Library of Suggested Reading - Fiction

Preface:  The works in these School House Books Libraries have appeared on various lists greatest works;   most have won awards for literary excellence; all are great writing.   A concerted effort has been made to represent women fairly, to represent a wide variety of subject matter, and to represent all of the diverse cultures of our nation.  Most importantly, these works all deserve scrutiny:   their richness of thought and diverse manipulations of language challenge the reader;  and their style is worthy of emulation.

Drama of Literary Merit

Note: Questions which offer practice comparing one element of fiction to the whole work are typed in green.

Aeschylus, The Eumenides    This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

The Oresteia;    This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Edward Albee, Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how one of Albee's plays confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Whoís Afraid of Virginia Woolf?    Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

The Zoo Story    In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Aristophanes, Choose a scene or character in one of Aristophanes plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Lysistrata    Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

Amiri Baraka, Four Black Revolutionary Plays : Experimental Death Unit 1, a Black Mass, Great Goodness of Life, Madheart.

Samuel Beckett, Choose a scene or character in one of Beckett's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Waiting for Godot  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole. Cascando and Other Short Dramatic Pieces.

Bertolt Brecht,  Mother Courage and Her Children  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

Anton Chekov, Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the play.

The Cherry Orchard;  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Sea Gull;    Uncle Vanya;    Anton Chekov : The Major Plays.

William Congreve,   A Concordance of Plays by William Congreve.

Euripides, Medea    Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Brian Friel, Dancing at Lughnasa   In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Susan Glaspell, TriflesAlthough not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer;    The Vicar of Wakefield.

Lorraine Hansberry,   A Raisin in the Sun  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This play uses contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.Les Blancs: The Collected Last Plays: The Drinking Gourd/What Use Are Flowers?
Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman,  You Can't Take It With You (1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama).
Lillian Hellman,   Watch on the Rhine  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

 The Little Foxes    This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

David Henry Hwang, Golden Child;     Madame Butterfly;  Bondage;    The Dance and the Railroad and Family Devotions;    F.O.B./The House of Sleeping Beauties;  The Sound of a Voice;    Trying to Find Chinatown; Broken Promises: Four Plays;    Fob and Other Plays.

Eugene Ionesco, Rhinoceros;  Bald Soprano

Henrik Isben,   Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in a play.

A Doll's House  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.

Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

This play uses contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

This novel highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

An Enemy of the People Analyze the recurring theme seen in this play of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Hedda Gabler   Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the bisis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

The Wild Duck;

The Master Builder.

Ben Jonson,  Choose a scene or character in one of Johnson's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)

Bartholomew Fair;    Catiline;  Every Man in His Humor;  Sejanus;

Volpone   Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.

Christopher Marlower, Doctor Faustus  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

Arthur Miller, Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in a play.

Death of a Salesman  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

The Crucible  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.

Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

All My Sons   This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Moliere, Choose a scene or character in one of Moliere's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Tartuffe  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

The Misanthrope    In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

Sean O'Casey, Plays One : Juno and the Paycock, Within the Gates,  Red Roses for Me, Cock-A-Doodle Dandy.

Eugene O'Neill, Desire Under the Elms  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.

The Hairy Ape   In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.

 Long Day's Journey Into Night   This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

The Emperor Jones.

John Pielmeier, Agnes of God  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Harold Pinter,  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the play.

Choose a scene or character in one of Pinter's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

The Birthday Party    In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.

This play includes a scene of social occasionófor example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

The Homecoming    This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Luigi Pirandello, Naked Masks: Five Plays.

Jean Racine,    Phedre  In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

Peter Shaffer,    Equus   In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

In this play, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

William Shakespeare, Choose a scene or character in one of Shakespeare's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

 A Midsummer Night's Dream    This play uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

Anthony and Cleopatra   Analyze the recurring theme seen in this play of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

This play uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

As You Like It  In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

Hamlet  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

This play includes a scene of social occasionófor example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Henry IV, Part 1;  This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Henry IV, Part 2;

Julius Caesur  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this play confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This play includes a scene of social occasionófor example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

King Lear   Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this play confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.

