Apply the theory of “world literature” that we studied at the beginning of the summer session to two of the primary texts we have read together. Use quotations from both the theoretical texts and the primary texts to explain how any aspect of world literature can be used to better understand the two primary texts.

Choose only 1 of the following 3 prompts, and write a 750-1000 word essay, submitting to the link below:

1. Apply the theory of “world literature” that we studied at the beginning of the summer session to two of the primary texts we have read together. Use quotations from both the theoretical texts and the primary texts to explain how any aspect of world literature can be used to better understand the two primary texts.

2. Choose one of the following themes: love, knowledge, duty, death, or traditions, and compare and contrast how at least three different authors develop the theme in their respective texts. In your view, what does each author that you discuss wish to impart to the reader with the development of this theme (in other words, what is the author’s “message”)? Make sure you use quotations from the three texts that you choose to support your argument.

3. Compare and contrast the experience of reading in the different genres (forms) that we have read (tragedy, short story, historical fiction, or combinations of those forms within texts). Use examples from the texts to demonstrate how each form develops a theme or message in its own way (for example, directly through narration or through figurative language, but that’s only an example). Finally, which form was your favorite and why?

Choose ONE essay prompt below, and write an essay that compare and contrast the characters, themes, and forms of texts that we’ve read together.

1. 750-1000 words
2. double spaced and composed using paragraphs (at least 5 paragraphs, where each paragraph contains one main idea).
3. Your essay does not need to be thesis-driven. These are meant as exploratory, compare and contrast essays that allow you to develop your ideas about the texts, but not necessarily argue for a particular interpretation.
4. Include a grammatically-correct, descriptive title (not “Final Exam”)
5. The introduction should explain what you will be writing about. Feel free to use the language of the prompt to help you construct it.
6. Write about all three texts.
7. Use quotations and clearly cite them in the body of your essay (a Works Cited page is necessary).
8. Please do not use or consult any outside sources; the essays must be entirely based on your interpretation. You may, however, use the lectures (write in your essay “According to the lecture…” or similar wording), any supplementary materials that I provided for you (including summaries or discussion questions), or ideas already expressed in the discussion boards (e.g. “As I wrote in the Antigone discussion board…”; “As John wrote in the Song of Solomon 3rd discussion board” or similar wording)
9. Do not summarize the texts; write for an audience that is familiar with them.
10. The conclusion should very briefly summarize what you have just said (don’t use the phrase “In conclusion,” however) and perhaps provide an idea for what further study you would want to do on the same topic.

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