Appreciation of Literature, fall 2007
Essay #4
Due in class Dec. 14

Possible topics for the fourth essay:

1. Northanger Abbey presents popular novels and possible life situations of the early 19th century in order to consider the appropriate maturation of a “heroine.” Write an updated version of this story, in which a contemporary heroine or hero learns an important lesson through or about reading a popular literary genre of today.
2. In Cold Blood, based on a true story, is described as a “nonfiction novel” in which the events of news reports are fleshed out into a vivid narrative. Write a “nonfiction short story” on the model of In Cold Blood based on an actual news story. While Capote’s work is based on extensive research, for this project it is okay for you to rely on imagination in reconstructing the events, characters, and places of the story, but do submit the original news article with your short story.
3. In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen offers a complicated and sometimes conflicting message about the value of reading. Catherine embarrasses herself at the abbey by assuming that the Tilneys have behaved as characters in a gothic novel would, yet on pages 42-43, Austen pauses the story for an extended defense of novels. What would you argue is the actual opinion of reading offered by the novel?
4. Is “nonfiction novel” a good categorization for In Cold Blood? Does the work meet your expectations of a novel, and why or why not? (Note: It’s fine to focus on just one key ingredient that you believe a novel needs, such as creativity or suspense or a “hero or heroine,” as opposed to talking a little bit about a lot of different components.)
5. I am also open to the possibility of other topics related to any aspect of our discussion of Oedipus, if you consult with me well in advance of the due date.

Ground rules:

Whichever topic you choose, the essay should be 3-4 full pages long, double-spaced, with normal margins and font (12 point Times New Roman is standard). Be sure to number the pages, and give your essay a title. Do document everything according to MLA style, but don’t do any additional research beyond the texts read in class or mentioned in the assignment. I want to see your original thinking about the texts themselves.

As you choose a topic, keep in mind the requirement of at least one “critical” and at least one “creative” essay. If you’ve only taken the creative topics so far, you need to choose one of the critical topics for this essay, and vice versa.

As you write, keep in mind that I do not accept late papers. Please plan ahead for emergencies.