The purpose of this assignment is to read a novel from United States Literature prior to 1877 and then to
describe the historical context in which the novel was written.
1.
Choose a novel from the list below and read it.
2.
Research the historical context of the novel, paying attention to the author and his/her background and
community, the major events surrounding the writing of the novel, and the major issues or ideas in
America at the time of its publication.
3.
Compile of
bibliography of at least 5 sources, in addition to the novel itself
(6 total sources)
.
Use a
Bibliography,
not
a Works Cited.
4.
Write a research paper of approximately
1500 words
, conforming to the Historical style, describing the
historical context of the novel. The paper should include, but not be dominated by, a
brief plot summary
of the novel.
5.
The paper should be double spaced, in 12 point font with 1
”
margins. It should include page numbers,
but not subheadings. Do not use a cover page. Put your name and title on the top of the first page.
Citations are footnotes or endnotes,
not
parenthetical.
Historical writing requires the use of either the University of Chicago or Turabian style guide.