Both Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson (two of the greatest poets America has ever produced)
write of common and everyday objects and people, while addressing the larger issues of life
within that context. While Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson’s works seem to be quite different
(in terms of their feelings toward their topics and their writing styles); however, they
share common themes, among them, death, nature, and immortality. Focus on one poem from
each to show a common theme they tackle with differing perspectives.
Write a discussion about Literary Realism, Naturalism and Regionalism and what each
means to American Literature and to writers mobility toward the individual or self in
relation to region and/or country under societal norms/laws/mores. Specific issues of
race, gender, class, and war color many periods in American history and thus literature,
but especially through the emergence of Realism (which grew from a period of unrest and
uncertainty) following the Civil War.
1. You should have a clear and focused thesis.
2. You should provide ample evidence for your thesis by citing many quotes from the text/s
being examined and give credit accordingly, using MLA format for both in-text citations
and a required Works Cited page.
3. Your reader does not need summaries of plots. Stick with making a claim, and try to
illuminate the text/s and delight your reader showing your knowledge of the text/s through
your mastery of passages and details within them.
