1. It is often argued by critics that the dominant theme in modern literature is the theme of despair. Discuss the representation of that theme in either T. S. Eliot, Robert Frost, or Sylvia Plath.
2. Irony is an important literary tool. Explore the prevalence and usage of at least 4 different kinds of irony in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
3. We are taught that ambiguity is to be avoided in the written word. Yet, an important critic, William Empson, argues that it is a central idea to be dealt with when studying literature. Using his “forms” or types of ambiguity as a reference point discuss how we see ambiguity in at least 4 stories by D.H. Lawrence or Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis.
MLA
No less than 8 pages
No fewer than 4 secondary sources of which at least two must be from a periodical or journal.
In the opening page you should have:
1. A clear thesis statement
2.A path statement or plan of proof indicating major parts of your essay
In your body you should:
1. Follow the plan of proof.
2 Support your argument by close reading of passages from text(s)
3 Quote as evidence: analyze, justify their presence. A quotation on its own simply repeats the textUse clear, specific, and direct language. Don’t strain after eloquence. Don’t try to be impressive
4. Use the dictionary. Avoid the thesaurus.
Conclude with a summary and, if possible, place your specific argument in a larger context. For example, does this specific text hint at larger critical issues?