Essay Questions American Literature

1. The theme of defiance has played a role in many of the texts we’ve read this semester. Choose three and analyze how this theme has been presented—as poetic verse, philosophy, or through characters—and how it relates to the literature as a whole. Remember to unify these two points.

2. Nature has a dominant place in many of the works we’ve studied this semester. In an essay, analyze the significance of nature, possibly through an analysis of characters who have tried to be close to it.

3. This semester we’ve encountered some remarkable women, Daisy, Hester and Janie to name a few. In an essay, identify a few significant qualities these women have in common, and analyze how they approach and/or overcome the challenges in their lives.

4. What is it that makes Gatsby “great?” Is Janie also great? Is Hester? In an essay, identify two or three characters who are in some way great and analyze the qualities that make them extraordinary. By the way, be sure to define the term “great” as you see it.