World Literature 2

TOPIC SELECTION

As the part one of this assignment explains, your essay topic focuses on characteristics of Romanticism as they relate to assigned poetry. Please use the following information as you plan and develop your essay.

First, you should review the Characteristics of Romanticism (excerpt Lecture 4):

· predominance of the imagination - over reason and formal rules 

· love of nature - the most important being that nature is the living garment of God

· interest in the past - especially the Medieval period

· individualism - a reaction against whatever characterized Neo-Classicism

· individualism - encouragement of revolutionary political ideas

· interest in the common man and human rights

· sympathy with animal life and children

· interest in the idea of democracy

· preference for the simplicity of natural scenery to modern industrialized life

Second, you should identify (1) the characteristic(s) of Romanticism you plan to develop in the essay AND (2) the specific poem(s) you will use as illustration(s).

Third, you should identify which one of these options you will use to organize your essay:

· 3 characteristics of Romanticism found in 3 different poems by 3 different poets

· 3 characteristics of Romanticism found in 3 different poems by the same poet

· 1 characteristic of Romanticism found in 3 different poems by 3 different poets

· 1 characteristic of Romanticism found in 3 different poem by the same poet

Fourth, you should review carefully the following information about key statements. Key statements are an extremely important part of clear essay organization.

KEY STATEMENTS

5 Key Statements Defined

1. One Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the last sentence in the introductory paragraph.

It is one sentence that must name the characteristic(s) of Romanticism you will discuss AND may name the poem title(s) or name(s) of poet(s). See the following sample thesis statement, with the 3 characteristics of Romanticism to be discussed highlighted.

Sample Thesis: Romanticism, a reaction against the strict rules and order of the Neo-Classical Ages, often focuses on the simplicity and beauty of nature, an interest in the common man, and revolutionary political ideas.

2. Three Main Point Statements (Topic Sentences)

Each main point statement is the first sentence of each body paragraph.

A main point statement must name (1) an assigned poem and (2) the characteristic of Romanticism to be developed.

Sample Main Point Statements (Topic Sentences):

· Main Point 1 Statement: Wordsworth’s “Ode on Intimations of Immortality” focuses on the simplicity and beauty of nature.

· Main Point 2: Blake’s “The Little Black Boy” focuses on interest in the equality of the common man.

· Main Point 3: Blake’s “The Chimney Sweeper” focuses on a revolutionary political idea concerning the need for child labor laws.

3. One Summary Statement

A summary statement is the first sentence in the conclusion paragraph. It must recap (rename) the characteristic(s) of Romanticism discussed and may include the poem titles and/or poets discussed.

Sample Summary Statement: Focus on the simplicity and beauty of nature, interest in equality for the common man, and revolutionary political ideas are characteristics of Romanticism clearly portrayed in these poems by Wordsworth and Blake.

To make sure that you are on the right track, I will be glad to evaluate your 5 key statements before you write the full essay if I receive them in time.