Forbidden Knowledge
Essay Assignment:
For the first essay, you will write an integrative essay in which you develop your thesis about
how and why “forbidden knowledge” is so central to the stories we tell. So far, you have
read: “Thriller” by Vaclav Havel; “brothers” by Lucille Clifton; “Goblin Market” by
Christina Rossetti; Genesis, Chapters 1-12; Forbidden Knowledge, Chapters 1 and 2; Paradise
Lost , Book Ten, and Romeo and Juliet. Other readings will follow before the first draft of the
essay is due. Using the Shattuck chapters and classroom topics as a starting point, what have
you learned thus far about forbidden knowledge? Cite at least two of our readings (other
than Shattuck and not including the films) to support your analysis.
The essay should be a minimum of 500 words in length (about 2 full pages, double-spaced,
1-inch margins, 12 point font) but no more than 750 words in length. In Microsoft Word
software, you can obtain a word count by opening the File menu, clicking on Properties, and
then clicking the Statistics tab. Essays must include at least two properly cited quotations
from an assigned class reading (use MLA format for citations and references). Furthermore,
all papers must have a creative title that reflects a thoughtful entry point into your writing
(note: "Essay Assignment #1" is not a creative title; try for something more imaginative and
revealing).
It is more difficult to write a substantial short paper than a long one on a complex topic.
Excellent papers will not only meet the length requirement, but will be free of grammar and
spelling errors, maintain a tone appropriate to the mode of writing being practiced, and have
a coherent structure that leads the reader from an engaging introduction with a clear thesis,
through a focused yet well developed body, to a meaningful and interesting conclusion.
As noted on the study questions due next week, we expect you to write a short paragraph
describing your topic. The first draft of your essay is due on Saturday, February 6.