Choose TWO of the stories or poems from this semester. In two ACES paragraphs, explain how each of the selections you choose reflect something that is uniquely American.
The two stories or poems I chose from this semester are “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.
In “The Yellow Wallpaper”, Gilman reflects the uniquely American experience of women’s oppression in the late 19th century. The protagonist is a woman who is confined to her bedroom and forbidden to write or work, a situation that was all too common for women of the time. The story’s themes of confinement, powerlessness, and the struggle for autonomy are all reflective of the struggles of American women during this period.
In “The Road Not Taken”, Frost reflects the uniquely American experience of individualism and self-determination. The poem’s narrator is faced with a choice between two paths, and ultimately chooses the less-traveled one. This decision reflects the American spirit of independence and the belief that one should make their own decisions and forge their own paths in life. The poem’s themes of choice, exploration, and self-reliance are all reflective of the American experience.
Selection 1: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"The Great Gatsby" reflects something uniquely American through its exploration of the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth. The story takes place during the vibrant Jazz Age of the 1920s, a time that epitomized the excessive pursuit of material success and the belief that anyone could achieve it. The characters in the novel, particularly Jay Gatsby, exemplify this uniquely American aspiration. Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, goes to extreme lengths to accumulate his wealth in order to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan and gain acceptance into the upper echelons of society. This relentless pursuit of the American Dream is both admirable and tragic, as it ultimately consumes Gatsby and leads to his downfall. Through the lens of Gatsby's story, Fitzgerald portrays the dark underbelly of the American Dream, showcasing the emptiness and corruption that can accompany the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, and social acceptance.
Selection 2: "Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman
"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman is a quintessential American poem that reflects the values of freedom, individualism, and democracy. Whitman celebrates the vastness and diversity of the American landscape, weaving it into the fabric of his poem. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all individuals, suggesting that each person is a part of a greater whole. Whitman also embraces the notion of the self and explores the fluidity and multiplicity of one's identity, an idea that is deeply rooted in the American concept of individualism. Through his lyrical and inclusive language, he rejects societal conventions and embraces a more inclusive vision of America, one where all people, regardless of their social status or race, are valued and celebrated. "Song of Myself" champions a sense of unity among American individuals and emphasizes the freedom to be oneself, embodying the spirit of American exceptionalism and the unique vision of democracy that the nation holds dear.
Both "The Great Gatsby" and "Song of Myself" reflect something uniquely American. While Fitzgerald's novel explores the dark side of the American Dream, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked materialism and the pursuit of wealth, Whitman's poem celebrates the democratic ideals of individualism, freedom, and unity. These two works offer different perspectives on the American experience but together encapsulate the complexities and contradictions that define the nation.
To identify two stories or poems that reflect something uniquely American from this semester, you should review the texts covered in your semester and consider their themes, settings, characters, and overall messages. By analyzing these elements, you can identify how the selections convey aspects of American culture, history, or values. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Review the syllabus or reading list: Make a list of the stories or poems covered during the semester. Take notes on each text's main plot, themes, and motifs. This will help you remember the key elements and ideas conveyed in each selection.
2. Identify uniquely American traits: Consider what makes something distinctly American. Think about the cultural, historical, and societal characteristics that set the United States apart. These can include elements like the American Dream, individualism, rebellion, diversity, or the frontier spirit.
3. Analyze the selections: Go through the texts one by one, examining how each piece represents something uniquely American. Look for elements such as:
a. Settings: Consider if the stories or poems are set in iconic American places like New York City, the American South, or the Wild West. The location can often reflect American ideals or challenges.
b. Historical context: Evaluate whether the text reflects a significant event in American history or addresses the American experience during a particular era.
c. Character portrayal: Examine how the characters embody American values or tropes, such as the self-made success story, the pursuit of freedom, or the clash of cultures.
d. Themes and messages: Look for overarching themes that resonate with American ideals or societal conflicts. These can include topics like the pursuit of happiness, the American Dream, racial or gender issues, or the tension between tradition and progress.
4. Choose two selections: Based on your analysis, select two stories or poems that you believe best represent something uniquely American. Make sure to choose texts that differ from each other, ensuring a diverse range of American experiences are captured.
5. Compose your ACES paragraphs: Write two ACES paragraphs, one for each selection, explaining how each reflects something uniquely American. Start with an Assertion that clearly states your argument. Follow with a Citation, providing specific evidence from the text to support your claim. Next, explain the Evidence, analyzing how the chosen elements from the text reflect uniquely American traits. Finally, wrap up with a Summary that reinforces your main point and concludes the paragraph.
By following these steps, you'll be able to select two stories or poems from your semester that exemplify something uniquely American and effectively explain their significance in ACES paragraphs.