american literature writing

American Literature I

Paper Topics

Examine Puritan writings for specific theme, such as the divided soul, or the nature of the covenant.

The appeal to Religious experience in Edwards

Franklin’s writing persona when considering religion or any other issue or theme.

Give an account of Irving’s satire in Rip Van Winkle (including, “The Author’s Account of Himself” (27-29), if you like).

Symbolism and allegory in Rappaccini’s Daughter

Hawthorne’s Romanticism as described in introduction to Rappaccini and to “Preface to The House of the Seven Gables (594-95), and how it is exemplified in his short story.

Analysis of Emerson ‘s self-reliance

Emerson’s view of scholarship or poetry, or any other topic of interest to you

Higher Laws, Nature, or any other topic in Thoreau

Comparison of solitude in Emerson and Thoreau

Comparison of the value of reading in Emerson and Thoreau

Analysis of Women’s writing (Murray, Wheatley, Bradstreet)

Ambivalent attitudes toward Africans and slavery in our readings thus far