English 603 Memory and Forgetting Assignment Technical points: Proper paragraphing and sentence structure is expected.
 Quotes should be followed with the proper textual citation – in brackets, author and
page number. Ex: “I hadn’t, but…” (Carver, 23). MLA formatting is expected.
 Please include your works cited.
 Essays are expected to include an introduction, as well as a conclusion – also an original
title, please.
 Some use of direct quotation is required.
 Essays require a clear thesis statement backed up throughout the essay with references
to the text.
 Papers that are 10% or more below the minimum word count will be penalized.
Choose one – make sure to have a clear thesis statement backed up with evidence from the
text. English 603 Memory and Forgetting Assignment
1) Explore a major theme in Between the World and Me. Be sure to explore how this
theme is developed in Coates’ writing with the use of literary technique.
2) How does the letter writing style of Between the World and Me shape our
understanding of it? How does it impact its meaning?
3) How does the storytelling style of Between the World and Me shape our understanding
of it? How does it impact its meaning?
4) How does Coates’ narrative “character” change over the course of the text? How does
he use his memories to show a maturing or evolving mind? What is he suggesting about
how we grow/change over time?
5) How does Coates’ use of personal memory influence his references to history? What is
he suggesting about the relationship between personal, lived experience and the
historical record? English 603 Memory and Forgetting Assignment
6) What is the value of memory? Consider Between the World and Me and any one other
of the texts we’ve talked about to explore this difficult question. Be sure to directly
compare and contrast these works – don’t be too summative in your response. (Note:
this is only if you did not look at this topic last time).
7) What is the value of forgetting? Consider Between the World and Me and any one other
of the texts we’ve talked about to explore this difficult question. Be sure to directly
compare and contrast these works – don’t be too summative in your response. (Note:
this is only if you did not look at this topic last time).
8) Propose your own topic. English 603 Memory and Forgetting Assignment

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