This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

In this play, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.

Macbeth  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.

In this play, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

The Merchant of Venice    This play uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Much Ado About Nothing  This play includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

Othello  Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the bisis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Richard III Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the bisis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

Romeo and Juliet  This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

This play includes a scene of social occasionófor example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

Twelfth Night  In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

The Winter's Tale  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.

George Bernard Shaw,  Choose a scene or character in one of Shaw's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Androcles and the Lion: An Old Fable Renovated;

Man and Superman   Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this poem is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.

Major Barbara  Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the bisis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

Mrs. Warren's Profession   Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Pygmalion   In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

Saint Joan   This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Richard Brinsley Sheridan,  Rivals;   School for Scandal.

Sophocles,    Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the play.)

Ajax;

Antigone  Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the basis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

Analyze the recurring theme seen in this play of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

Oedipus Rex  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

The Tempest    This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

Tom Stoppard, Choose a scene or character in one of Stoppard's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)

The Invention of Love;    Arcadia;

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this poem is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

Zoot Suit and Other Plays.

Anthony Trollope,  Choose a scene or character in one of Trollope's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

The Warden   This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

Luis Valdez, Zoot Suit    This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Voltaire, Choose a scene or character in one of Voltaire's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Candide    Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.

This play uses contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

Oscar Wilde, Choose a scene or character in one of Wilde's plays that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.

Complete Works of Oscar Wilde: Stories, Plays, Poems and Essays;    Collins Complete Works of Oscar Wilde: Centenary Edition.

Thorton Wilder,    Our Town    This play includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
Tennessee Williams, Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the play.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof   Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

The Glass Menagerie  In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

In this play, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.

This play includes a scene of social occasionófor example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

A Streetcar Named Desire  This play depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This play uses contrasting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

In this play, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.

In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.      Cat on a Hot Tin Roof;    Baby Doll & Tiger Tail.

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

The Piano Lesson (1990 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)   This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

In this play, a characterónot necessarily the protagonistóis pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

Expository Prose of Literary Merit

Note: Questions which offer practice comparing one element of fiction to the whole work are typed in green.  Comparison and Contrast questions are typed in blue.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719),  Coverley Papers From The Spectator.
Gloria Anzaldua,  Friends from the Other Side/Amigos Del Otro Lado;  Prietita and the Ghost Woman: Prietita Y LA Llorona; LA Prieta.
Matthew Arnold,    Culture and Anarchy and Other Writings.
James Baldwin, Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in one of Baldwin's works.

Another Country    This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Go Tell It on the Mountain  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Native Son  Choose a complex character from this play who mightóon the basis of the character's actions aloneóbe considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.

Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.

This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

James Boswell (1740 - 1795),  Life of Johnson   Comparison and Contrast Essay Prompt:  Read the following passage carefully.  Then wite a well-organized essay that discusses the way Boswell differentiates between the writings of Joseph Addison and Samual Johnson.  In your essay, analyze Boswell's views of both writers and the devices he uses to convey those views.

Carlos Bulosan,  America Is in the Heart    This autobiography highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.

Jesus Colon,  The Way It Was and Other Writings.

J. Hector St. John De Crevecoeur,  Letters from an American Farmer ; And, Sketches of Eighteenth-Century America   Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.

