The readings for this week represent a cross section of literary genres. Each reading addresses a particular American value and/or ideal, but each approaches the issue in significantly different ways.
As we continue to discover the American values and beliefs upon which this country was built, we will want to determine the ways in which the authors of this period take those beliefs into account and present them to their readers. Consider the specific value, and then reflect on the author's audience and purpose: Does the author intend to promote American values as they existed at the time; does s/he wish to expose particular failings or injustices; or does the author write as a call to action in an effort, perhaps, to reconsider the values and/or revamp them?
Your response should examine one work from this week's readings, and to focus on a single, specifically defined value. For instance, you may want to examine how Thoreau or Jacobs presented freedom.
To set up your response, be sure to:
Devote one paragraph of at least 200 words to the text and a second paragraph to the value.
Provide textual examples to support your contentions.
Cite all examples using proper MLA format.
Write in 3rd person, only.
Be sure to make reference to the selections you have read in answering these questions. Apply what you are learning about the history of the selection, the author, and the genre, where applicable. Please do not attach documents.