Short
Essays on the Literary Works (Pithy Quotes)
The short essays should be based
upon important sections or quotes that you find in each literary work.
A Philosophy student suggested this kind of writing assignment to me
in 1996. She explained that she learned more when she decided what was
important or “pithy.” (The pith of a plant is that center part of the
stem that contains and carries nutrients to the rest of the plant; hence
it is its most rich and important part.) Since then the Pithy Quote
assignment has been a big part of my course instruction.
Many students like the freedom to choose what they think is important
or meaningful in a reading and apply it to their own lives. They say
that the responsibility of judging what is important and having to defend
that judgment enables them to learn more personally and better
For this assignment, the pithy quote assignment has three parts. The first
is to find a section of the reading that you find to be important or
meaningful and quote it directly. The second part is to explain the
meaning of the quote in the context of the overall reading. The third
part is to relate a personal connection to the quote, in effect explaining
how and why this quote is meaningful to you personally or to the overall
work.
I have never given out examples or models of pithy quote assignments
because I feel that they tend to overly define quality in that assignment
and some students are intimidated by such exemplary work. I want you
to be guided by my instructions, but to search for and find internal
standards of quality. You may read the pithy quotes of others or ask
me as many questions about the assignment as you feel the need, but
ultimately, I believe you know and can recognize when you have done
quality work.
Minimum Quality Standards:
• The essay contains the chosen
section of writing with the chapter identified, the essay explains
the context of the quoted section, and the essay explains why the
quote was chosen, and some analysis of the use of effective language.
• The essay is typed and exhibits mastery of the conventions of standard
written English.
• The essay is interesting to read.
• The essay is a minimum of 180 words.
• The booklet contains 15 short essays following this pithy quote
standard.
Rhetorical
Devices Identification
This assignment is intended to
familiarize you with some key rhetorical devices. The AP Language and
Composition exam concentrates not only on the meaning of literature,
but also how authors use language to convey that meaning. It requires
close readings of selections and sharp analytical skill. In this section
I would like you to identify five rhetorical devices used by the author
from each of the readings. In total, you should identify ten different
rhetorical devices supplied for this assignment (html
| pdf). You should write down the
selection from the readings, identify the rhetorical device, and explain
how that selection is an example of the device. You are required to
identify 15 rhetorical devices in all, and you may repeat some of the
devices. Use this as an opportunity to learn this small portion of total
devices which exist. You will have a quiz on these during the first
few days of class.
Literary
Analysis
The literary essay assignment is
intended to test your ability to analyze literature, utilizing skills
you will need for the AP exam. It requires that you identify quotes
from "Self-Reliance" that connect to the characters, symbols
and/or theme of the novels. You should extract quotations from the essay
and clearly explain their applications to the novels. You should see
many connections and Emersonian influences in both of the novels.
While writing this essay, you should use at least five of the rhetorical devices from the list that you used in the Rhetorical Device Identification assignment. To make sure that I can identify the device, please underline and footnote the usage, noting and explaining in the footnote the name and intent of the device.
Also, please use in-text and block quotations when necessary. Also, please complete the titles activity and use correct title forms in your writings.
By far, this essay will dominate the summer work’s grade. Put your best
effort into this part.
Minimum Quality Standards:
• The essay addresses the assignment
and contains multiple references to the text of the works.
• The essay is typed and exhibits mastery of the conventions of standard
written English.
• The essay is interesting to read.
• The essay exhibits the writer’s ability to analyze literature.
• The essay contain some of the rhetorical devices presented in this
assignment
Academic
Honesty Policy
I assume that all of your work
will be original. No comprehension aids or internet sources should be
needed for these assignments. If you are not sure how to complete the
writings, e-mail or call me for help. You might find my views on this
topi as expressed in the essay "On
Plagiarism" helpful.