Joan Didion, Slouching Towards Bethlehem;    The White Album;    Play It As It Lays;    After Henry;    A Book of Common Prayer;    The Last Thing He Wanted;    Miami;    Salvador;    Democracy;    Run River.
Ralph Waldo Emerson,  Selected Works and Commentary;     Self-Reliance;The American Scholar;    The Conduct of Life;    Essays: First Series (1841);    Essays: Second Series;    The Method of Nature;    Representative Man;    The Young American;    Divinity School Address;    Man The Reformer;    Nature; Addresses and Lectures (1849).
William Hazlitt,    Offspring of Thought in Solitude;    The Plain Speaker : The Key Essays;    Selected Writings;    The Selected Writings of William Hazlitt.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784),Diaries, Prayers and Annals.
Charles Lamb,    Lamb's Criticism: A Selection From The Literary Criticism Of Charles Lamb;    The Letters of Charles and Mary Anne Lamb, 1809-1817.
Norman Mailer,  Advertisements for Myself;    An American Dream;  Ancient Evenings.
Mary McCarthy,    The Group;     Birds of America;    Cannibals and Missionaries.
H. L. Mencken,  H. L. Mencken Revisited;    Happy Days, 1880-1892;Heathen Days: 1890-1936;     Mencken Chrestomathy;On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe;    Prejudices: A Selection;     A Second Mencken Chrestomathy;Treatise on the Gods;    The Vintage Mencken;        A Book of Prefaces;        A Choice of Days: Essays from Happy Days, Newspaper Days, and Heathen Days;        In Defense of Women.
John Stuart Mill,    Autobiography.
George Orwell (1903-1950), Politics and the English Language;  A Letter on the Death of his Mother.
Richard Steele,   Selections from "The Tatler" & "The Spectator"
Lytton Strachey,Biographical Essays  Eminent Victorians.
Lewis Thomas, Elementary Turkish;    Et Cetera, Et Cetera : Notes of a Word-Watcher;    The Fragile Species.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862),  Cape Cod;     Walden and Civil Disobedience  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.)Life Without Principle;    The Maine Woods;    Slavery in Massachusetts;  Walden;    Walking;    A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers.
Barbara Tuchman,   The Guns of August;    March of Folly : From Troy to Vietnam;    A Distant Mirror : The Calamitous 14th Century.
Virginia Woolf,   Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the play

A Room of One's Own  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.

The Voyage Out, 1915;

To the Lighthouse  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.

Jacob's Room;   Between the Acts;     Captains Death Bed and Other Essays.

Fiction (Novels and Short Stories) of Literary Merit

Note: Questions which offer practice comparing one element of fiction to the whole work are typed in green.  Comparison and Contrast questions are typed in blue.

Chinua Achebe,  Things Fall Apart    This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

This novel includes a scene of social occasion

for example, weddings, funerals, partiesówhich reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.

Kingsley Amis,   The Green Man;    The Alteration;    The Anti-Death League.

Rudolfo Anaya,   Bless Me, Ultima   This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.

