English 102
Written Communication II
Spring 2000 
Professor David A. Salomon (davidsalomon@bhsu.edu) 
Essay #1

Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful
essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a
definite thesis statement. Use the text in all instances to support your answer, but do not merely
summarize plot. Refer to specifics in the text. Your paper should be 4-6 pages in length.

Essays must be either typed on a typewriter or printed from a computer. This paper is due on
Monday, February 14. Papers handed in late will receive a one grade deduction for each
day/class late. I will be happy to look at drafts. In fact, I encourage you to come in with a draft
and/or send e-mail with questions.

Read the questions carefully. Support all answers with examples from the text.

     1) Write an essay in which you discuss the three different "persons" of Tommy Adler, Tommy
     Wilhelm, and Wilky. How are the three distinctive in the novel?

     2) Throughout the novel Tommy constantly raises the image of having something or someone on
     his back. Using at least three specific examples in the novel, discuss this image.

     3) Discuss the use of water as a symbol in Saul Bellow's Seize the Day.