Essay 4 “Crossing the Panther’s Path”

3) Read the novel, Crossing the Panther’s Path  Chapters 11-19 and the Epilogue pp. 111- 230 

 4)  Research how the war described in Crossing the Panther’s Path  of 1811 sowed the seeds for the War of 1812. Think of the alternate consequences if the Americans had lost.

 5) Make sure you go back to the important elements of Bildungsroman, historical fiction/nonfiction/race that we studied throughout the term.

 6) Write 1500 word essay  – MLA documentation including 3 outside sources

2)  Use this site to find good sources     http:// libguides.ucmerced.edu

Prompt:

Crossing the Panther’s Path, by Alder presents a fictionalized account of real events in the early 19th Century United States. Choose to write about one of the following:

1)  Alder writes from the point of view of the conquered. How does shifting the perspective from the conqueror to the conquered change your own perspective of the USA?  Use the research you did on the War of 1812  and the westward expansion to explain the issues we continue to face regarding race and identity in the US. 

2) Explain the important role Billy Calder plays throughout the novel, include his linguistic acumen and his biracial identity. Explain how his character is  a good example of coming of age (Bildungsroman) and how this book is a good example of dual address/cross writing for young adult readers.