Question

You will read essays, short stories, and poetry by several of the most influential writers in the American literary tradition. For the assessment, you will write 2 to 3-paragraphs responding toone of the given prompts below.

PROMPT ONE

Choose one 19th century American poem or short story and one historical document.

Write to compare the ways in which each of these represents the changing popular idea of democracy from the time period in which it was written. Cite specific evidence from the literature to support your ideas.

PROMPT TWO

Choose one short story and one poem from the 19th century.

Write to compare the ways in which each of these may be considered representative of American culture during the time period in which it was written. Cite specific evidence from the literature to support your ideas.

SELECTIONS

Below is a list of reading selections that can be used for this assessment:

"The Story of an Hour" (1894) by Kate Chopin's (short story)
"How to Tell a Story" (1835-1910) by Mark Twain (short story)
"O Captain! My Captain!" (1865) by Walt Whitman (poem)
"The Martyr" (1865) by Herman Melville (poem)
"Ain't I a Woman" (1851)  by Sojourner Truth (historical document)
"Declaration of Sentiments" (1848) from the first women's rights convention (historical document)

Answer 1

The late 19th-century American literary works reflect the changing political, social, and cultural climate of the era, as seen in Walt Whitman's 'O Captain! My Captain!' and the 'Declaration of Sentiments'. Both highlight the era's evolving democracy—through personal expression and a call for expanded rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The American literary tradition of the late 19th century reflects a dynamic period of change in the United States, with evolution evident in political, social, and cultural realms. In comparing a 19th-century American poem to a historical document, we could analyze "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman—a poem reflecting the mood of the nation post-Civil War, portraying the loss of President Lincoln—and the "Declaration of Sentiments", a landmark document from the first women's rights convention. Both texts represent the era's changing ideas of democracy: Whitman's poem underscores the end of the Civil War and sentiments of unity and loss, while the Declaration highlights the emergence of women’s rights and the broadening concept of democratic equality.

Whitman's piece is an example of how personal expression and the concerns of the larger American society became intertwined in poetry. The rhythmic and somber tone of the poem reflects the national mood of mourning. On the other hand, the Declaration of Sentiments is a more direct political assertion, challenging the status quo and pushing for the expansion of democratic rights, specifically for women, showcasing the societal push towards greater inclusiveness and recognition of rights for all citizens.

Answer 2

This will be D. nature as an untamable force.

It tells the story of Captain Ahab and his quest for revenge on the white whale he could not catch.

This shows humans as often irrational and highly emotional.

Hope this helps and good luck!