Writing Assignment

War and Our World
Section 2, Professor Aiken

The Road, by Cormac McCarthy

This assignment is worth 15% of your final grade.  The paper should be 3-5 pages in length.  It is due on Monday, November 10.  The paper should:

·         Incorporate specific references to THE ROAD

·         Address the paper topic

·         Make references to other course materials where appropriate

·         Have a clear thesis, organization, and conclusion

·         Proofread and use correct grammar

Choose one of the following topics:

1.       Use McCarthy’s theme of “carrying the fire” as a starting point for a discussion of THE ROAD.

2.       Oprah Winfrey has included THE ROAD as one of the readings for her influential book club.  You are the advisor who recommended THE ROAD to Oprah.  What did you tell her?

3.       At one point the boy asked the man “What’s the bravest thing you ever did?”  The man responded “Getting up in the morning.”  Use this as a starting point for your essay.

4.       Kathy’s topics don’t work for me, so I am choosing my own topic.  If you select this option, your choice of topic will also be part of the assessment.