Survey of British Literature

Due Date 

Nov. 5 by 11:59 p.m.  All papers should be posted to Moodle.

Directions

What is British literature? This essay asks you to choose one or two of our course texts and analyze the picture it gives us of Britain and/or British colonies. Consider Aphra Behn’s detailed descriptions of the colony of Surinam, Wordsworth’s recollections of his childhood, or Prince’s harrowing account of her enslavement. They all paint distinct pictures of what Britain is: what it looks like, who its people are (how they look, how they act, their character), and even what it should one day be. Your task is to unpack one of these depictions. This essay might take one of two paths:

1. Engage with how Britain or its colony is represented in the text. How is it described? What are its people like? Is all of Britain the same or are there pockets of difference?

2. Or you might consider how the author relates to Britain. Does the author seem nationalistic? Critical? Celebratory? What social concerns does it flag?

For either of these options, you’re invited to engage with either direct representations or reflect on how texts that may not represent Britain directly (like The Tempest) might still be raising issues pertinent to British life. You can choose any texts covered in the period since your last essay (so The Tempest through Wordsworth). 

If you choose two different texts, you should do so comparatively. How do these texts imagine Britain differently? In what ways are they the same? What might this say about either authors’ understanding of Britain itself?

Format and Grading Criteria

Your essay including reflection should be 4-6 pages long. A successful essay should be focused on a specific and detailed analysis of a particular text. This project is worth 20% of your final grade.

Lateness Penalty

Unless I have approved a deadline extension in advance, late submissions will be lowered by a letter grade per 24-hour period. Late penalties begin immediately.   If you want an extension, you must contact us at least 24 hours before the paper is due.