American Themes in Literature

At this point in the course, we have read over three works of American Literature. We have
discussed various themes authors have attempted to convey in each individual piece. We have also kept
a common source log of our readings, noting our thoughts on various passages and sharing with our
classmates. For this assignment, we will combining everything we have learned to create a compare and
contrast project on a particular theme in American literature. The project will consist of a PowerPoint
Presentation and paper. You will present the Presentation to the class and turn in your paper to me.
Each group will be divided up in a group of four and be assigned a theme discussed recurring in two of
the three texts that we have discussed in class. These topics consist of:

 Feminism

 Gender

 Ageism

 Corporations

 Consumerism

 Death

 Dreams

 Loss of Innocence/ Coming of Age

 Alienation/ Isolation

 Survival of the Fittest

 Disillusionment

 Idealism

 "Seize the Day"/ Carpe Diem/ Memento Mori

 Love/ Marriage

 Passivity

 Wealth

 Society

 Memory

 Betrayal

 Miscellaneous (If you choose this, your group must run your idea by Mr. King for final approval)
When you are in your groups, pick one of these topics as your theme to discuss in your compare and
contrast presentation and accompanying paper. Your task is to explore how your theme communicates
over two text. To start, answer these starting questions. The idea is to get you to think critically about
the theme that will lead you to produce more questions to answer:

1. What prior knowledge do you know about your theme and how do you think it relates to the two
text you have selected?
2. How are the two texts similar?
3. How are the two texts different?
4. What does each underlining conclusion the author is trying to convey have to say to the theme as a
whole?
5. Does the theme from one text reconcile with the other or is it inconclusive?
6. Each text is written from a different time period in American History. a) Research the time period of
when each was written. b) How does it treat your theme relating to the time period?

After you have answered your questions, find passages within the two text to show the presence of your
theme and explain why you choose this passage. You must have at least four quotes in your
presentation and accompanying paper that connect to your theme.

Summarize your findings by coming up with a Thesis Statement that forms your argument. Hint: By
answering these questions, you have started the process of forming your thesis statements.
Otherwise, check out this great article on Thesis Statements . We will spend some time in class going
over these, so don't fret if you don't get it. Even college students have difficulty grasping how to write
thesis statements. That said, I will be evaluating you on your thesis statements. While they do not have
to be perfect, they should show be able to answer the "so what" question which we will go over in
class.

Presentation Requirements

 At least eight slides. You will more than likely need to use more slides.

 At least four quotes (two from each text) that are analyzed in length. The quotes used must
explain why it is relevant to your argument. Otherwise, why is it there?

 At least one outside source (can be historical, biographical, or an article about your theme)

 Three uses of multimedia that contribute in an appealing way to your presentation

 Thesis statement must be in Presentation

 MLA citation is properly used

 A Works Cited Page

 At least a two page compare and contrast essay accompanying your presentation.
Final Projects will be graded based on a rubric attached below. You will be graded on presentation, your
group submitted essay as well as a team evaluation at the conclusion of the project. Please make sure
you use this like as a checklist as you prepare for your projects. I cannot wait to see what you come up
with!

-MR. KING