Two of the following four prompts
will appear on the unit assessment. You will then choose one of the prompts for
your essay.
A.
From a work of recognized
literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her
society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss its implications
for both the individual and the society. Discuss how this conflict illuminates
the meaning of the work.
B.
Some novels and plays seem
to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Choose
such a novel or play and note briefly the particular attitudes or traditions
that the author apparently wishes to modify. Then analyze the techniques the
author uses to influence the reader’s or audience’s views. Avoid plot summary.
C.
In a literary work, a
minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by
contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the
main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might
be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose
a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main
character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between
the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the
work.
D.
Although literary critics
have tended to praise the unique in literary characterizations, many authors
have employed the stereotyped character successfully. Select one work of
acknowledged literary merit and in a well-written essay, show how the
conventional or stereotyped character or characters function to achieve the
author’s purpose.
