Essay 2 Due Tuesday November 12th

ENG 215 Honors

Essay 2

Due Tuesday November 12^th

3-5 pages

USE TWO OUTSIDE SOURCES (NOT INCLUDING THE TEXT!) AND QUOTE THE PRIMARY TEXTS AS WELL.

Some sources can be found on the class blog: english215honorsfall13.blogspot.com/

1.      We have discussed quite a bit about the impact of the assembly line and the development of the automobile on the life of Americans at the time of Ragtime.  Using examples from the text and from other outside sources explain how these two developments changed America.

2.      The characters in Ragtime all lived through a time of great change and turmoil in America. Pick one of the main characters and explain how he or she dealt with that change. Consider how their social standing helped or hurt their ability to change.

3.      Use examples from the text and outside sources to discuss the appeal of Harry Houdini.

4.      Take a closer look at the sections where Freud is present and do some research into how he felt about America at the time of his visit . Just be sure to include examples from the primary texts as well.

5.      What role does race play in the novel? Obviously this is a big question but try to narrow it down to a few examples to illuminate this very large issue.

6.      In “Live For Today” we see Jinx struggling to find and establish her own identity while working in a morgue surrounded by people society has cast aside. Using outside sources that discuss identity in human beings, explain what Jinx’s daily struggle is.

7.      In “Too Near Real” we see the impact technology can have on an individual. Explain the negative and/or positive effects we see on the character and incorporate outside sources.