Writing topics for essay due Thursday, 9/24/09

Choose one of the topics below for a 500 to 700-word essay.

1. What social or political trends, grown to fruition in "Harrison Bergeron," have already begun to grow in American society today?
2. Show how Sammy reveals both his maturity and immaturity in "A&P." Which one predominates at the story's conclusion?
3. Compare and contrast how the authors use both foreshadowing and surprise in "The Lottery" and "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas."
4. In what ways are both "The Lottery" and "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" true precisely because of their fanciful elements?
5. In what ways can Americans in twenty-first century Warren County benefit from themes developed in "Dead Men's Path"?
6. Compare and contrast writing styles used by Hemingway and Faulkner in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and "Barn Burning." What are the strengths and limitations of each approach?
7. Discuss the symbolism in the names of three or more characters in short stories we have read. How does each name add richness to the story without drawing undue attention to itself?
8. Discuss symbolism and irony in the characters of "Greasy Lake."
9. What life lessons do both "Miss Brill" and "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall" suggest to the reader?
   
10. In what ways is Miss Emily a symbol for the Old South?
11. Discuss symbolism and its significance in the closing paragraphs of "Barn Burning."
12. Although today O. Henry is not widely regarded as a world-class "literary" author, make a case for his writing being on par or superior to that of Faulkner or Hemingway.
13. Compare and contrast the role of denial in "A Rose for Emily" and "Barn Burning."
14. Choose a story we have studied this semester and show how it effectively uses foreshadowing.
    

You may also choose one of the following options from your textbook for the topic of a 500 to 700-word essay.

• Page 22: Writing Assignment on Plot or item no. 2
• Page 73: no. 4
• Page 83: no. 10
• Page 142: Writing Assignment on Setting
• Page 143: no. 1
• Page 178: Writing Assignment on Tone and Style
• Page 179: no. 2
• Page 205: Writing Assignment on Theme, no. 1, or no. 3
• Page 233: Writing Assignment on Symbols

Please choose a topic and write a tentative topic sentence before you come to class on Tuesday.