Essay Instructions: I need (17) seventeen-page essay on the World Literature course.
There are thirteen separate questions that need to be answered thoroughly.
You will need to use about 1 to 2 pages depending on question.
I'll include some of the literature textbook materials.
1) Printing Press and the Internet
The invention of the printing press was a major factor in the development of the Renaissance. Because of the printing press, people in Europe were able to read a large variety of printed materials and books. As people's interest in books grew, so did their demand for new types and kinds of books on all different subjects.
• In our time, the development of computer and Internet technologies has created an explosion of access to information and a demand for even greater access.
• Some people have even speculated that soon printed books will become obsolete and illiteracy will increase.
• What do you think? Write a brief essay (2-3 paragraphs) comparing and contrasting these two technological revolutions.
• Discuss the impact of each technology on literature and the pursuit of knowledge.
• Discuss what role you think the Internet will have in promoting or destroying literacy and what impact it has had on your own life.
2) Carpe Diem!
The carpe diem philosophy encourages seeking pleasure now because we do not know when we will die. It dates back to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus and the Roman poet Horace.
• Do you see evidence of this mentality in today's world?
• List three examples of a carpe diem philosophy that you see in today's world and then write a brief paragraph explaining whether or not you agree.
3) Responding to Literature
a) Idyllic escape with a loved one still has a strong appeal, whether the retreat be a remote island or a mountaintop hideaway. How is this romantic escape motif used today in literature, television, movies, and advertising? List one example for each category.
b) The poet John Donne wrote "The Bait," a poem that was clearly inspired by Marlowe's "Passionate Shepherd." Read "The Bait" on page 262 in the Elements of Literature. Then, in a brief essay (1-2 paragraphs) discuss whether this poem is an answer to Marlowe's poem, an imitation of it, or neither. You should include at least three specific references to each poem in your response.
4) A Timeline of Shakespeare's Life
For this essay you will need to read pages 272-274 in the Elements of Literature: Sixth Course and pages xxiv-xxxii of the Merchant of Venice to learn more about Shakespeare, the man, and his life. Your task is to create a timeline of his life in your essay.
• List important events and approximately when they occurred including: birth, marriage, children, death, publications, career highlights and anything else you find interesting or unexpected.
• As you learn more about Shakespeare from your other readings, you can add additional dates to your timeline.
5) Responding to Literature
a) Compare "Sonnet 130" by Shakespeare with "Sonnet 23" by Louis Labé. Your comparison should be at least three paragraphs long and should include one paragraph describing the techniques used by Shakespeare, one describing the techniques used by Labé, and one discussing which was more effective and how they are related.
b) When the singer of "Fear No More" refers to the scepter, learning, and physic in line 11, he is using metonymy. Metonymy is a figure of speech that uses closely related things to substitute for the actual subject, like saying the crown for the king. What professions do the words in line 11 refer to?
6) Composing an Original Sonnet
Using what you've learned about the forms of sonnets, your task is going to be to compose on an original sonnet on a subject of your choice.
• Your sonnet should have fourteen lines and follow the rhyme scheme of either a Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet.
• Your subject matter should be appropriate for the sonnet.
• Your poem can be patterned after, or a response to, a sonnet that you've read, but it should include original images and language.
7) Merchant of Venice Act I
a) Famous phrases
As you are reading, I'd like you to keep a list of phrases or expressions that you recognize from modern language that originate in the Merchant of Venice. I'd like you to find two phrases or words from each Act that are commonly heard in today's conversation
b) Character Notebook
In Merchant of Venice, much of what we know about the characters comes from what they say about themselves or from what others say about them. As you are reading the play, I want you to take notes about the following characters: Portia, Antonio, Gratiano, Bassanio, Shylock, and Jessica. For each character I want you to keep track of how others characterize them and how what the characters themselves say reveals about their characters. (For example, are they honest? Are they fair-minded? etc.) You should have notes for each character from each act.
c) Improving your vocabulary
As you are reading, I want you to keep a list of new words that you encounter. Try to guess their meanings based upon their context and check your definition with a dictionary after you have finished the Scene. You should have an average of one or two new words for each Scene. At the end of each Act, I'd like you to write a description, summary, or observation about what you've read that uses two of the new words you've learned in that act.