This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Margaret Atwood,  (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Atwood's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) Alias Grace   (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.) The Handmaid's Tale   (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's." Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)
Cat's Eye  (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.)
Jane Austen, (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.     1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Austen's's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) Emma    (1984 Passage Prompt:  Read the excerpt from Emma carefully.  Then write a coherent essay showing how this passage provides a characterization and evaluation of Emma more than of Harriet.  1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.) Mansfield Park,  (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.) Persuasion    (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.) Pride and Prejudice (1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.   1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Saul Bellow, (1976 Nobel Prize for Literature)  The Actual: A Novella;   Henderson the Rain King.
Emily Bronte,  (1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.)   Wuthering Heights (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.  1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.    1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole. 1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Charlotte Bronte,  Jane Eyre (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.  1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Albert Camus,   The Stranger.  (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)  The Fall   (1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.)
Lan Cao,    Monkey Bridge     (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Willa Cather,  My Antonia;    One of Ours (1923 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction).
Miguel De Cervantes,  (1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in a longer poem.) Don Quixote    (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.     2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Sandra Cisneros,Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories  (1995 Passage Prompt:  Read the short story carefully.  Then write an essay analyzing how the author, Sandra Cisneros, uses literary techniques to characterize Rachel.); The House on Mango Street.
John Cheever,The Stories of John Cheever  (1988 Passage Prompt:  Read the complete short story "The Reunion" carefully.  Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze the blend of humor, pathos, and the grotesque in the story.);  The Wapshot Chronicle;   Bullet Park.
Kate Chopin,    The Awakening     (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.  1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Collette,    Collected Stories of Colette.
Joseph Conrad,  Lord Jim (1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)      Heart of Darkness (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.)1989 Passage Prompt:  Read the following passage carefully.  Then write an essay that describes the attitude of the speaker toward Captain MacWhirr and that analyzes the techniques the speaker uses to define the captain's character.)    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.  1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Stephan Crane,   Maggie, A Girl of the Streets;      The Red Badge of Courage.
Robertson Davies,  A Fifth Business    (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Anita Desai,    Diamond Dust: Stories;    Clear Light of Day;    Baumgartner's Bombay.
Daniel DeFoe,  Moll Flanders  (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.  (1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Charles Dickens,  (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.  1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.  1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the novel.) A Tale of Two Cities   (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.)    Bleak House  (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.   2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)    Dombey and Son (1986 Passage Prompt:  The passage below is the opening of the novel.  Read the passage carefully.  The write an essay in which you define the narrator's attitude toward the characters and show how he directs the reader's perceptions of those characters through his use of such stylistic devices as imagery, diction, narrative structure, and choice of specific details.);   Great Expectations (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.   1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.    1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)   Hard Times     (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.) Little Dorrit;    The Pickwick Papers;    David Copperfield; (1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.) Our Mutual Friend    (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.) Oliver Twist.
Fyodor Dostoevsky,  Crime and Punishment  (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.   1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary. 1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.   1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)   Notes from the Underground     (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)  The Brothers Karamozov  (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)
Theodore Drieser,  An American Tragedy  (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.     1995 Open Question:  This novel highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)  Sister Carie    (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.)
George Eliot,    Mill on the Floss    (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary. 1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)Adam Bede   (1987 Passage:  In this excerpt, George Eliot presents a conception of leisure that has lost its place in the society of her own time--1859.  Write an essay in which you describe her views of "Old Leisure" and on leisure in the society of her time and discuss the stylistic devices she uses to convey those views.);   Middlemarch (1998 Passage Prompt:  read carefully the excerpt from Middlemarch.  Then write an essay in which you characterize the narrator's attituse toward Dorthea Brooke and analyze the literary techniques used to convey this attitude.  Support your analysis with specific references to the text.) (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Ralph Ellison,   (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards. 1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.)  Invisible Man (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.    1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole. 1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Louise Erdich,    The Chippewa Landscape of Louise Erdich;   Grandmother's Pigeon.
