PLEASE!! Take advantage of the sample student papers in the book to get an idea of how you can develop an essay upon a poem. 

You will NOT be given the topic of the final in advance. To have an idea of what to expect, examine the "Writing Topic Suggestions" that follow some of the poems. You will note that in most cases you are asked to compare and contrast specific aspects of two poems.  

Condensed Rubric

Condensed Rubric:

*** Without a Works Cited Page the Paper FAILS 
***  Without internal citations the Paper FAILS

Completed before the full paper is handed in:
(YES, this is to prevent procrastination) 
Thesis statement - 10%
Works Cited page - 20%
Rough Draft (WITH citations) - 20%

Completed when full paper is handed in:
Introduction and Conclusion - 10%
Content and Development - 20%
Organization and Coherence - 10%
Grammar and Mechanics - 10%  
 
 

  

Quoting a Single Character MLA 6.4.8

If you quote a remark from one character, you can incorporate it into the body of the paragraph.

Example 1

Nora's epiphany occurs when she realizes her husband will never reciprocate the sacrifices she's made to protect his pride. She finally stands up to Helmer, telling him, "You neither think nor talk like the man I could join myself to" (Doll act 3).

(Note: Ibsen's A Doll House is divided by act only. This will be the only division you can cite.)

Example 2

Although Oedipus blames the gods for his tragic fate, he admits that his latest misfortune is his own doing when he cries, "But the blinding hand was my own! How could I bear to see when all my sight was horror everywhere?" (Oedipus exodus. strophe 2. lines 114-116).

(Note: Oedipus Rex is broken into numerous divisions; all available divisions are included in the citation.)

Quoting Dialogue (2 or More Characters) MLA 3.7.4

Tips for quoting dialogue:

• Begin the quotation on a new line.
• Set the quotation off from the body of your paper with one inch indentations.
• If a character's speech continues onto the next line of your paper, indent subsequent lines an additional 1/4 inch (about 3 spaces).
• Double-space each line.
• Write the characters' names in capital letters followed by a period.
• Do not use quotation marks.

Example 1

      OEDIPUS. Ah, what net has God been weaving for me?

      IOCASTÊ. Oedipus! What does this trouble you?

      OEDIPUS. Do not ask me yet. First, tell me how Laïos looked, and tell me how old he was.

      IOCASTÊ. He was tall, his hair just touched with white; his form was not unlike your own.

      OEDIPUS. I think that I myself may be accursed by my own ignorant edict. (Oedipus scene 2. antistrophe 2. lines 211-216)

Example 2:

      KROGSTAD. Yes, yes, yes, to the point: there's still time, and I'm advising you to use your

         influence to prevent it.

      NORA. But Mr. Krogstad, I have absolutely no influence.

      KROGSTAD. You haven't? I thought you were just saying -

      NORA. You shouldn't take me so literally! How can you believe that I have any such influence

          over my husband? (Doll act 1)

Play in an Anthology or Collection MLA 5.5.6

Drama in the Works Cited List

The format of your citation will depend on the source of the play. Plays are usually published in one of the following sources:

• A literature or drama anthology
• A collection of one author's works
• As a single volume

Tips for Citing Drama:

• If the play is in an anthology, look at the title page to see if there is an editor.
• Always begin the citation with the playwright, NOT the editor of the anthology.
• Italicize the title of the play. If the play is in an anthology, italicize both the title of the play and the title of the anthology.

Anthology, Playwright and Editor

Begin the citation with the playwright, not the editor of the anthology.

Example

Aiken note: The problem with using [the love of my life] easybib.com to create the works cited entry for A Doll House is that the title of the play was not italicized. The title of the play as well as the title of the book should be italicized because it is a long play. If it were a short, one-act play, it would be sufficient to simply put it in quotation marks, but A Doll House, as well as plays by Shakespeare, Sophocles, and works of substantial length are italicized. Titles of essays, short stories, poems, and short works are usually in quotation marks.

Does it matter?

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” 

             

Rersearch Paper Topics - A MORE COMPLETE list

Use evidence from the play AND the essays included on pages 1335-1345 to support your position on one of the following topics. (Yes, evidence from the essays in the text MUST be used since the topics are drawn from those essays.)  You may also include your own research, as long as it is relevant. Every reference listed on your Works Cited page should be used at least once in your paper. As a reminder:  the Research essay counts 20% of your grade for the semester.  Minimum length: 4 pages, PLUS Works Cited page.

 1. After reading the letter from Marcus on pages 1336-1338, consider the following topic:

Describe the tone of Marcus' letter to his wife. To what extent dos he accept responsibility for their separation? What significant similarities and difference you find between Marcus and Torvald Helmer?

2. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the Marxist "tenet" (1338-par.1) that "consciousness is affected by economics" (1338 -par. 2)?

3.  Consider whether "A Nineteenth-Century Husband's Letter to His Wife" supports or challenges Witham and Lutterbie's  Marxist reading of A Doll House.

4. What is Carol Strongin Tufts's purpose in arguing that Nora can be seen as narcissistic? Using the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association consider Nora's personality. Write an essay either refuting the assertion that she has a narcissistic personality or supporting it.

