English Literature to 1800

Pope

2006-05-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

How would you describe Pope's perspective of the middle ages in "Eloisa to Abelard"? What is your reaction to his characterization of life during that time?

Herrick and Behn

2006-04-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

Describe a way in which Herrick or Behn adapts or responds to the poetry of earlier writers.

Milton's prose

2006-04-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Based on what you have read of Paradise Lost, how do you think that Milton's portrayal of evil differs from Marlowe's? Be specific.

Mary Wroth

2006-04-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

Do you think that Wroth uses language in a way that is significantly different from other lyric poets you've read in this class or not? Give details from the poetry to support your answer.

Donne

2006-04-17T08:19:00.000-07:00

Choose a line from one of Donne's poems and explain why you think that it's the most important one you've read. No two students may choose the same line.

Sonnets

2006-03-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

Which of Shakespeare's sonnets do you think has dated the most? That is, which one do you think is least likely to be appreciated by a contemporary audience, and why?

Faustus

2006-03-27T06:09:00.000-08:00

Do you think that it's Faustus's intelligence that causes his downfall in Marlowe's play or some other attribute? Explain.

Stella

2006-03-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Based on what you have read, how would you describe Stella? Give as much detail as you can.

Wyatt vs. Surrey

2006-03-20T07:35:00.000-08:00

Using specific references to the poems, explain who you think is the better sonnet writer, Wyatt or Surrey, and why.

Everyman

2006-03-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Do you think that the drama Everyman provides effective advice today or not?

Fall of Camelot

2006-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

Based on what you've read of Malory, who or what is responsible for the fall of Camelot and the destruction of Arthur's court?

Julian of Norwich

2006-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

How do you think Julian of Norwich's visions compare to The Dream of the Rood?

Lines

2006-02-28T08:05:00.000-08:00

What do you think is the most significant line in the section of Piers Plowman you read and why? Note: to receive credit, you must choose a line not chosen by any other student in the class.

A Moral Tale

2006-02-23T07:55:00.000-08:00

The pardoner claims that in spite of his personal life, he can tell a moral tale that saves souls. Do you think he's right or wrong? Does he succeed or fail at this goal in The Pardoner's Tale?

The Miller's Tale

2006-02-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Choose one of the characters from the Miller's Tale and explain the significance, if any, of his or her name to the theme of the tale.

Magic

2006-02-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Based on the Arthurian poems you've read, what is the nature and function of magic in romance?

Justice

2006-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

How do you think that justice is defined in Lanval?

Tristan

2006-02-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

Based on the excerpt you're reading for this course, how would you explain the popularity of the legend of Tristan?

The Treasure

2006-02-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

Is Wiglaf right or wrong to bury the dragon's treasure with Beowulf? Why?

Interpolated stories

2006-02-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

The poem Beowulf has a number of digressions or interpolated stories that interrupt the plot of the central narrative. Choose one of these and explain its significance to the rest of the poem.

Old English protagonists

2006-01-31T04:17:00.000-08:00

What do you think are the most important characteristics shared by the narrator of "The Dream of the Rood," Judith and The Wanderer?