Order instructions
- Examine a key concept or notion or moral that surfaces in the texts. Comment upon how the topic is treated. Emerson provides a good philosophical primer in the basic tenets of American romanticism (including its opposition of Reason and Understanding, Freedom and Nature, Morality and Theory, etc.) Poe may be read as in a way responding to Emerson, or at the very least, articulating in his own prose, words and ideas that Emerson significantly expounds in Nature. If Emerson is a turn off for you, focus instead on how the romantic topics (of Freedom, Truth, and Beauty, for instance) are addressed by Poe.
- How does American Romanticism give expression to an idea of what it means to be an American?
- Paper should follow traditional essay format: introduction, 4-6 body paragraphs by way of argumentation, and a conclusion. Introduction should state thesis (position), along with the 4-6 major points that will be made in the response.
- The next 4-6 paragraphs should elaborate the major points introduced. The first sentence of each body paragraph should be a topic sentence or a mini-thesis statement about the paragraph to follow.
- Each paragraph should advance one major idea that supports and develops on the main claim (thesis).
- The conclusion should tie the different threads of the argument into a conclusive whole.
Offer close readings of the chosen text. - Quote representative material from the selection that helps evidence the argument and then think about how these details form a larger picture.
Use MLA style format in citing the sources and in Works Cited. 3 secondary sources required that analyze and discuss the texts and topics similar to the one chosen. Primarily, instructor is looking for a coherent and persuasive argument. - Use the secondary sources as supplemental support in developing the argument.
- Paper should be double-spaced and12 pt. Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins.
