The following essay is based on the readings refered to below (All readings can be found online):

Note: This essay does not require any introductory nor any conclusion paragraphs. Essay paragraphs should just go right to answering the question.

Question 1: [600 words]

Discuss the contemporary problems raised in each of the three essays:

1) Lars Eighner- “On Dumpster Diving”

2) Joseph Epstein- “The Perpetual Adolescent”

3) Michael Lewis- “The Mansion: A Subprime Parable”

Question 2: [600 words]

Answer the following three questions concerning Franz Kafka’s “Metamorphosis:”

1) Briefly describe each family member’s relationship (mother, father, and sister) to Gregor Samsa

2) Why do you think Gregor undergoes a metamorphosis?

3) How can you compare the ideas of this story with contemporary situations?

Quesion 3: [200 words]

Discuss the idea of the “journey” in Sherman Alexie’s “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and me” and Scott Momaday “The Way to Rainy Mountain.”

Question 4: [300 words]

In “Consider the Lobster,” David Wallace asks, “is it alright to boil a sentient creature alive for our pleasure?” Give several concerns he has for the suffering of lobsters in their culinary preparation.

Format:

-12 pt. font

-double spaced

-no Works Cited/ References needed in essay