The competing notions of justice in The Republic to Antigone
Humanities
Prompt
Midterm Essays (100 points):
Directions:Please address one (1) of the essay topics below (attached in the document below). Read the statements carefully and answer one appropriately.I especially like essays that offer a unique perspective of the texts rather than just rehashing what we’ve discussed in class.
Content: There are two ways to approach the formal essays.
- Based on one the questions/statements, explore a literary text using the philosophical theory we discussed in class. In other words, the philosophical theory should help analyze the literary text.Although you do not necessarily have to address all of the literary elements, please consider the following in your response: setting, character, plot, diction and language, style, point of view, structure, symbolism, tone.I expect the analysis to be supported by evidence from the texts and the theories discussed in class.
- Similar to the first approach, you can craft a response to a scholarly interpretation of one of the texts. In other words, find a scholarly publication on one of the texts discussed and engage the author with critical discussion/interaction.For this one, I would expect some degree of disagreement.I do NOT want a summary of someone else’s ideas.
Document length and design: The essay length should be 1100 words (about 4 pages) and it should follow consistently all of the guidelines of either APA or MLA.
Structure: The essays should be logically/ thematically developed.This means that you should group elements of the text into themes.You should then analyze the themes by using the philosophical theory.The essays should contain a beginning with a thesis, a middle providing argument and support (use quotes), and an end stating the importance of your interpretation and/or providing further questions about where to go next regarding the text.
Style: The document should be in a formal voice and tone.The essay should be both explanatory and analytic.
Quotations and Documentation: Direct textual references to support your claims are encouraged and expected.If you use outside sources, please document using either MLA or APA citation styles.The final essay(s) should have your name, date, final exam in the upper corner.
Topics are attached below:
