First essay topics

ENGLISH 180
Topics for first essay

1. Many of the early settler narratives (Parr Traill, Moodie, Grove) we have read describe the hardships of living in a new land with a harsh and unforgiving environment. Compare two of these texts in terms of the attitude and perspective of the author towards the difficulties they face.

2. In the early Canadian poetry we looked at, the poets were all concerned to some degree with representing Canada as a nation and/or the Canadian experience, but they often differed in their approaches to do so. Looking in detail at one poem, discuss the techniques the author used to create poetry about Canada. Were these techniques effective? Do they seem to capture “Canada” or a “Canadian” outlook in an evocative and interesting way?

3. The Tin Flute is often cited as an example of "social realism." What is social realism? Do you think the term truly applies to Roy’s novel and its depiction of Québec society? How does our reading of Roy's novel today affect the realism of the text? Where does today's reader find the most meaning in The Tin Flute? Is it in the depiction of society or in some other aspect of the text?

Essay length: 1500 words
DUE March 18th or 28th

PLEASE NOTE: If you find yourself in a situation where you have too many papers due on the same day or all your midterms the day before the essay is due, I do permit extensions. There are a few ground rules though: you need to give me a written request for an extension no later than one week before the essay is due with a firm deadline as to when you will have your essay in. I will also have to agree on that deadline and will sign your letter to indicate that I have approved the extension. Any late papers that do not have my prior approval will be penalized one grade increment per day late, including weekend days. This, of course, excludes papers that are late due to sickness or family emergency. In such cases, the usual rules about doctor's notes apply.

Essay topics now online

Check the assignments page on the blog for the first essay topics. As mentioned in class, I've extended the due date to the 18th of March, but I will also allow you to hand it in on the 28th if that works better for you. There will be no extensions granted on the latter deadline.