Select TWO characters that we have read about so far this term from the following lists (one per literary piece). Choose one character from Tartuffe, (Orgon, Dorine, Elmire, Marianne) and one from The Death of Ivan Ilyich, (Ivan, Praskovya, and Gerasim). If you would prefer to write about The Proposer in “A Modest Proposal” and Rousseau, the character, in Confessions, please remember you are writing about the character you see and NOT the men who actually wrote the literary pieces.

Create an argument based on the essay prompt in bold below. Discuss what you read about these characters’ or people’s pursuits of a different life. You are only allowed to use your textbook (NO outside sources are allowed). You may use quotes from the text, but do not include more than 20% quotes or summation of a story or situation.

Remember, you want to develop an argument in your introduction that culminates in a strong thesis. The thesis is the idea you want the reader to consider after he or she reads your essay. You will have main points that support your argument throughout your essay. You might use a quote or a summary of a part of your reading to support a main point, but you want most of your essay to be YOU. You have read these stories, memoirs, proposals, so now you are an expert on this subject. Trust yourself.

Creating an argument is much like a lawyer arguing a case. You are going to have your introduction that gives the reader an overall view of the essay. Within your introduction is the thesis, the main point you are arguing. You will use main points to support your thesis (body of your essay), and then you’ll have a conclusion that brings you to the point where the “defense rests.”

Your final version of your essay MUST be no fewer than 1500 words and no more than 1800. Essays will not be graded if they do not meet the minimum or exceed the maximum word count. The assignment is also attached if you would like to print it out.

All of our characters we have read about have been in search of something different in their lives. Using the two characters you select and analyze, develop an argument for the one you think was most successful at achieving the “life” he or she desired and why. Use the analysis to help argue your point. Here are some aspects you might analyze for the two characters that you selected. (You do not have use these…you may use others or some of these.)

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Morals and Values
• Respect for others

{Analysis may also be called compare and contrast.)

Please review the following information:

• Please make sure you have at least 1300 of the 1500 word minimum in order to receive credit.
• No outside sources allowed.