William Faulkner, (1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the novel.) Absalom, Absalom (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.    1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Faulkner's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.   2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)    Light in August (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.  1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)  As I Lay Dying  (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.   1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary. 1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.) The Sound and the Fury   (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Henry Fielding,  (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards. 1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.    1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Fielding's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) Tom Jones   (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)(2001 Passage Prompt:  Read the passage taken from Tom Jones.  In this scene, which occurs early in the novel, Squire Allworthy discovers an infant in his bed.  Read the passage carefully.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the techniques that Fielding employs to characterize Mr. Allworthy and Mrs. Deborah Wilkins.)   (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.) Joseph Andrews    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.)
F. Scott Fitzgerald, (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards)  The Great Gatsby (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.   1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Gustave Flaubert,  Madame Bovary  (1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.)
Ford Maddox Ford, The Good Soldier.
Richard Ford, Independence Day  (1996 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction).
E. M. Forster, (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.  1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.) A Passage to India (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)   Passage to India:     Notes .
Ernest J. Gaines,  A Gathering of Old Men    (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)    A Lesson Before Dying  (1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
William Golding,    Lord of the Flies    (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)
Nadine Gordimer,  July's People
Graham Greene, Brighton Rock  (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.)   The Heart of the Matter (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.)   The Power and the Glory    (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
David Guterson,  Snow Falling on Cedars    (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Thomas Hardy,  Tess of the d'Urbervilles;  (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.)  Far From the Madding Crowd;  Jude the Obscure (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.  1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.    1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.) Mayor of Casterbridge    (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)      Return of the Native.
Nathanel Hawthorne, (1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the novel.)  The House of the Seven Gables  (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)   (1996 Passage Prompt:  Read the following excerpt from the novel.  Then write a careful analysis of how the narrator reveals the character of Judge Pyncheon.  You may emphasize whichever devices (e.g. tone, selection of detail, syntax, point of view) you find most significant.) The Scarlet Letter (1971 Open Question:  Show how the author developes the significance of the title through the use of such devices as contrast, repetition, allusion, and point of view.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.  1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Robert Heinlein,  Stranger in a Strange Land.
Joseph Heller,   (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.  1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.) Catch 22  (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.  1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well- organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Ernest Hemingway,    The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway;    The Sun Also Rises    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)    A Farewell to Arms    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)     Across The River & Into The Trees.
Herman Hesse,  (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's
standards) Siddhartha;    Steppenwolf.
Zora Neal Hurston, (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Hurston's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)   Their Eyes Were Watching God     (1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)
Aldous Huxley,  (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Huxley's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) Brave New World    (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)
Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day   (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Henry James,   (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.  1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.    1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of James's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)  Daisy Miller     (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)The Portrait of a Lady    (1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)    The Turn of the Screw   (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.    1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.) Washington Square    (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)     The American;   The Europeans.
Sarah Orne Jewett, The Country of the Pointed Firs : And Other Stories;    A Country Doctor;     A White Heron and Other New England Tales (1994 Passage Prompt:  Read the excerpt carefully.  Then write an essay showing how the author dramatizes the young heroine's adventure.  Consider such literary elements as diction, imagery, narrative pace, and point of view.)
James Joyce,   (1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the novel.) A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man  (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot. 1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this poem is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.  1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.   1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)  "Eveline" from Dubliners (1972 Passage Prompt:  Write an essay in which you explain how the author prepares his reader for Eveline's inability or unwillingness to sail to South Africa with Frank.  Consider at least two element of fiction such as theme, symbol, setting, image, characterization, or any other aspects of the narrative artist's craft.)  Ulysses.
