19th to 21st Century American Literature

Analyze one or more pieces if American Literature from the 1860 to the
Present. You may choose a piece we have discussed in class for this discussion, or you may make your
own choices as long as the primary materials fall into the appropriate category of 19th to 21st Century
American Literature. Essays must focus on the literature!
Approaches to consider:

1. Traditional Paper – Examine themes and the way that characters, imagery, irony, or other literary
   devices are developed in the piece to depict and imply themes. Know the differences between a
   close reading of the plot and an interpretation of the theme. For texts that are not poetry or fiction,
   demonstrate how the primary text or texts apply to general concepts of the era or modern times.
2. Current Discussion – This is an examination of the work and how it is relevant to today, to our
   situations, problems, etc. Be specific in your analysis, and provide details from current issues to
   support your applications. Remember, the paper must always focus it points on the piece of
   literature. Do not provide a running list of current situations that are similar. Do not make the
   paper about the current issues, either. Make sure that your paper focuses on the primary literature
   and how it works the way your paper claims.
3. Historical Analysis – Consider the social, political, or religious events that influenced the writer’s
   piece. Apply that information in your paper in order to explain how the piece expresses its
   figurative meanings. Consider examining other works during the same period. This is not a
   history paper. Your work must be based on the literature. Examine how the historical setting
   influenced the piece in the way it expresses its main ideas. Determine if the piece is relevant in
   this way.
4. Comparison/Contrast – Discuss how the work relates to or opposes another piece of literature.
   Perhaps you could consider the progression or digression of a theme by choosing two works from
   different periods of time. This, too, will involve deeper analysis than doing close reading or
   comprehensive reading of the basic texts. This could also include more evaluation. Determine
   which piece depicts its main purpose more effectively and explain how. This will involve setting
   up criteria by which to analyze each piece