There is a perfectly good reason...

[jlewisinsyr]

that I'm not an English major. For my current course, I had to choose a book of literary significance. I choose "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens.

This was a book I was suppose to read during Junior High, but, well, didn't, and relied on my friends. Needless to say, it's not as if my life was negatively impacted from this decision. So I've read the book, and all things considered, I thought it was good.

Now comes the hard part, I need to write two major essays on it. The first, due in week 3 (of an 8 week course) is a 3 - 5 page paper on the historical context of the book, and we are required to have a draft posted by the 3rd day of the week (oh, yeah, that's right this Wedneday). Then for our last essay due in 4 weeks, we need to write a 8 - 12 page paper on a research subject (that relates to the book/story), with at LEAST 10 sources, etc, etc, etc.

In between now and then, we have 4 other essays on either the book (like writing your thesis and opening paragraph, and analyzing how you are going create mile points using references in the book, etc.) or some literary item from our study book.

Seriously, if I pass this course I vow to NEVER take another English course again.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Good G-d. Never choose Dickens!

"To Kill A Mockingbird" would have made your life a breeze.

Next time, ASK before you choose your poison! (So spake the English/Psych (SU) Major).

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Good G-d. Never choose Dickens!

"To Kill A Mockingbird" would have made your life a breeze.

Next time, ASK before you choose your poison! (So spake the English/Psych (SU) Major).

I don't think it's the Dickens that is killing me, it's the whole writing a 8 - 12 page paper about a story, without just summarizing it.

 

[gmi3804]

Just Google (separately) Blacksmiths, Convicts, and Jilted Brides!

One of my favorite novels.

Did you know that all of Dickens's novels were published a few chapters at a time, and were sold at newsstands? He wasn't taken seriously in his day, he was seen as just a pulp writer. I guess history has proven him wrong.

Stephen King published The Green Mile this way; though now it's available as a single novel.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Just Google (separately) Blacksmiths, Convicts, and Jilted Brides!

One of my favorite novels.

Did you know that all of Dickens's novels were published a few chapters at a time, and were sold at newsstands? He wasn't taken seriously in his day, he was seen as just a pulp writer. I guess history has proven him wrong.

Stephen King published The Green Mile this way; though now it's available as a single novel.

I did know about how the book was published, but am confused on the googling Blacksmiths, Convicts and Jilted Brides...

I realize each of these has a part in the book, but by searching for these, won't I just be overwhelmed with, well, crap?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yes, you will be overwhelmed with crap.

TKAMB would have made it a cleaner (and more straighforward) paper.

No matter. You will do well. I just know these things you see. And perhaps you won't have to wade through another English class.

I don't know what degree you are pursuing though, nor what school you are attending. Many, regardless of major require at least two semesters (or more) of English.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Yes, you will be overwhelmed with crap.

TKAMB would have made it a cleaner (and more straighforward) paper.

No matter. You will do well. I just know these things you see. And perhaps you won't have to wade through another English class.

I don't know what degree you are pursuing though, nor what school you are attending. Many, regardless of major require at least two semesters (or more) of English.

This is my second English class, I am pretty sure this fills my requirements for English for my degree program (just checked, and yes).

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Yep. Two classes is the extent of it, quite often.

So you'll be just fine.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Yep. Two classes is the extent of it, quite often.

So you'll be just fine.

Thank you for the vow of support.