Eugène Ionesco
These are the suggested topics for your final essays and for the remaining short assignments. For short assignments, only do one part of the chosen question (either Part A or part B). You may choose to do the same topic for multiple short assignments or different ones for each--that's entirely up to you.
Remember that you have the option of writing on a topic of your own creation for both the short assignments and the final essay, provided you email me the topic for approval first (a very short description is fine). I'll approve most topics--at most I'll probably just ask you to narrow or expand it so it will be suitable for the length of the assignment.
Also remember you have the option of creating your own short assignment in an alternate format, including short stories, artworks, or essays on texts or artworks that weren't part of the class. Email a short description for approval. And remember you may be able to get double credit for longer projects.
CRITICAL ESSAY-FORMAT:
1. Critical philosophical analysis of Camus' The Stranger
A) Is Meursault "the absurd man," as described in The Myth of Sisyphus? How is he similar or different?
B) Does the novel present Meursault in positive or negative light—as someone to either admire or criticize? Do you agree with the way he’s presented--should we admire him or criticize him? Be sure to consider at least one possible objection that might be made to your view.
2. Critical comparison of the philosophies of Sartre and Camus
A) Compare and contrast Sartre’s view of freedom in Existentialism and Human Emotions with Camus’ view of freedom in The Myth of Sisyphus.
B) Defend or critique one of the views, being sure to consider a possible objection from the other author’s point of view.
3. Critical literary analysis of Ionesco's Rhinoceros.
A) Compare and contrast the personality, views, or character traits of Berenger to those of one or more other characters in the play. Why does Berenger resist transforming into a rhinoceros when the other characters do not?
B) Ionesco seems to think that Berenger's point of view, personality, or way of life is the best one for for avoiding dangerous conformism. Do you agree? Defend your view, being sure to consider a possible objection to your view from the perspective of either Sartre, Camus, or Berenger.
EXEGETICAL ESSAY-FORMAT:
4. Literary analysis of Camus' The Stranger
A) How has Meursault changed by the end of the novel, if at all? Support your answer with specific examples and quotations from the text.
B) At very end of the novel, if Meursault had the chance to live his life over again, do you think he would still help Raymond or commit the murder? Why or why not? Be sure to consider at least one possible objection to your interpretation.
