2009 PROMPT A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.

2012 PROMPT “And, after all, our surroundings influence our lives and characters as much as fate, destiny or any supernatural agency.” Pauline Hopkins, Contending Forces Choose a novel or play in which cultural, physical, or geographical surroundings shape psychological or moral traits in a character. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how surroundings affect this character and illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole.

CREATING A THESIS STATEMENT USING MAD LIBS

1980 prompt: A recurring theme in literature is 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 may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well- written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work. Avoid plot summary

PARROT THE PROMPT In Fences, Troy Maxson undergoes “a classic war between passion and responsibility.” His private passion conflicts with his responsibility.

MAD LIB PROMPT RESPONSE In ____________’s ___________ _________________, (author) (genre) (title) _____________’s passion for __________________ (character) conflicts directly with his/her responsibility towards ____________, ultimately resulting in _______________________ and (effects on character) showing/revealing that________________________. (significance to work as a whole)

2012 PROMPT “And, after all, our surroundings influence our lives and characters as much as fate, destiny or any supernatural agency.” Pauline Hopkins, Contending Forces Choose a novel or play in which cultural, physical, or geographical surroundings shape psychological or moral traits in a character. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how surroundings affect this character and illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole.

PARROT THE PROMPT In Wuthering Heights, the cultural, physical, or geographical surroundings shape the psychological or moral traits in Heathcliff in a way that illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

MAD LIB PROMPT RESPONSE In ____________’s ___________ _________________, (author) (genre) (title) the ________________ setting helps to define the (cultural, physical, or geographical) _______________ traits in _____________ (word that describes the (character) psychological or moral trait) in order to reveal that________________________. (significance to work as a whole)

OPEN- ENDED PROMPT It has often been said that what we value can be determined only by what we sacrifice. Consider how this statement applies to a character from a novel or play. Select a character that has deliberately sacrificed, surrendered, or forfeited something in a way that highlights that character’s values. Then write a well- organized essay in which you analyze how the particular sacrifice illuminates the character’s values and provides a deeper understanding of the meaning of the work as a whole.

WEAK THESIS In Of Mice and Men, George makes sacrifices to help Lenny.

BETTER THESIS In his novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck advances his theme that the American dream is only accessible through extreme personal sacrifice by having George forfeit his desire for riches in order to allow Lenny to live a contented existence.