As we have seen, discussed, and read about, tensions between the realities of slavery and the ideals of freedom inform much American writing during the period between 1820-1865. Many writers responded to and talked back to: 1.) the nation’s founding documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, etc.); 2.) the ideals of the American Revolution; and 3.) the Founding Fathers (Thomas Jefferson, particularly). Slavery also raised questions about patriarchy and women’s rights.
For this assignment, select one of the texts included in the cluster, “Slavery, Race, and the Making of American Literature.” After briefly identifying the author(s) and date written/published and providing a short summary, discuss the ways in which this text responds to or talks back to one or more of the above.
Guidelines:
Length: a minimum of 2 full pages, typed & double-spaced
Format: MLA format (12-point Times New Roman font, heading, etc.)
Citations: You should follow MLA guidelines and use in-text (parenthetical) citations, as well as a list of Works Cited
Due: Friday, 10/23 by 11:59 PM
Submission: Papers should be uploaded to the shared Google Drive folder (EN 305 (Fall 2020) in the folder for this assignment (Weekly Short Assignment #7) by the due date.