American Lit I
Literary Analysis Paper
1. Write a 1000-1500 word/4-6 page (not including the Works Cited page(s) in the count) literary analysis paper, using one of the following prompts below:
o We have read several texts by Puritan/Calvinist authors (Winthrop, Bradstreet, Rowlandson, Edwards). Compare and contrast the various themes and depictions of religion in these author’s works. How do the authors depict their relationship with God? What sort of imagery do they employ in their works?
o Consider the poetry from this semester. Often poets of the American Renaissance use the vivid landscape of America as a way to comment on other issues, like patriotism, freedom, or women’s rights. Choose two of the poets from the American Renaissance (Bryant, Longfellow, Dickinson, or Whitman) and compare and contrast their usage of imagery. How are they saying something about American character or American virtues?
o How has the role of women changed over the semester? Choose three of the following authors from this list – Rowlandson, Foster, Irving, Child, Fuller, Hawthorne – and trace the treatment of and attitudes towards women that are portrayed in their texts. What concerns have been discussed? How have women’s place in society changed over time?