Franz Kafka,  (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Kafka's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)  The Trial    (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)    The Metamorphosis    (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)
Ken Kesey,    One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest    (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Maxine Hong Kingston,    The Woman Warrior : Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts   (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.)   Tripmaster Monkey : His Fake Book;    China Men.
Joy Kogawa, Obasan(1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)   A choice of Dreams;     Itsuka;    Jericho;    Naomi's Road;   The Rain Ascends.
John Knowles, A Separate Peace   (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)
Joy Kogawa, Obasan(Read carefully the excerpt from Obason, a novel about the relocation of Japanese Canadians to internment camps during WWII.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how changes in style and perspective reflect the narrator's complex attitude toward the past.  In your analysis, consider literary elements such as point of view, structure, selection of detail, and figurative speech.)
Par F. Lagerkvist,  The Marriage Feast (1975 Passage Prompt:  Read the short story carefully.  Then write a well-organized essay in which you define and discuss the subject of the story.  Direct your remarks to the significance of the events described.  Support your argument with specific references to the text.)
Margaret Laurence, (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Laurence's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) The Stone Angel;    The Diviners  (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)The Stone Angel  (1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)
D. H. Lawrence, Aaron's Rod;     Apocalypse and the Writings on Revelation;    Birds, Beasts and Flowers;     The Boy in the Bush;  Complete Poems;    The Complete Short Stories; The Cornish Nightmare;    Sons and Lovers  (1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.    1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)
Chang-Rae Lee,    Native Speaker   (1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Ursula K. LeGuin, Left Hand of Darkness.
Sinclair Lewis,    Main Street    (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.)
Norman Mailer,  Armies of the Night  (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.)
Bernard Malamud,  The Fixer (1967 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction), the Natural, the Assistant -- The Complete Stories;  God's Grace;    A New Life;   The People and Uncollected Stories;    Talking Horse: Bernard Malamud on Life and Work;    The Tenants;El Hombre De Kiev.
Katherine Mansfield,    Bliss & Other Stories;    The Garden Party and Other Stories.
Paule Marshall, Praisesong for the Widow       (1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)
Gabriel Garcia Marquez,    One Hundred Years of Solitude  (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)   Love in the Time of Cholera;    Collected Stories;    The Autumn of the Patriarch;    Aventura de Miguel Littín;    Chronicle of a Death Foretold;    Cien años de soledad;    Collected Novellas : Leaf Storm, No One Writes to the Colonel, Chronicle of a Death Foretold ;    Collected Stories;    Cuentos 1947 - 1992;    Del Amor y Otros Demonios;    Doce Cuentos Peregrinos;    El amor en los tiempos del Colera ;    El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba.
Bobbie Ann Mason,   (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Mason's stories that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)Clear Springs : A Family Story;    In Country;    Midnight Magic: Selected Stories of Bobbie Ann Mason;        Feather Crowns : A Novel;    The Girl Sleuth;    In Country.
Cormac McCarthy,    All the Pretty Horses;    (1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)The Crossing;   (1999 Passage Prompt:  In the excerpt from the novel, The Crossing, the narrator describes a dramatic experience. Read the passage carefully.  Then write a well-organized essay that shows how McCarthy's techniques convey the impact of the experience on the main character.)   Cities of the Plain.
Hugh MacLennan,  The Watch that Ends the Night   (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)
Carson McCullers,  The Member of the Wedding     (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Herman Melville,    Bartleby the Scrivener;    Moby Dick  (1976 Open Question:  Analyze the conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority.  Discuss the moral and ethical implications that this conflict has for the individual and for society.  1978 Open Question:  Describe the major differences and similarites in a sequence of parallel or recurring events that occur in this play and discuss the significance of such events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.   1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary. 1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.   1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.) Billy Budd (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.   1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.  1983 Open Question:  Select an important character in this novel who is a villain.  Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze the nature of ther character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work .  Avoid plot summary.  Do not base your essay on a work that you know about only from having seen a television or movie production of it.   1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)  Benito Cereno  (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)
N. Scott Momaday,  House Made of Dawn     (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Toni Morrison, (1993 Noble Prize  for her Literature),  The Bluest Eye   (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)    The Big Box; Beloved (1988 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)    (1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.   2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.) Sula  (1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work. 1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.) Song of Solomon  (1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this poem is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.    1988 Open Question:  Some of the most significant events in this work is mental or psychological;  for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness.  In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to gives these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external events.  Do not merely summarize the plot.     1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Bharati Mukherjee,     Jasmine(1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Iris Murdoch,
