The Nathaniel Hawthorne Research Essay

This post is NOT complete.  Check back periodically over the next couple of days for updates and information.

By Monday, October 13, students on the Macon Campus should have their topic chosen for their paper, and should have completed some preliminary reading.

Rough Hewn Topics (these may be polished in the coming days):

• Discuss Hawthorne's attitude toward his own self-imposed solitude and explain through specific examples how that attitude is reflected in at least two of the three works read and discussed in class
• Hawthorne referred to the writer's imagination as a place where the "Actual and Imaginary" may meet. What did the author mean by this phrase?  In what way do the stories we've read and discussed reflect this concept?  
• Hawthorne suggested that his stories be read "in the clear brown, twilight atmosphere in which it was written."  Discuss what Hawthorne meant in this regard and through the stories we've read give examples.
• Explore the term "dark romantics" in American literature. You may want to watch the video, the Introduction to the Dark Romantics, (approx. 6 min.). Once you have determined the primary characteristics, re-examine the works of Hawthorne that we've read. From specific examples in all three of his stories, explain why Hawthorne falls into this category.

REMEMBER:  This research essay counts 20% of your grade.  What I am most looking for in this essay [Rubric to follow]:

• That these stories have been read and studied thoroughly, with a focus on one of the above topics--no incorrect names, no confusion in characters and stories, no misspelled author or character name; no incorrect episodes; no story summary.
• The student's goal in the first portion of the essay is to convey an explanation of the topic--e.g., Hawthorne's attitude toward solitude; the importance of the "Actual and Imaginary" to all writers, specifically Hawthorne; the "twilight atmosphere" for the reader and writer;  what is meant by the "dark Romantics"
• next the student should exam each of the stories by Hawthorne that we read and using examples from each story, explain how said story illustrates the chosen topic
• students are expected to use research to help support their own analysis--do not expect the research to write the paper for you; the research comes after your own close reading and analysis of the stories
• use correct MLA format to cite information within the text of the paper--these are called internal citations--two references can help: MLA in-text citations and your textbook, page 1504, " Documenting Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism"

INTERNAL CITATION from the introduction to Hawthorne; this introduction was written by the editor of your book, Michael Meyer:

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s interest in writing stories that focus on the effect of isolation on the individual may have originated in his own “twelve years” that he spent in solitude, refraining from interaction with his New England community ("Nathaniel Hawthorne, Dark Romantic.").

INTERNAL CITATION which indicates that Michael Meyer is the author and thus eliminates his name in parentheses at the end of the sentence—note that the page number is still necessary:

In his introduction to Nathaniel Hawthorne, Michael Meyer relates that the author spent “twelve years” in solitude, uninvolved with his community (313).

• use correct MLA format to create a works cited page at the end of the paper; for help, see " Documenting Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism," page 1506 in your textbook or Works Cited: The Basics  and by all means use Easybib

 References--at least 5 should be incorporated into your essay:

• Each story covered in your essay should be a separate reference from which you draw relevant, specific examples, details and quotes to support your thesis statement.(at least 2 out of 3)
• In addition to each story, read the introduction by Michael Meyer closely, carefully selecting relevant information that can assist in the introduction or body of the your paper.
• Plan to use relevant information in at least one of the short letters or essays by Hawthorne that follow his stories in the textbook and integrate this into the text of your paper.
• Use at least one reference from the links below or from information you find on your topic.

NOTE:  I've read Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, 123helpme.com, and "Analysis of Three of Hawthorne's Works on Solitude and Isolation."  Please do not use these, cited or uncited. YOUR work is can be better and more accurate. In addition, using any these does not provide YOU with an opportunity to learn. (Yes, I know it can be painful, but I also know you are capable.)

Be paranoid in making sure ALL references are correctly cited; if I find any portion of your paper has been plagiarized, it's counts as two zeros, which means you fail the class.

Links that may help--these are not as scholarly as one would use in an American Lit. class focused on Hawthorne:

"The Solitude of Nathaniel Hawthorne" from The Atlantic 

A General Reference to Hawthorne

The Dark Romantics

There is a  portion of Bloom's book on Google play:  Writing About Hawthorne