To really be American literature, a work should reflect the core values, heritage and beliefs of what the country is all about. Select one work of literature NOT read in class and discuss what makes it inherently American. You may discuss the works themes, historical context, Americanism of the characters or any other aspects of the literature that you feel categorizes it a American.You may use works by any of the authors we have discussed in class or any that are on the syllabus and will be discussed in the future. These authors are not limited to but may include the following: (if we have read them in class I will list the stories or work we have read and can NOT be used)
Thomas Paine: Common Sense, The American Crisis
Benjamin Franklin: The Way of Wealth,
William Bradford: Mayflower Compact and The First Thanksgiving
Washington Irving: Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
James Madison Bill of Rights
Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Ministers Black Veil, My Kinsman, Major Molineux
Walt Whitman:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
Abraham Lincoln:
John Greenleaf Whittier:
Robert Frost
Carl Sandburg:
Edward Arlington Robinson
(Stories read in class are listed next to the author)
Form: At all times you are to follow current accepted guidelines for MLA. Though this is largely a critical paper, you may use outside sources if you so desire, however, if you do use such sources, then your cites must conform to accepted MLA practices.
Length and Style. 5 pages (I chose 6) double spaced this DOES NOT include the works cited page or the cover page. All in 12 pt font Times New Roman. Do not skip any lines after intro paragraph set paragraph to 0 spacing. Must have page numbers, header as last name (German is my last name) no page number on the cover.
Additional information that may help: This professor has spoken about how the Puritan work ethic is very American. Also that with hard work and industry anyone can be and do anything in America.
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