Vladimir Nabokov,  (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in one of Nabakov's stories are affected by society's standards. 1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.  1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Nabokov's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)    Pale Fire    (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.) Pnin    (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
V. S. Naipaul, Way in the World: A Novel;     The Enigma of Arrival.
Gloria Naylor,    Mama Day;    Bailey's Cafe
Tim O'Brien, Going After Cacciato    (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)In the Lake of the Woods  (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)       Things They Carried
Flannery O'Connor,    Wise Blood  (1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    1995 Open Question:  This novel highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)   A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories;    The Complete Stories.
John Okada, No-No Boy    (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Tillie Olsen,   Tell Me a Riddle  (In the following excerpt from the ending and the beginning of Tillie Olson's story "I Stand Her Ironing," a mother's reflections are prompted by another person's concerns about her daughter.  Read the passage carefully.  Then write an essay in which you analyze the narrative techniques and other resources of language Olsen uses to characterize the mother and the mother's attitude toward her daughter.);    Mother to Daughter, Daughter to Mother: Mothers on  Mothering: A Daybook and Reader.
Michael Ondaatje,  Coming Through Slaughter    (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
George Orwell,  (1977 Open Question:  Show how a character's attempts to recapture or reject the past is used to develop an important theme in the novel.)  1984  (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.    (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.)  Coming Up for Air;    Burmese Days.
Cynthia Ozick,    The Shawl ;    A Cynthia Ozick Reader .
Alan Paton, Cry the Beloved Country  (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.    1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.)
Walker Percy,     (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Percy's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)  The Moviegoer.
Katherine Anne Porter,     The Collected Stories of Katherine Anne Porter : The Cracked Looking Glass/the Grave/Magic/Flowering Judas.
Annie Proulx, The Shipping News    (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Barbara Pym,    A Few Green Leaves;    Jane and Prudence;    Excellent Women.
Jean Rhys, Wide Sargasso Sea   (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.)  After Leaving Mr. MacKenzie ;    The Collected Short Stories.
Mordecai Richler,  (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Richler's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.) The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz     (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.)
J. D. Salinger,  The Catcher in the Rye      (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley,  Frankenstein    (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Marmon Silko,    Ceremony    (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.   1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole. 1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Upton Sinclair,    The Jungle    (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.)
Muriel Spark,    The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie   (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)
John Steinbeck,  (1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.) Grapes of Wrath  (1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.    1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.  1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.) Of Mice and Men   (2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.) The Sun Also Rises    (1995 Open Question:  This work highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Laurence Sterne,The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.
Harriet Beecher Stowe,  Uncle Tom's Cabin    (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.)
Jonathan Swift,  (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Swift's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)  Gulliver's Travels    (1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.   1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.    2001 Open Question:  In this novel, a character's apparent madness or irrational behavior plays an important role.  Write a well-organized essay in which you explain what this eccentric behavior consists of and how it might be judged reasonable.  Explain the significance of the madness to the work as a whole.)
Amy Tan,    The Joy Luck Club    (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Leo Tolstoy,  Anna Karenina;   (1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.    1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)   War and Peace.
Ivan Sergeevich Turgenev,   Fathers and Sons     (1990 Open Question:  This novel depicts a conflict between a parent or parental figure and a son or daughter.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes the sources of the conflict and explain how the conflict contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.)
Mark Twain,  (1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.    1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Twain's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)    Life on the Mississippi;   Innocents Abroad;  The Bridge-Builders;   The Prince and the Pauper;Pudd'nhead Wilson;   A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, 1889; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn  (1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work. 1982 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how this novel confronts the reader with a scene or scenes of violence.  Be sure to explain how these scenes contribute to the meaning of the work as a whole.  Avoid plot summary.    1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.   1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.    1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1995 Open Question:  This novel highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.    1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    (1999 Open Question:  In this novel, a character--not necessarily the protagonist--is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, ambitions, obligations, or influences.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies each conflicting force and explain how this plaguing conflict within one character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Anne Tyler,    Dinner at Homesick Restaurant    (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
