Midterm Essay Prompts

Although I handed this out in class to each of you, I am placing it here on the blog for those of you that might have misplaced your essay prompt. :)

Midterm Essay Prompts for World Literature and Advanced Composition

You must choose one of the following prompts for your midterm paper. Your paper must

·     Be typed in MLA format, 12pt font, Times New Roman

·      use at least one supporting text outside of your textbook (i.e. Aristotle’s definition of tragedy, Freud’s definitions in psychoanalysis, or the handout posted on the blog on postcolonialism)

·     Have a strong and clear thesis statement

·     Be between 750-1000 words

·     Include a Works Cited page

1.)  In the Joy Luck Club, Things Fall Apart, andThe Kite Runner, each of the novels explores how culture shapes their ideology. Each novel also explores trauma. In which ways can you identify the ways that culture shapes our the ways these characters behave. How does culture shape the way the characters interpret or react to trauma? Consider Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis and choose two characters from two of the novels and discuss how their culture shapes their reaction to trauma. You must include quotes from Freud as well as both novels to fully support your position.

2.)  Consider our theory of postcolonialism and the novel Things Fall Apart. How does the Igbo society differ after their colonization? Describe society both before and after the colonialization. What are some positive and negative effects on a society from colonialism? You must integrate supporting definitions on postcolonialism from our blog into your essay. 

    3. )  Consider Aristotle’s definition of a tragedy. Considering Things Fall Apart, do you believe Okonkwo a tragic hero? Is he a villain? Or is he heroic? Use Aristotle’s definitions to  

ground and prove your argument. Then choose a character from The Kite Runner and show how his character measures up to the definition of hero, tragedy, or villain. How are these characters similar? How are they different?