TOPIC: The sentimental mode is used frequently by writers of the second half of the eighteenth century to invite readers to feel with the plight of the vulnerable and the victimized. Analyze the function and effectiveness of sentimental appeals in several of our course poems. The sentimental mode is used frequently by writers of the second half of the eighteenth century to invite readers to feel with the plight of the vulnerable and the victimized. Analyze the function and effectiveness of sentimental appeals in several of our course poems. The sentimental mode is used frequently by writers of the second half of the eighteenth century to invite readers to feel with the plight of the vulnerable and the victimized. Analyze the function and effectiveness of sentimental appeals in several of our course poems.
The poems you will be analyzing: The Introduction by ANNE FINCH and Saturday; The Smallpox (this is one poem and one title) by Lady Mary Montagu
Length: 2000-2500 words Due date: March 31 at start of class in hard copy
Format: MLA, as outlined in “Citation and Formatting Guidelines” (in Syllabus module)
Mark value: 30% of course grade (proposal 5% due Mar. 15 or 17; essay 25%)
Essay Instructions:
– note that each of the essay topics is broadly stated; you will need to focus your topic of
choice to a more specific subject that is suitable for an 8-page paper. Your essay must
discuss at least two of the course poets, and you must support your argument with specific
discussion of poems.
– you may also develop your own topic in consultation with me. Papers written on topics
not approved by me at the proposal stage will not be accepted for grading.
– your essay argument must be based on detailed analysis of several poems, but you are also
required to incorporate secondary sources. I recommend that you aim to use 2 or 3
relevant sources effectively rather than aiming for a lengthy works cited list. The critical
readings list for the course is a useful starting point; I am happy to recommend other
sources as well.Length: 2000-2500 words Due date: March 31 at start of class in hard copy
Format: MLA, as outlined in “Citation and Formatting Guidelines”
Mark value: 30% of course grade
Essay Instructions:
– note that each of the essay topics is broadly stated; you will need to focus your topic of
choice to a more specific subject that is suitable for an 8-page paper. Your essay must
discuss at least two of the course poets, and you must support your argument with specific
discussion of poems.
–I recommend that you aim to use 2 or 3
– relevant sources effectively rather than aiming for a lengthy works cited list. The critical
readings list for the course is a useful starting point
Please write a 2-3 sentence thesis. This is what I have feel free to change it up. “I will argue that while Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Anne Finch both employ sentimental appeals to elicit pity and empathy for excluded individuals, they do so differently. Finch’s sentimentalism stresses individuals’ personal experiences and emotional responses, while Montagu’s sentimentalism focuses on the societal forces that create individuals’ suffering. The poets’ distinctive places within the literary and social surroundings of the eighteenth century are reflected in their various methods. I will argue that while Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and Anne Finch both employ sentimental appeals to elicit pity and empathy for excluded individuals, they do so differently. Finch’s sentimentalism stresses individuals’ personal experiences and emotional responses, while Montagu’s sentimentalism focuses on the societal forces that create individuals’ suffering. The poets’ distinctive places within the literary and social surroundings of the eighteenth century are reflected in their various methods.