These choices, each of which has a research element, take the place of the 2nd Formal Paper on the syllabus.
For the topic you choose, incorporate at least five outside sources and provide your own commentary on their
relevance to the topic.
DYSTOPIAN LITERATURE: WHICH NOVEL HAS IT RIGHT?
Oryx and Crake, Brave New World, and 1984 were written out of the authors’ concerns that society was moving in
dangerous directions. After citing the views of scholars and literary critics who examine the validity of each novel’s
vision, identify the one novel that is most compelling for twenty-first century readers. Include a brief mention of
T.C. Boyle’s short story “After the Plague,” discussing how it fits into the category of dystopian literature.
WAR LITERATURE: THEN AND NOW
After you identify a specific theme found in the poetry and short story we studied, locate examples of literature
coming out of recent American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Citing excerpts of recently written poems and
commentary from scholars, critics and combat veterans, discuss what common links are shared between the recent
work and war literature of the past.
THE UNDERLYING CONTEXT OF GRAHAM GREENE’S THE POWER AND THE GLORY
How does the real setting of this novel set in the days following the Mexican Revolution illuminate the fiction?
Incorporate material related to the real conflict between the Church and the Mexican government, and discuss
findings by scholars, critics, and Church officials about the novel’s significance.
THE UNDERLYING CONTEXT OF LIAM O’FLAHERTY’S THE INFORMER
How does the real setting of this novel set in the days following Irish independence illuminate the fiction?
Incorporate material related to the real conflict between England and Ireland, and discuss findings by scholars,
critics, and war veterans about the novel’s significance.
THE LASTING IMPACT OF THE BRITISH ROMANTICS
After identifying how D.H. Laurence’s short story “The Rocking Horse Winner” questions the lust for material
wealth, and how the poetry of British Romantics embraces nature and shows skepticism about technological
progress, locate recent material related to similar notions written by modern writers. Include commentary from
scholars and critics.
“NOT REAL CAN TELL US ABOUT REAL”
Considering Margaret Atwood’s quote above, identify real inventions and current experimentation on the
technological “advancements” she describes in Oryx and Crake. Consider also the social and cultural behavior she
depicts. How close to reality is it? Include commentary from scholars and critics.
DUE DATES:
Create a list of references and post it on Moodle by Monday, September 9.
Upload the completed paper on Moodle by Tuesday, September 24. Suggested
length is 4-6 pages, typewritten, double-spaced at 12-point font.
.