I have not abandoned you

"Young Goodman Brown" may be challenging for some of you to read; the sentences are more complex and the vocabulary is, let's say, elevated. (I'll explain why when I see you again.) There's now a link here at the blog to a vocabulary list you may find helpful. You can search it when you encounter an unfamiliar word; you might peruse it ahead of time, too. Expect a quiz (largely about factual elements) along with the discussion.

Writing for Friday; comparison

In a short essay, compare the effect of the frame story around “Rip Van Winkle” with the frame around “Cannibalism in the Cars.” You may have started working on this in class; it is due on Friday. The essay is to be typed, double-spaced, in a 12 pt. serif font.

First up: Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens

For Wednesday, you're reading Clemens's/Twain's "Cannibalism in the Cars." In case you get really confused by some of the structure, it helps to understand that, at certain points, the story is meant to resemble the minutes of a meeting or a Congressional hearing.

As with the story by Washington Irving, we again have a "frame" around the main story and some questions about the likelihood of the tale. These are not uncommon features in American literature from the middle of the 19th century. In class, you'll discuss those aspects and others, and you'll be given your next assignments. To preview: You'll have another short story to read for Friday (but you'll have time in class on Wednesday to start reading) and another rather short one to read over the next weekend. I'll be back before you know it! Sorry I can't be there!

Writing: American ideas

Again, I'm sorry this post wasn't ready at the time of class. Here's the assignment, which is due on Sept. 10.

Take two passages from your summer book that you feel comment in some way on American traditions, ideals, values, qualities or virtues. The book may not say that this quality is "American," but to you, there's a connection. Maybe the passage or speaker presents a positive view. Maybe it’s critical. Maybe it’s ambivalent. Look at passages you thought were important when you first read the novel, a passage that conveyed a major idea. Print each passage and page number followed by your explanation (in a paragraph) of the ways in which you believe it comments on something you think of as American. 

Paper should be double-spaced, 12 pt., in Times Roman or a similar font. Spell check. Reread carefully. Complete sentences only.

If you have a question, email me!

Thanks for an interesting class today.

Welcome

Welcome to American Literature. Always check the calendar link for homework, as not all homework will be listed in a blog post.