Thematic Approaches to the Study of Literature

Thematic Approaches to the Study of Literature

Thematic Approaches to the Study of Literature
Choose ONE of the following topics below and write a clear, organized argument of approximately 1000 words (see syllabus for format for out-of-class essays). Make sure your thesis statement clearly and explicitly sets out the argument your paper will follow. Discuss specific examples from the texts to support and develop your points as clearly and effectively as possible. Make sure all evidence is analyzed in terms of its significance to your thesis statement. If the evidence does not support your overall argument, the evidence should not be used in your paper.
1. Discuss the relationship between the protagonist and the “other” in TWO of the works we have studied. With what attitude does the protagonist view the “other” and why?
2. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, discuss the connection horror makes between violence and sexuality.
3. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, explain how horror can be the result of anxieties surrounding childbirth and or neglectful parenthood.
4. Write an original short story according to the traditions of horror fiction we have learnt this term. You can have human or non-human characters and are free to set your story in the past, present, or future. Your story can slightly exceed the word limits of this assignment – it can range from 1500 words to 2500 words. You must also include a prefatory paragraph or two discussing your story – explaining if your story is a re- interpretation of another story, what rules of traditional horror fiction you have followed, which rules you have broken, and your reasons for doing so. You will be graded on your creativity, character development, the stylistic strength of your writing, and your overall understanding of the horror genre. You MUST
receive permission from me to do this short story choice PRIOR to submission of your short story.
You CANNOT do the short story option for both Essay#2 and Essay#3.
5. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, explain how horror connects back to the theme of forbidden knowledge or forbidden places. Explain and develop the significance of this connection to a larger point the authors are trying to make. Make sure you define forbidden knowledge or forbidden places in your introduction.
6. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, discuss whether horror legitimizes and or valorizes acts of violence.
7. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, discuss how characters are haunted or possessed by the past.
8. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, discuss the role of children as members of the “other” in horror. Explain how and where children find their power and how they use this power to attack the establishment.
9. In TWO of the works we have studied this term, explain how horror can be the result of repressed desires (repressed passions).
10. Choose your own topic. Your topic MUST be cleared with me to make certain you are on the right track before the paper is submitted.

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