Mr. Blankenship

Heart of Darkness essay topics

Heart of Darkness essay topics

1. What similarities exist between Heart of Darkness and “At Play in the Fields of the Lord”? How does the White Man’s Burden impact both stories? What makes one culture believe it is superior to another? Should one society impose its standards on another?

2. What thematic parallels exist between Heart of Darkness and Lord of the Flies? Suggestions: effects of isolation and the true nature of man.

3. What is the true essence of human nature? Are we good or are we bad? Do we learn to adjust to and accept our own society’s rules and regulations simply because we have to? In an environment void of restrictions or boundaries, how would we behave? How does this apply to Heart of Darkness?

4. Address the psychological aspect of Heart of Darkness. How is this book the study of one man’s psyche? Is Mr. Kurtz the central character? What about Marlow? How did what he witnessed affect him? Who is affected the most by the jungle experience? What about other characters: Fresleven, the young Swede, the Central Station manager, the Russian assistant, the chief accountant?

5. Address the theme of symbolism in Heart of Darkness, specifically the symbolic value of the colors black and white. In what way is black considered to be “good” and white considered to be “bad”? What point is Conrad attempting to make with this type of reverse symbolism?

6. How does Conrad indicate that the White Man’s Burden has been prostituted into a convenient façade for the exploitative nature of colonialism? What is Conrad’s perspective on the uninvited invasion of native territories by European countries?

Rubaiyat essay prompt

HONORS BRIT. LIT. – Rubaiyat writing assessment

The Rubaiyat seems obviously a moderate-length carpe diem poem, an observation on the brief and finite limits of the individual’s life cycle. As such, should it be interpreted as a bittersweet lament? Or should analysis of the poem lean toward a look-on-the-bright-side, the-cup’s-half-full (wine cup—get it?) optimistic outlook?

There is a second level of analysis, however: WHY does Omar prefer drinking to thinking? What is he vainly searching for before ultimately taking refuge in a wine bottle on a daily basis? Why does he suspect that perhaps his efforts have been wasted? In his heart of hearts, what does Omar devoutly hope for? Lastly, how does this poem suggest that philosophy and spirituality are not diametrically opposed?

As you develop your paragraphs, make sure to include relevant references to other literary works, or people, or “isms” or scenarios you are familiar with so that you are making connections in your text to support your themes.

You are working in groups of 3 or 4 or 5 – this should be an indicator that the final product will be well-organized, well-discussed, supported and intellectual. 3 pages handwritten – boa sorte!

college essay topics for final exam

1. Evaluate a significant experience, risk you have taken or ethical dilemma you have faced, and its impact on you.

2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you.

3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe that influence.

4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

5. What idea, invention, discovery or creation do you think has had the biggest impact on your life so far? Explain.

6. If you were given one year to spend on behalf of others, what would you choose to do, and why?

7. What particular accomplishment up to this point in your life has given you the greatest satisfaction? Explain.

8. What personal characteristics do you most value in yourself?

9. First experiences can be defining. Cite a first experience that you have had and cite its impact on you.

10. Recall an occasion where you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do.

11. What has been your most profound or surprising intellectual experience?

12. Who is the voice of your generation and what message does he/she express? Do you agree with this message, and why?

13. Imagine you are the offspring of any two famous people. Who are your parents, and what qualities have they passed on to you?

14. If you had only $10 to plan a day’s adventure, where would you go, and whom would you take with you?

15. Pick a value or ideal that is important to you and describe a situation where you behaved in a manner that was inconsistent with that value.

16. If you could have invented anything from history, what would you pick, and why?

17. If you could wake up tomorrow and learn that the major newspaper headlines were about you, what would you want them to say, and why?

18. What troubles you most about the world around you?

19. What circumstances that you have been involved in have truly addressed moral or ethical issues?

20. Which disappointments or failures would most surprise family and friends if they learned how you felt?

College essay prompts for all classes

Download College.essay.topics

Outside opportunities for all classes

Students in World Lit. and Honors Brit. Lit. may attend designated outside opportunities for additional major grades.

All classes: a visit to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University to view the new Egyptian exhibit. Must take notes, write a summary and submit with ticket stub/time stamp receipt. Brit. Lit. classes must also visit European/English wing and take additional notes. Available through Oct. 31.

All classes: plays to be performed at the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern are available now. Through Oct. 2 are three comedies in repertory. Beginning Oct. 6 will be Macbeth. Write a review (NOT plot synopsis) of the play and submit with ticket stub. Go to www.shakespearetavern.com

Brit. Lit. only: Octoberfest in Helen. Students must party-hearty in the Festhalle in addition to other activities. Write summary of Bavarian Octoberfest experience, submit with proof of attendance.

Vocabulary story topics for all classes

Download Vocab.story.topics