1. There exist gothic elements in many of the poems in Lyrical Balladsfor example, a cold, indifferent climate and the architectural vestiges of social and economic ruinthat evoke reflection about the effective influences of nature and culture on society. Focusing on either climate, a natural object, a book, or an architectural ruin, consider how a particular poem elicits an emotional response from the reader that offers an opportunity for the reader to further reflect on how society categorizes individuals, more often than not alienating them from society.
Suggestions: Choose to write your essay about ONE of the following prompts. In some cases, I provide you with a quote; in others, I make observations and ask one or more questions to prompt you to consider a particular issue or formulation of a concept we have discussed in class. The purpose of this assignment is NOT to answer the questions, but to formulate an argument about the given topic. Just as in the close reading assignment, you are expected to demonstrate your skills of observation and analysis, and to formulate an innovative thesis statement and a corresponding argument that is grounded in your reading/interpretation of one or two specific passages from a given literary work that we have read. Again, think about how networks and constellations of meaning are constructed through the use of particular words, images, and literary frameworks (genre: comedy, gothic, etc.) and literary and aesthetic concepts (sensibility, sublime, and the beautiful).
Additional suggestions: think of writing this essay as an investigatory process. Identify one or two particular passages, paraphrase them, that is, briefly summarize the content of the passages. What is being stated? How does the logic of the passage proceed from the beginning to the end? What situation is being described and by whom? What happens? Use this literal description to help you read and interpret the text. NEXT: slow down and direct your focus on particular words. Use your dictionary. Contextualize the passage. Analyze it. Formulate an argument. Reflect on this argument and draw a conclusion. Working through these steps should provide you with the basic framework of your essay. PLEASE NOTE: make clear from the beginning of the essay what poem, novel, or drama you have chosen to write about. Define key terms.
