W14 Assignment 2: Literary Response 4

The purpose is to demonstrate that you are completing the reading assignments and that you are able to answer basic questions about the works of literature in this course.

By completing this assignment, you will be able to...

1. Demonstrate how to discuss one or more elements of literature (e.g., character, setting, plot, theme, symbolism) in writing.

ENG 205: American Lit. 1

Literary Response 4

Due: Tuesday, Dec. 1 (11:00 pm on Canvas)

Value: 5% of course grade.

DIRECTIONS: Answer one of the following questions below in 2 or 3 paragraphs (1 page). You should paraphrase or include direct quotations from the literary work in your response. Use MLA-style parenthetical citations (author / page number) when necessary.

Harriet Jacobs

1. In the chapter titled “The Jealous Mistress” (857-62), Mrs. Flint is entangled in the relationship of her husband and the narrator. Briefly describe Mrs. Flint’s involvement in this relationship. What actions, if any, does she take to prevent her husband from seducing Linda Brent? Do you feel any sympathy for her?

Henry David Thoreau

2. At the end of his essay on civil disobedience, Thoreau writes: “There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly” (928). How does this idea relate to Thoreau’s actions and beliefs, which among other things, led him to spend one night in jail? Describe one or two examples, either from the past or present, in which people of conscience defied the State (i.e., state and/or federal government) because of ethical or moral principles. What compelled this person to assert his or her beliefs over the rule of law?

Frederick Douglass

3. Look at the opening of the speech, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” (1023-45). How does Douglass characterize himself and his relationship with the audience (members of the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society)? For example, he remarks that “the distance between this platform and the slave plantation, from which I escaped, is considerable” (1024). He also states that “This, for the purpose of this celebration, is the Fourth of July. It is the birthday of your National Independence, and of your political freedom” (1024). Finally, briefly describe what needs to happen before Douglass can join in the celebration of Independence Day.

Herman Melville

4. Discuss the significance of walls in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” 1064-93). What types of walls are present in the story? What is the correlation, in your opinion, of the walls in the office and Bartleby’s decision to “prefer not to” continue his work copying legal documents? Why is it important that the story is set on Wall Street?

Walt Whitman & Emily Dickinson

5. Compare and contrast the characterization of death in Walt Whitman’s “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” (1160-68) and Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for death” (1198). How is death, literally and figuratively, described in these works? For example, how does Whitman’s portrayal of “sane and sacred death” (line 48) contrast with Dickinson’s personification of death as one who “kindly stopped for me” (2) in a carriage?

Grading Requirements

The Grading Rubric will be used to assign points for this discussion.

Overall, your assignment must meet the requirements stated above in a manner that is clear, concise, and proves you understand the content and assignment.

Your Grade & Feedback

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