John Updike,    The Centaur    (1981 Open Question:  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the meaning of this novel is enhanced by sustained allusions to myths, the Bible, or other works of literature.)  Rabbit is Rich (1982 Pulitzer Prize for Literature);  Rabbit at Rest  (1991 Pulitzer Prize for Literature).
Luisa Valenzuela,Cuentos Completos y uno más;    Aqui pasan cosas raras;   The Censors;    Bedside Manners;    Clara;    Lizard's Tail;    Symmetries : Stories;    Aqui pasan cosas raras;    Cambio De Armas;    Donde Viven Las Aguilas/Where Eagles Live;    El Silencio Que Habla: Aproximacion A La Obra.
Kurt Vonnegut,    Slaughterhouse Five    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work.)
Alice Walker,  By the Light of My Father's Smile;    The Color Purple    (1991 Open Question:  This novel uses contratsting places (for example, two countries, two cities or towns, two houses, or the land and the sea) to represent opposed forces or ideas that arecentral to the meaning of the work.  Write an essay explaining how the places differ, what each place represents, and how their contrast contributes to the overall meaning of the work. 1992 Open Question:  In this novel, a confidant (male) or a confidante (female) is used to be present when the hero or heroine needs a sympathetic listener to confide in.  Frequently, as Henry James puts it, this friend or relative of the protagonist can be as much "the reader's friend as the protagonist's."  Write an essay in which you discuss the various ways this character functions in the work.    1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1996 Open Question:  This work offers a happy ending through moral development.  Write a well-organized essay that identifies the moral reconciliation evident on the ending and analyze its significance in the work as a whole.    1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Robert Penn Warren,    All the King's Men    (2000 Open Question:  Although not usually identified with the detective story genre, this work does involve the investigation of a mystery.  Write an essay which identifies the mystery, explaining how the knowledge gained from the investigation illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.  Do not merely summarize the plot.)
Evelyn Waugh, (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards.    (1993 Open Question:  Choose a scene or character in one of Waugh's novels that awakens "thoughtful laughter."  Then write an essay in which you show why this laughter is thoughtful and how it contributes to the meaning of the work.)  The Loved One  (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)   A Handful of Dust;    Decline and Fall; Brideshead Revisited.
James Welch,  Fool's Crow;    Indian Lawyer;    Winter in the Blood   (1995 Open Question:  This novel highlights the values of a culture or a society by using characters who are alienated from that culture or society because of gender, race, class, or creed.  Write a well-organized essay that analyzes how the alienation of one character reveals the surrounding society's assumptions and moral values.)
Fay Weldon,The Life and Loves of a She-Devil;    Rhode Island Blues;    Affliction;    Big Girls Don't Cry;    Darcy's Utopia;    Down Among the Women;    The Fat Woman's Joke;    Female Friends;    A Hard Time to Be a Father;    Letters to Alice on First Reading Jane Austen ;    Life Force;    Splitting ;    Wicked Women : Stories;    Worst Fears;    Big Women.
Eudora Welty, Complete Novels: The Robber Bridegroom, Delta Wedding, The Ponder Heart, Losing Battles, The Optimist's Daughter (1973 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)  (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.) Delta Wedding     (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)
Nathan West,  Miss Lonelyhearts    (1989 Open Question:  In questioning the value of literary realism, Flannery O'Connor has written,  "I am interested in making a good case for distortion because I am coming to believe that it is the only way to make people see."  Write an essay in which you "make a good case for distortion," as distinct from literary realism. Analyze how important elements of this novel are "distorted" and explain how these distortions contribute to the effectiveness of this novel.  Avoid plot summary.)
Edith Wharton,  The Age of Innocence (1921 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)  (1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)Ethan Frome;   (1980 Open Question:  Analyze the recurring theme seen in this novel of the classic war between passion and responsibility.  For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive that may conflict with moral duty.  Then, in a well-written essay, show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.) The Buccaneers;   A Backward Glance;  The Custom of the Country.
John Edgar Wiedman,  Brothers and Keepers;    The Cattle Killing; Fatheralong: A Meditation on Fathers and Sons, Race and Society; Philadelphia Fire;     Sent for You Yesterday.
Virginia Woolf,  Mrs. Dalloway   (1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.  1994 Open Question:  In this novel, a character who appears briefly, or does not apppear at all, is a significant presence.  Write an essay that shows how this character functions in this work.  You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters.    1997 Open Question:  This novel includes a scene of social occasion--for example, weddings, funerals, parties--which reveals the values of the characters and the society in which they live.  In a focused essay, discuss the contribution the scene makes to the meaning of the work as a whole.)

Richard Wright,  (1970 Open Question:  Analyze how characters in the story are affected by society's standards. 1975 Open Question:  Show how the conventional or stereo-typed character is used to accomplish the author's purpose.)  Black Boy;    Native Son (1979 Open Question:  Choose a complex character from this play who might--on the bisis of the character's actions alone--be considered evil or immoral.  Then write a well-organized essay that analyzes how and why the full presentation of the character in the play makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might.  Avoid plot summary.    1987 Open Question:  Note the changes in social or political attitudes that are advocated in this novel.  Then analyze the techniques that the author uses to influence the reader's views.  Avoid plot summary.  Do  not write about a film or television program.)

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