I'm kind of unclear on a prompt I was given. Could someone help clarify it for me? The prompt is in the last paragraph, but the first two paragraphs give insight into it. I know it's a lot to read, but I'm really confused. Much help appreciated.
It is related to the summer reading I had based on the books "1984" and "Catcher in the Rye". The other choices of books were "Bless me Ultima" and "The Bean Tree".
Here is the prompt:
"Observing and synthesizing patterns, observations, expressed beliefs, values, thoughts, and attitudes is the underlying principle value in the study of literature. The concepts of society, culture, and history can be understood, interpreted and utilized in a number of diverse ways. Each concept can be considered individually, in pairs, or all together, each existing and having purpose both in life and in literature.
As traditions blur and both identity of groups and individuals fade into the complex tapestry of the modern, global community, so do the reverence once associated with diversity, the changing role of the individual and as a member of society, and the interrelated historical patterning of events. History, though intricately sprinkled with significance, is fairly easy to identify in works of literature. However, scholars have long debated what "culture" and "society" really mean, often definitively analyzing through the distant perspective of an outside observer wanting to study groups of people to which they themselves do not belong. Some evidence is easier to observe, while others require careful consideration. This essay prompts the reader to analyze history, society, and culture as vague, question provoking concepts. It also presents the challenge of considering each concept individually, as well as in relation to one another in order to gain insight into the dependence each on has, to varying degrees, upon the other(s).
Evidence both the significance and meaning the concepts of history, society, and culture play in the two novels you chose from your summer reading list. Consider the beliefs, values, and attitudes of both the characters and author, as well as the historical context of their lives. Think abstractly and objectively when considering the relationships between these concepts. Terms/ "buzz words" like "truth," "fate" and "luck" hint at such forces and provide the starting block for scholarly inquiry into the concepts of history, society, and culture."
This is a complex assignment.
Let's take the prompt one sentence at a time.
Evidence both the significance and meaning the concepts of history, society, and culture play in the two novels you chose from your summer reading list.
Brave New World takes facism and communism to their worst-case conclusions. Catcher in the Rye examines society through the eyes of a disaffected teenager.
Consider the beliefs, values, and attitudes of both the characters and author, as well as the historical context of their lives.
Think abstractly and objectively when considering the relationships between these concepts.
Terms/ "buzz words" like "truth," "fate" and "luck" hint at such forces and provide the starting block for scholarly inquiry into the concepts of history, society, and culture."
This last sentence shows you the focus that your teacher expects in your paper -- how truth," "fate" and "luck" influence these characters. S/he wants you to consider this a "scholarly inquiry into the concepts of history, society, and culture."
Please check back here in the next few hours because other teachers may want to add their two cents.
Wow, thanks for the help!
But just to be sure, it's asking how history, society, and culture are important towards the stories, right?
I'm not exactly sure on the prompt, but my teacher was making a big emphasis on the history, society, and culture for the prompt. I'm not sure if she wants me to focus on the stories or the subject in general.
You're welcome.
I think she wants you to show how history, society, and culture influenced these stories.
You may also want to check out the notes on these books in Sparknotes.
Based on the prompt, it seems that you are being asked to analyze the concepts of history, society, and culture as they are presented in the two novels you read for your summer reading. The prompt emphasizes the importance of observing patterns, beliefs, values, thoughts, and attitudes expressed in the literature. It acknowledges that the concepts of society, culture, and history can be understood and interpreted in various ways. The prompt also highlights the challenges in analyzing the vague and thought-provoking nature of these concepts.
To approach this prompt, you should start by selecting evidence from the novels to support the significance and meaning of history, society, and culture. Consider examining the beliefs, values, and attitudes of both the characters and the author, as well as the historical context in which the stories take place. Look for instances where the novels address these concepts and explore their implications.
When analyzing the relationships between history, society, and culture, it is important to think abstractly and objectively. The use of terms like "truth," "fate," and "luck" in the novels can provide a starting point for further scholarly inquiry into these concepts.
To clarify the prompt further, you can break it down into these steps:
1. Identify evidence in the novels: Look for specific passages, scenes, or examples from the two novels that illustrate the concepts of history, society, and culture.
2. Consider beliefs, values, and attitudes: Analyze how the characters and the author communicate their beliefs, values, and attitudes towards these concepts. Look for patterns, contradictions, or changes throughout the novels.
3. Examine historical context: Take into account the historical setting in which the novels take place. Consider how historical events or societal changes impact the characters and their understanding of history, society, and culture.
4. Think abstractly and objectively: Approach the analysis with an open mind and avoid personal biases. Focus on the abstract ideas and larger implications presented in the novels.
5. Explore the relationships between the concepts: Discuss how history, society, and culture are interconnected and dependent on each other within the novels. Analyze how changes in one concept affect the others.
Overall, this prompt asks you to dig deep into the themes presented in your summer reading and to critically analyze the concepts of history, society, and culture as they are portrayed in the chosen novels. Use the evidence from the books, consider the beliefs and values of the characters and the author, and reflect on the historical context to support your analysis.