Emerson- Self reliance

Instructions: Choose an idea to analyze from one of the texts we discussed so far (do not choose a topic you already wrote about. You may also choose from one of the sample prompts listed at the end of the document. Make a claim (thesis statement about that idea) in the introduction and explain, discuss, and defend it in the body of your essay.

Purpose & Objectives: The purpose of this essay is to encourage you to explore possible interpretations of literature, consider historical and cultural attitudes and philosophies, and form your own perspectives of these ideas. You will engage in the literature in both an exploratory and analytic manner. You will be assessed based on your ability to achieve the following objectives:

1.       Analyze a historical and/or literary text for underlying meanings

2.       Use evidence from the literature to express and defend your interpretation

3.       Articulate your critical interpretation in writing

4.       Form an organized essay that reflects structured thought

5.       Use appropriate grammar and mechanics in writing

Expected Essay Components & Parameters: The following guidelines should help you frame and develop your essay as regards content. Listed also are the specific formatting expectations.

Ø  Provide insight into the literature and its actual and implied ideas.

Ø  Make a claim that explores meaning beyond the obvious (read between the lines)

Ø  Includes an introduction that states the topic and subject, provides brief background, and states the thesis.

Ø  Include multiple body paragraphs that focus on supporting points and show a clear connection to the thesis through discussion, evidence/quotes, and explanation.

Ø  Includes a brief but effective conclusion that states the importance of the topic.

Ø  Reflects grammatically correct sentences with appropriate punctuation.

Ø  Use a sophisticated tone (not conversational) but plain, clear language.

Ø  Format your essay according to MLA design and documentation. You will not need secondary sources, but you will need to document the primary source (the primary source is the literature you selected to write about).

Ø  Essay should be at least 2 full pages and no more than 3.

Ø  Include a Works Cited page.

Assessment & Grading: Your paper will be graded according to whether or not you include the above components and the quality of your content.

Possible Prompts: These questions may guide you to an idea or topic for your essay.

v  Compare and contrast the differences between authors’ perspectives of American identity, or Americanism. Both positive and negative views are expressed, but do we see a shared idea of what an American is?

v  Consider the vision of new, independent America and the reality of that idea throughout our readings. Does the reality align with the vision?

v  In Emerson’s “Self-Reliance,” social convention and conformity is challenged. Though, in essence, his philosophy was created on the foundation of many other philosophies, Emerson attempts to represent genius in his challenge against the “lie” of society, of man. The question is, can man actually transcend this lie and rely on his inner self, or is man’s truth the lie? Are we creatures of nature and creativity, or creatures of community and imitation? Do we have to choose?

v  Stylistically, how do our authors differ in their arguments? We have very different styles and methods of argument from Crévecoeur to Paine to Murray to Irving to Emerson to, finally, Longfellow. How do these literary practices reflect changes in political and cultural thought in America?

v  Even though Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason was originally rejected and earned him a bad reputation, it reflected the changing religious and theological attitudes of early America. How does Age of Reason anticipate the eventual shift to ideological or philosophical visions that may or may not defend theology?