Respond to one of the following prompts in a well-developed essay. Write your answer in complete sentences
Prompt I:
One of the hallmarks of good literature is that while it has a unique setting and compelling characters, it also deals with universal themes -emotions and problems that affect everyone. Pick your favorite story, poem, or group of poems from this unit. Write an essay evaluating what elements make the selection(s) both unique and universal.
Prompt II:
In English 11 you have studied literature from the 1920s through the 1980s and learned about how American society changed over that time period. Write an essay about how the literature of America has changed over time, as seen in this semester's readings. You should select 4 important pieces of literature that you have read and use them to show how literature reflects history, as well as how literature reflects changes or events throughout history. Be sure to include a brief summary of the historical time periods for each piece. Consider elements such as theme, style, and tone in your analysis.
Prompt II:
Throughout English 11, we have explored literature from the 1920s through the 1980s and witnessed how American society changed over this time period. The selected pieces of literature offer unique insights into the historical contexts in which they were written, reflecting the changes and events that shaped American society. Analyzing four important pieces of literature from this semester, we can see how literature has evolved over time to reflect the changing landscape of America.
One of the earliest pieces we studied was F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," published in 1925. Set during the Roaring Twenties, the novel encapsulates the extravagance and excess of the Jazz Age, exploring themes such as wealth, class, and the American Dream. The tone of the novel is characterized by its critique of the materialism and superficiality of the era, reflecting the societal values of the time.
Moving on to the 1950s, we read J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye," which was published in 1951. Set in the post-World War II era, the novel follows the disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield as he struggles with societal expectations and personal identity. The novel explores themes of alienation, innocence, and the loss of childhood, reflecting the existential angst of the time period. The style of the novel, with its colloquial language and stream-of-consciousness narrative, reflects the rebellious spirit of the era.
In the 1960s, we delved into the works of Allen Ginsberg, particularly his poem "Howl," published in 1956. The poem is a powerful critique of the conformity and consumerism of post-World War II America, as well as a celebration of countercultural values such as freedom, individuality, and authenticity. The poem's raw and unfiltered style, with its long lines and vivid imagery, captures the rebellious energy and political activism of the 1960s.
Lastly, we explored Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved," published in 1987. Set in the aftermath of slavery in America, the novel delves into the trauma and legacy of slavery on African Americans. Themes of memory, trauma, and the search for identity are central to the novel, reflecting the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in America. The novel's lyrical and poetic style, with its use of magical realism and oral storytelling traditions, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the African American experience.
In conclusion, the literature of America has evolved over time to reflect the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of the country. By analyzing key pieces of literature from different time periods, we can see how literature both reflects and responds to historical events and societal changes. Themes, styles, and tones in these works provide valuable insights into the complexities of American society and the human experience.