Additional Text Paper
While we are covering a substantial number of works in class, we are
certainly doing less with short stories and plays as we are with novels.
Therefore, my purpose in asking you to look at an additional text is to have you
explore some other choices that appeal to your interests that may or may not be
connected with the longer major critical essay. For example, someone
interested in The Age of Innocence for the long paper may be curious as
to how Wharton dealt with issues in other works. That additional work
could then feed into a greater understanding of Wharton as a writer that may be
helpful in the writing of the essay. Of course, the additional text could
just be by someone whom you would like to read and to learn more about.
For example, we're not looking at fiction of Updike, Bellow, Burroughs,
Vonnegut, Irving--nor are we looking at very many contemporary plays such as
Angels in America or The Vagina Monologues. There is a great
deal of option with this assignment because I would like for you to choose
something that, again, speaks to your interests. (And you can choose an
additional novel if you'd like, but short stories/plays may be more feasible).
Choosing Your Texts: You may already
know the work you'd like to explore. If you don't, a quick solution would be to
look at an American Literature Anthology that covers 20th-century writers (The
Heath Anthology is my personal favorite for its inclusion of noncanonical
writers/texts, but The Norton Anthology is also very good). That
would give you a quick introduction. A drama anthology would also be a good idea
if you're interested in a dramatic piece. Another way would be to identify
a certain period or certain group of writers or a certain subject (books about
Hollywood, political novels, unconventional story telling techniques) and then
go from there.
If you're not sure, please stop by and let's talk. I'd be happy to offer
suggestions.
The Paper: The paper should be, like the others, 4-5 pages in length at
least, and do the following: