English Composition 102: Writing Literature:

Cupid and Psyche Assignments

I. Read and apply the elements of a short story to the myth.

II. Study the sculpture of Cupid and Psyche. Describe the sculpture using descriptive language (similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, etc.) How does the sculpture represent Cupid? Explain how the representation is akin to or differs from previous depictions of Cupid within the other myths we have read. 

III. Describe the character traits of Venus, Cupid's mother. Explain why her actions confirm OR conflict with her role as the goddess of love and beauty. 

Type your responses and submit I - III on the due date: ___________________

Formal Essay #1

Beauty plays a significant role within the myths. You will examine the role of beauty within Cupid and Psyche, Apollo and Daphne, and Pygmalion.Try to think beyond comparison and contrast. What ideas can you formulate regarding the idea of beauty as it impacts gender and social values? Explain how the myths form a palimpsest for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, The Birth Mark. 

· Take time to prewrite and organize your thoughts.

· Briefly describe the purpose and importance of the topic within the introductory paragraph. Include the titles and the authors of the myths.

· The thesis should make a claim regarding beauty as it relates to the myths and The Birth Mark.

· As this is an academic essay, you may not use personal pronouns, contractions, nonstandard English, split infinitives, etc. Please review your notes for the rudiments of an academic essay.

· Use two quotes from the readings in order to provide textual evidence to support your views (MLA citation). Remember to introduce the quote, write the quote with a signal verb, cite the quote, and explain how it helps to prove your thesis. Include three vocabulary words from your journal. 

· Provide a thought-provoking title.

· Formal Essay #1 should be 3 - 4, double-spaced, typewritten pages. Use 12 pt. Font, one-inch margins, MLA pagination and heading. 

· Include a Works Cited page.

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Bring three copies of your draft to class for peer-revisions on the due date: ____________________________

Submit prewriting, your revised and edited draft, peer-revisions, and the final copy on___________________________________________

· Formal Essay #1 counts as a test grade.