Choose ONE topic below. After you choose one of the essay topics you are to form a thesis and develop a full essay and argument that expresses your understanding of the passage and your understanding of the writers intention. You are to only refer to the text that the topic is from. You essay should show evidence of a fully developed thesis and clearly written essay with supporting details. Remember to only make references to the primary text. The essay should be 1000 words in length, typed-double space, and in TIMES NEW ROMAN FONT If you dont follow these guidelines it will have an impact on your grade.
Topic 1: The treatment of heroes (Columbus) and their victims (the Arawaks)-the quiet
acceptance of conquest and murder in the name of progress-is only one aspect of a
certain approach to history, in which the past is told from the point of view of
governments, conquerors, diplomats, leaders.
Topic 2: Their helplessness made enslavement easier. The Indians were on their own land. The whites were in their own European culture. The Blacks had been torn from their land and culture, forced into a situation where the heritage of language, dress, custom, family relations, was bit by bit obliterated except for remnants that blacks could hold on to by sheer, extraordinary
persistence. Was their culture inferior and so subject to easy destruction?
Topic 3: It cannot but be very discouraging to a man of my complexion in such an attempt as this, to meet with the evil aspirations of some men, who say, That an African is not entitled to any competent degree of knowledge, or capable of imbibing any sentiments of probity; and that nature designed him for some inferior link in the chain, fitted to be a slave.
Topic 4: categories of good and evil are defined in terms of what is consonant or not consonant with the creative order of this hierarchy of vital forces. It is from the sacred aspects of this spiritual order that these ethical categories derive their authority. Human actions that challenge this order are bad, while those that affirm it are good.
Topic 5: I had scarcely reached my twelfth year when my mistress became too poor to keep so many of us at home; and she hired me out to Mrs. Pruden, a lady who lived about five miles off, in the adjoining parish, in a large house near the sea. I cried bitterly at parting with my dear mistress and Miss Betsey, and when I kissed my mother and brothers and sisters, I thought my young heart would break, it pained me so. But there was no help; I was forced to go.
no reference is required