8) Merchant of Venice Act II
Portia's father established a test for potential suitors to choose her husband. Do you think it is a good test? How would you feel if your husband (or wife) were to be chosen this way?
• Write a brief paragraph describing what you think of the test, and then devise your own modern-day test.
• Pretend that you are given the task of establishing a test or riddle for potential suitors to pass in order to be able to marry you, your sister, brother, or friend.
• What qualities will you be looking for? How will you test these qualities?
9) Merchant of Venice Act II
a) Famous phrases
As you are reading, I'd like you to keep a list of phrases or expressions that you recognize from modern language that originate in the Merchant of Venice. I'd like you to find two phrases or words from each Act that are commonly heard in today's conversation
b) Character Notebook
In Merchant of Venice, much of what we know about the characters comes from what they say about themselves or from what others say about them. As you are reading the play, I want you to take notes about the following characters: Portia, Antonio, Gratiano, Bassanio, Shylock, and Jessica. For each character I want you to keep track of how others characterize them and how what the characters themselves say reveals about their characters. (For example, are they honest? Are they fair-minded? etc.) You should have notes for each character from each act.
c) Improving your vocabulary
As you are reading, I want you to keep a list of new words that you encounter. Try to guess their meanings based upon their context and check your definition with a dictionary after you have finished the Scene. You should have an average of one or two new words for each Scene. At the end of each Act, I'd like you to write a description, summary, or observation about what you've read that uses two of the new words you've learned in that act.
10) Merchant of Venice Act III
a) In Elizabethan times, the friendship relationship was as important, if not more important, than the romantic love relationship. What examples of the importance of friendship are evident in this Act? Who acts as, or tries to act as, a good friend to whom? List at least three examples of friendship and explain their importance.
b) Go back and read Shylock's famous speech in Act III, Scene 1, lines 52-72. What did you learn about Shylock from his speech? Did you feel more or less sympathetic to him after this speech? Why or why not? Write a paragraph explaining your feelings.
c) Act III, Scene 2 contains a song that begins "Tell me where is thy fancy bred." What purpose does the song play in the Act? What is the tone of the song? How does it compare with what's going on while it's being sung, and what happens after? Answer these questions in a brief paragraph.
d) Famous phrases
As you are reading, I'd like you to keep a list of phrases or expressions that you recognize from modern language that originate in the Merchant of Venice. I'd like you to find two phrases or words from each Act that are commonly heard in today's conversation.
e) Character Notebook
In Merchant of Venice, much of what we know about the characters comes from what they say about themselves or from what others say about them. As you are reading the play, I want you to take notes about the following characters: Portia, Antonio, Gratiano, Bassanio, Shylock, and Jessica. For each character I want you to keep track of how others characterize them and how what the characters themselves say reveals about their characters. (For example, are they honest? Are they fair-minded? etc.) You should have notes for each character from each act.
f) Improving your vocabulary
As you are reading, I want you to keep a list of new words that you encounter. Try to guess their meanings based upon their context and check your definition with a dictionary after you have finished the Scene. You should have an average of one or two new words for each Scene. At the end of each Act, I'd like you to write a description, summary, or observation about what you've read that uses two of the new words you've learned in that act.
