GRADE ENGLISH 3- AMERICAN LITERATURE

THEME: The Roles of Women in Fiction from the Late 19th and Early 20th Century

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries female authors wrote compelling literature with female protagonists. Examine the literature read in class and address the roles of women during this time using the text sources below. Specifically address how the roles of women related to freedom, identity, independence, or escape using at least three of the texts read in class and notes from the film “Their Eyes Were Watching God” based on the novel by Zora Neale Hurston (Use at least three texts to develop the thesis and explain the evidence.)

Text 1: “A Wagner Matinee” by Willa Cather pp. 694-703 Text 2: “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin pp. 760-763 Text 3: “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston handout Film: “Their Eyes Were Watching God” original story by Zora Neale Hurston (student notes) Text 4: “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman pp. 768-783 Text 5: “April Showers” by Edith Wharton pp 792-800

Remember, a good essay: Has a clear introduction States a thesis/topic clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully Uses specific evidence from the text to support and develop the topic and explains the

evidence Concludes effectively Uses precise language Shows control over conventions

You will have 120 minutes to complete this reading/thinking/writing task. The essay will have a single draft, and you may want to take some time to plan your writing before you begin work. When you have finished, be sure to proofread.