Please choose one of the following key thematic terms and explore its multiple meanings in TWO of the works we've discussed in this course (you can use one of the films if you like, but at least one of the works must be one of the literary texts we've read). As a way of structuring your essay, look for some significant connections between two works, in relation to the key term that appeals to you the most. Do not turn this into an overly simplistic "compare & contrast" type of essay (for example, simply talking about how the wilderness is depicted, in similar and different ways, in both works, which ends up sounding as if you are just making a list with no point to it). Rather, reflecting upon the term you choose, what sort of larger point would you like to make about that term's value, significance, deeper meanings, etc.? What this means is that one of the first things you will want to do in your essay is to define what the term means (to YOU; please do not refer to dictionaries) and why you think it is worth thinking about and discussing at some length. And then you will turn to explaining how two works from this course in particular (in related but not necessarily similar ways) might help you to illustrate, exemplify, and make that point.
BE SURE to include in your essay very specific details from the two works under discussion [specific scene and plot details, direct quotations of the text/film, etc.] in relation to main points and observations you want to make. There are no right or wrong interpretations, but whatever your interpretation, you MUST ground that interpretation in a very CLOSE attention to and close analysis of the small details, scenes, and language of the works you choose to explore. Indeed, the majority of your grade is based on your ability to demonstrate your skills at close readings, regardless of your interpretation (which is always up for grabs).