11) Merchant of Venice Act IV
a) Do you think Shylock got what he deserved, or do you think he was dramatically wronged? Was he a victim of anti-Semitism or a rightfully punished villain, or both? Defend your answer with at least a three paragraph essay.
b) The ties that bind people together, namely the bonds of usury, the bonds of friendship and the obligations of mercy are discussed in different places throughout the play. Compare the discussion of usury in Act 1, Scene 3; the discussion of friendship in Act III, Scene 2; and the pleas for mercy in Act IV, Scene 1. Which of these issues do you think is the most important in the play? Support your answer with specific quotes and examples from the text. You should write a three to five paragraph essay answering this question.
c) Famous phrases
As you are reading, I'd like you to keep a list of phrases or expressions that you recognize from modern language that originate in the Merchant of Venice. I'd like you to find two phrases or words from each Act that are commonly heard in today's conversation.
d) Character Notebook
In Merchant of Venice, much of what we know about the characters comes from what they say about themselves or from what others say about them. As you are reading the play, I want you to take notes about the following characters: Portia, Antonio, Gratiano, Bassanio, Shylock, and Jessica. For each character I want you to keep track of how others characterize them and how what the characters themselves say reveals about their characters. (For example, are they honest? Are they fair-minded? etc.) You should have notes for each character from each act.
e) Improving your vocabulary
As you are reading, I want you to keep a list of new words that you encounter. Try to guess their meanings based upon their context and check your definition with a dictionary after you have finished the Scene. You should have an average of one or two new words for each Scene. At the end of each Act, I'd like you to write a description, summary, or observation about what you've read that uses two of the new words you've learned in that act.
12) Merchant of Venice Act V
a) Diagram the action of the play and explain what happens in the:
A. Exposition
B. Rising Action
C. Climax
D. Resolution
Define each of the components generally and explain what happens during each part. Then, describe specific events that occur during each part of the action in Merchant of Venice.
b) Although the Merchant of Venice tackles some very serious subjects, it is a romantic comedy and, as such, has numerous comedic elements. As you are reading take note of things or people that make you laugh and then ask yourself why. I'd like you to list two examples for each of the comedic elements below.
* Physical humor:
* Confusion:
* Other type:
c) Racism and prejudice are major themes in the Merchant of Venice. Many of the prejudices in the play reflect the prejudices of Shakespeare's time and experience. Some critics argue that Shylock is one of Shakespeare's most villainous characters; others argue that he is simply the victim of prejudice and anti-Semitism. Who do you most agree with? Write an essay arguing that Shylock is either a victim or a villain. Use at least two specific examples or quotes from Acts I-V to support your arguments. Include in your essay a discussion of what, if any, prejudices Shylock has himself and how they affect his character.
d) Poet Samuel Coleridge has said that the characters in this play are a "representation of men in all ages and all times." What are the timeless elements you see in this play? What themes or characters are still relevant in today's world? List three or four things you believe are still relevant and explain how they still apply.
e) Famous phrases
As you are reading, I'd like you to keep a list of phrases or expressions that you recognize from modern language that originate in the Merchant of Venice. I'd like you to find two phrases or words from each Act that are commonly heard in today's conversation
f) Character Notebook
In Merchant of Venice, much of what we know about the characters comes from what they say about themselves or from what others say about them. As you are reading the play, I want you to take notes about the following characters: Portia, Antonio, Gratiano, Bassanio, Shylock, and Jessica. For each character I want you to keep track of how others characterize them and how what the characters themselves say reveals about their characters. (For example, are they honest? Are they fair-minded? etc.) You should have notes for each character from each act.
g) Improving your vocabulary
As you are reading, I want you to keep a list of new words that you encounter. Try to guess their meanings based upon their context and check your definition with a dictionary after you have finished the Scene. You should have an average of one or two new words for each Scene. At the end of each Act, I'd like you to write a description, summary, or observation about what you've read that uses two of the new words you've learned in that act.
13) Epigrams
a) In "On My First Son" Jonson resolves never to love again as strongly because his loss is so unbearable. What do you think of his resolution? What effect could a vow like that have on someone? Write a letter to Jonson explaining what you think of his vow. Your letter should be at least three paragraphs long.
b) Compose a brief epigram on a topic of your choice. Possible topics include love, hate, friendship, relationships, travel, etc. Your epigram should be at least two lines long.
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