Historical Criticism Creative Assignment Due Monday, October 19th, 2015

How does the work reflect the period in which it is written? Questions to Ask : How does the work reflect the period in which it is written? What literary or historical influences helped to shape the work? What were the common themes and motifs in the literature of the time period?

How important is the historical context to interpreting the work? What position is the author taking regarding the events or conditions of the time? What are some of the situations and references in the work that are specific to society and culture at the time?

Homework Assignment: You are a writer for the literary magazine, The New Yorker. Your editor, Kylene Nash – Blasingame, has come to you with an idea for a piece. According to some reliable sources, the writing of Edgar Allan Poe has experienced a resurgence and is flying off the shelves at book stores all around the country. Kylene would like for you to write a piece where you examine one of Poe’s pieces for the historical significance of the piece (utilize the historical lens) as well as examine how the piece is relevant to today (causing it to fly off the bookshelves).

Expectations This needs to be at least a page in length TYPED. You must explore at least 3 of the questions of the historical lens within your piece. You must utilize textual evidence to support your assertions. Lastly, you must make a connection with an aspect of society today. This needs to be explained thoroughly. Please find a resource you can utilize to back up your claims. Please incorporate textual evidence from this resource to support your assertions. Please create a works cited for your resources. Extra Credit: I will give 10 additional points on top of your grade if you can tie Hamlet, this short story, and an aspect of our society today together. You must be able to support (with textual evidence your assertions).