English 201
English Composition 2
Spring 2003
Professor David A. Salomon (davidsalomon@bhsu.edu)
Essay #2

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. No fewer than 4 full pages will suffice, and more than that is undoubtedly necessary.

Essays must be either typed on a typewriter or printed from a computer. This paper is due on Wednesday, March 12. 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.

You must, by noon of the day the paper is due, also upload a copy of your paper to turnitin.com following the process outlined in class. This class account ID is 36424, and the password is yellowjacket.

Read the questions carefully. Support all answers with examples from the text, but do not merely summarize plot–analyze!

1) There are many similarities when one compares Saul Bellow's Seize the Day with Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City. Choose three distinct characteristics with which to compare the two main characters, and explain why you think those three characteristics are exemplary.

2) The final chapter (in particular) in Bright Lights, Big City is saturated with religious imagery. Discuss the importance of water and bread as religious symbols in the final chapter of the novel. Your essay will be stronger if you can incorporate material from the entire novel while focusing on the final chapter.

3) Discuss both the psychological and physical effects of cocaine as evident in the main character in Bright Lights, Big City. In what ways are those effects responsible for the main character’s actions throughout the novel? Discuss at least three clear examples in the novel.

Remember to refer to the main character as You, as if You were his proper name.

Be sure you are following the conventions of essay writing as outlined in Making Your Case. Cite the text where necessary, but cite it properly!