Women’s Literature
Literature Assignment 3
Directions: Only use Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women: The Traditions in English. 3rd ed., vol. 1, W.W. Norton & Co., 2007 as a source. No other sources allowed. The sources/readings from the book are in the attachments. Also see the examples from the attachments guide. Read the introduction to the literature of the 19th Century and the introduction to the turn of the century and the Early 20th Century. Also read the works by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Emily Dickinson, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Florence Nightingale. They are in the attachments. Each essay question must read a minimum of 400-500 words with 3-4 properly integrated quotations and MLA in-text citations. A proper Work Cited must also be included that reflects sources as a Work in an Anthology. Review MLA rules this work cited entry approach. See model essay questions/responses posted for correct formatting and to understand academic standards for essay responses. For essay questions, any of the following questions may appear on the exam:
Essay Questions:
1. In 350-450 words, explain the importance of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s quote, “In thought and sympathy we were one” in relation to the convention she organized (detail when/where and why) and explain the impact of her work upon United States history.
2. Choose your favorite Emily Dickinson poem. Paraphrase the poem and share a personal interpretation of how this poem remains important to women today.
3. After reading Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wall Paper” explain the meaning of the text and your personal understanding of Gilman’s intention. Then, read her essay, “Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper?” and explain how her essay adds or changes your original interpretation
4. Review the life of Florence Nightingale and the significance of her choices as they impacted her family life and society.
Pages to Works:
Introduction to the literature of the 19th century: 407-432
Introduction to the Turn of the Century and the Early 20th Century: 1157-1178
Elizabeth Cady Stanton: 630-632
Emily Dickinson: 1037-1041 (Use Poem 13)
Charlotte Perkins Gilman: 1388-1404
Florence Nightingale: 1015-1024