5.  According to Joan Templeton, what kinds of arguments are used to reject A Doll House  as a feminist text? Explain why you agree or disagree with these arguments based on your reading and analysis of the text.

Grading of research essay -  50% before the final draft is due; 50% after the final draft is due:

10% - Thesis statement – due: ___________________________________

20% - Works Cited page, in correct MLA format – due: __________________________________

20 % - Rough Draft, with citations (in correct MLA format) – due: _________________________

HARD COPY of Final Draft DUE: NO email copies; NO late papers

Final Draft rubric

10% - Introduction & Conclusion

20% - Content and Development

10 % - Organization & Coherence

10% - Grammar, Mechanics

Notes on MODERN DRAMA and Ibsen's A DOLL HOUSE

It will be important for you to do a close reading of the introduction to the play as well as the play itself to do well on the quiz.


Realism and Naturalism -pages 1275-1278 - obviously, be able to explain what each is, primarily in the context of the play
Explain the relationship between naturalism and determinism, especially in the context of the play
Melodrama - note how DRAMA differs from melodrama


Conventions of Modern Drama
--the "fourth wall" - explain the concept of the "frame" and the concept of the fourth wall

A Doll House - Henrik Ibsen - pages 1279 - 1280 --
--major themes

A Doll House - page 1280
Read the first two acts for Monday


Nora Helmer is the protagonist; in what way is each character connected to Nora--look deeper than the initial relationship to discern a deeper connection; for example, Anne Marie is the children's nurse/nanny, and we learn she was Nora's nursemaid, as well. How did Anne Marie come to be with Nora? What did she have to sacrifice? Why? How does this knowledge contribute to the play and to Nora's character?  Question each character--Dr. Rank, Kristine Linde, Krogstad--and the character's relationship with Nora in the same manner. For instance, what dilemmas do Nora and Dr. Rank share? What dilemmas do Nora and Krogstad share?


In what way does Nora's conflicts include man v. man
                                                                    man v. society
                                                                    man v. self
                                                                    man v. Fate (determinism)
Is Krogstad the sole antagonist?
What are society's expectations of each of the play's characters?
In what way does Torvald's logic in the first act (1299) contribute to Nora's decision to leave?  What other words are spoken in the play that contribute to Nora's decision?
In Nora's mind, why does she have no other alternative than to leave her husband and children?


DO be able to answer the questions at the end of the play, pages 1328-1329. Note: for #12, you need not read the section on new historicist criticism. Simply read through the information carefully, to answer the question at the end.

Topics for Essay #2

Choose one of the following topics for your second essay:

Stories that contain dark humor usually have a serious intent; often it is to illustrate the weaknesses of mankind with the hope of reforming man’s behavior. Discuss how the stories of both Flannery O’Connor and T. Coraghessan Boyle reveal man’s foibles.

Irony is an important element in the three humorous stories we read. Choose either “Good Country People” OR “Carnal Knowledge.” Analyze the irony in the story and why the author chooses to use the irony as the story develops. (For example, explain the irony in the names used in “Good Country People” OR the irony of the ending in “Carnal Knowledge.” Obviously, these are NOT the only instances of irony in either story, but suggestion of what you might look for.)

Titles of stories are often significant, as they are in all three stories. Discuss the relevance and significance of the title to the stories: “Good Country People,” “55 Miles to the Gas Pump,” and “Carnal Knowledge.”

Mark Twain said, “All humor comes from pain.” In what way do the authors—Flannery O’Connor, Annie Proulx, and T. Coraghessan Boyle—use humor to  mitigate cruelty in their stories? Despite their use of humor, do these authors suggest the theme of man’s inhumanity to man in their stories?

Discussion questions over "Carnal Knowledge" by Boyle

1.       What does the phrase “carnal knowledge” refer to?

Carnal knowledge is an archaic or legal euphemism for sexual intercourse.^[1] The term derives from the Biblical usage of the verbknow/knew, as in the King James Bible and other versions, a euphemism for sexual conduct. "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD." – Genesis 4:1. (Wikipedia )

2.       What attitude does the narrator initially have toward meat?  In what way does this attitude seem to carry over to sex by the end of the story?

3.       How does Jim meet Alf? Explain the possible symbolic significance of this manner of meeting.

4.       A large part of the humor in this story is derived from the ironic outcomes of situations in which Jim seeks to be heroic. Identify those episodes. Why was Jim so desperate to appear heroic? How did the ironic twist become amusing?

5.       Agree or disagree with the following statement made by Jerry Curtis: “The short story “Carnal Knowledge” is hilariously perfect illustration of the fact that we men will do and say anything for sex.”

6.       IN what way could Jim’s attitude toward meat—or sex—be symbolic of society’s desires? 

7.       How does Boyle use humor as a device in this story to make a statement about all of us?

8.       Would this story be offensive to animal rights’ groups? Is it intended to be? Why do you think Boyle chose this group rather than another group of activists?

Unfinished Comments on Essay #1

NO 1st or 2nd person in literary essays


Titles of stories should be in quotation marks, not italicized


Common correction abbreviations:


agr = agreement error


exw = more exact or accurate word needed


bw = better word should be used


cs = comma splice


mspld = a word, phrase or clause has been misplaced


ww = wrong word has been used


ts = faulty verb tense shift was made


awk = awkward wording or expression


Most frequently written phrase on papers: BE SPECIFIC


Do NOT re-tell the story; focus on analyzing a particular point: initiation, setting, or symbols


DO NOT REFER TO SOMETHING IN A VAGUE MANNER!!


Example: Myop is neither innocent nor completely aware of what she has stumbled upon, after the enters the woods.


OUCH!!  Revised: After she walks farther along in the pasture, Myop innocently steps into the skeleton of man who was presumably lynched.


Something that will help: READING THE STORIES before writing the essay AND taking notes as needed in class.

General Notes on Comedy and Humor - these will be amended, as necessary

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Not everyone finds the same thing amusing!!
It takes intellect to see the humor in some situations, especially satire.


Two broad types of comedy or humor:
* satire - developed first, in Greece
     ~ irony: an incongruity of some type; if you've never gone to The Onion, you may not have experienced modern, written satire.
    
* romantic comedy - think "sit-coms;" a minor problem develops, but the confusion is solved and "all's well that ends well," in the span of 30 minutes; think mistaken identity; chaos from eavesdropping, etc. The major characteristic of this type of comedy is that the ending is usually happy or satisfying, as opposed to tragedy, which often finds the heroic protagonist (with the tragic flaw) dead or in permanent misery. Although enjoyable and entertaining, this does not often make for meaningful literature (unless it's Shakespeare).


* gallows humor/black humor/dark humor - many different kinds; think of M*A*S*H, if you've ever seen that old show; think of people who tell jokes of events that are decidedly not funny; gallows humor is used when a situation is so awful that one uses laughter to relieve the situation; some examples can be found here The Darwin Awards, Not all gallows humor involves death, but there are always grim aspects of this type of humor.


OUR focus will primarily be  satire, with some gallows humor. For Monday, READ:
"Good Country People" by Flannery O'Connor; keep in mind:
*irony--appearance vs. reality, especially in terms of the Bible Salesman
*name symbolism and double entendre--in the Bible Salesman's name: MANLEY POINTER and in the Freemans
*significance of the protagonist's name: Joy-Hulga
*significance of clichés, used deliberately in the story: "salt of the earth," "good country people"
*look for all manner of irony

Humour Writing Versus Comedy Writing

Reference:  http://davehood59.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/humour-writing-versus-comedy-writing/

Similarities and Differences

What are the similarities and differences between humour and comedy writing? The words humour and comedy are often used interchangeably. Both terms have certain elements in common. Both also have certain differences. Writing humour is not the same as writing comedy.

Usually, the humorist writes an essay or article or filler that is amusing or funny. The humorist’s material is intended to be read. On the other hand, the comedy writer writes material to get laughs, usually in front of a viewing audience. Comedy writers are best known for writing material for situation comedies, comedy films, stand-up comics, and sketch comedy.

Humour writing and comedy writing are often based on truth. Both frequently use the same humour devices, such as irony, satire, exaggeration.

Both use the anecdote and storytelling. Both frequently require a setup and punchline.

Both use wordplay and the one-liner.

The intention of both is to create a comic effect. The humorist tends to write about subject matter that is funny. The humorist also writes about serious subjects or topics with the intent of making them funny. So does the comedy writer.

Humour writing and comedy writing are in important part of popular culture. Most magazines and newspapers include humour columns, articles, and essays. There are bestselling books that use humour and comedy to entice readers to buy the book. There are popular TV sitcoms and comedy films.

As well, both humour writing and comedy writing can be found on the Internet. To find humorous articles or columns on the web, check out your favourite newspaper or magazine. As well, visit the following popular websites:

§  The Onion at www.onion.com

§  The McSweeny’s Internet Tendency at www.mcsweeneys.net

§  College Humor at www.collegehumor.com

Despite the similarities, comedy writing and humour writing are different in certain respects. For starters, most comedy writing is intended to entertain by provoking laughter, while most humour writing is more subtle and cerebral, intending to amuse, inform, educate, and persuade the audience to change its opinion. That being said, often humour writing provokes laughter in the reader.

Most humour writing is done for print publications, such as newspapers, magazines, or books. On the other hand, most comedy writing is done for TV sitcoms, comedy films, comedy sketches, and stand-up comedy.

Unlike the comedy writer, humor writing can take the form of “filler.” The filler is a joke, quote, or short anecdote that is used to fill space at the end of a column or page. According to “Comedy Writing Secrets”, there is no formula for“filler.” Good filler is one that the reader will want to quote or share with a friend. Reader’s Digest receives and endless number of fillers each month from aspiring writers and humorists. It publishes the best.

Opportunities to write humour or comedy are everywhere. Yet, before you can write funny or amusing material, you need to know how to write well. You also need to know how to use the popular humour and comedy devices, such as irony, satire, exaggeration, the one-liner, and wordplay.

Dick Gregory on the difference between comedy and humor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsaFcEYREbM

Bill Cosby – Dentists:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqY6cJD3CE