Research Paper Instructions For This Assignment 261488

Research Paper Instructions For this assignment, you will write a 1,200–1,500-word Research Paper that traces the evolution of one theme (such as an aspect of religion, society, class, childhood, etc.) over two consecutive literary periods (Neoclassical, Romantic, Victorian, and Modern) by focusing on a comparison of two works, one from each period.

The author(s) and work(s) must be selected from those listed on the Course Schedule. Other works from the course may be mentioned, but they must not be the focus. Examine how this theme is treated differently in these two works and connect these observations to an argument about the period’s reaction to (or against) the previous period. You may not write about the same work you used for the Critical Analysis. You may use your thread from Discussion Board Forum 3 as a starting off point for your argument; however, you cannot copy and paste it into this assignment.

Do not give a plot summary; this is not a book report. Do not use biographical information unless it is crucial to the development of your thesis. Research an important topic about the selected works, and use at least 4 secondary scholarly sources plus the primary texts (story, poem, play, essay, etc.) that address the topic. In addition, you may have new sources based on continued research. Websites are not allowed. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, the Bible, and introductions from the anthology may certainly be used in this research paper; however, they will not count toward the 4 required sources.

They must be listed in your Works Cited/References/Bibliography page, in addition to the 4 secondary sources.

Review the following information about thesis sentences: A thesis statement must present an argument (proposition), not merely a statement of fact. Adhere to academic writing standards, which include using 3rd person only, omitting contractions and jargon, and remaining in literary present tense. For additional information on the literary present tense, see .

Include a targeted title that suggests the purpose stated in the thesis. The title must not be “Research Paper,” or simply the title of the play, poem, or fiction.

The essay must be double-spaced, written in Times New Roman 12-point font, and use 1” margins. In addition, format your paper using current MLA, APA, or Turabian format (whichever corresponds to your degree program). Document information from the literature through in-text citations and an end-text Works Cited/References/Bibliography page conforming to current MLA, APA, or Turabian format.

Do not use any material or words from another source without giving proper credit for that material or those words. To do otherwise is plagiarism and will result in a “0” on the paper or a possible “F” for the course. Each paper will be checked for plagiarism. Review the Research Paper Grading Rubric to learn more about how the paper will be graded. Comply with all requirements. For additional tips on writing essays, consult the following website: Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 7.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of themes across literary periods offers a profound insight into the cultural, social, and political transformations that shape human thought and society. This paper explores the development of the theme of childhood from the Neoclassical to the Modern period by comparing two seminal works: John Locke’s “Some Thoughts Concerning Education” from the Enlightenment (Neoclassical) era and Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” from the Modern period. Through this comparison, the paper examines how perceptions of childhood and innocence shifted from a focus on moral and rational development to psychological complexity and oppression, reflecting broader ideological changes between these periods.

John Locke’s “Some Thoughts Concerning Education” emphasizes the importance of rationality, discipline, and moral virtue in childhood. Locke advocates for a structured, educational approach that cultivates reason and self-control, aligning with Enlightenment ideals that prioritize individual reason and progress. Locke’s perspective views childhood as a formative period where moral and intellectual virtues are developed through careful guidance and education. This view underscores the era’s emphasis on rationalism, discipline, and the belief in education as a means to cultivate virtuous citizens (Locke, 1693).

In stark contrast, Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” presents childhood in terms of psychological oppression and the societal constraints placed upon women, which is a reflection of the modernist critique of rigid social norms. The protagonist’s mental deterioration symbolizes the loss of innocence and autonomy, highlighting how oppressive social environments can corrupt and stifle the natural childlike sense of wonder and independence. Gilman’s depiction of mental health and gender roles signals a shift from the Enlightenment’s optimistic view of childhood as a period of moral development to a more complex understanding of psychological vulnerability and societal control (Gilman, 1892).

The comparison reveals that while the Neoclassical period emphasizes childhood as a formative and morally educative stage, the Modern period shifts focus toward mental health, societal influence, and the loss of innocence. This change reflects broader societal attitudes: from trust in reason and education to skepticism of social structures and recognition of psychological struggles. The transition indicates an evolving understanding of human development, where childhood becomes a site of both potential and peril, shaped significantly by societal forces.

Furthermore, the reaction of each period to its predecessor underscores these ideological shifts. The Neoclassical idealization of childhood as an innocent, rational, and morally upright phase was challenged by the Modernist critique, which exposed the darker aspects of societal influence and psychological distress. Gilman’s work exemplifies this rejection of the sentimental view, emphasizing that childhood and innocence are fragile and often corrupted by external forces, particularly as societal norms evolve toward greater awareness of mental health issues.

In conclusion, the depiction of childhood in these two works exemplifies the shifting attitudes between periods. Locke’s rehabilitation of childhood as a rational and moral foundation contrasts sharply with Gilman’s portrayal of childhood as susceptible to societal and psychological forces, illustrating a broader evolution in literary and cultural perceptions. This progression reflects the changing landscape of human thought—moving from faith in reason to acknowledgment of psychological complexity and societal critique—a testament to the dynamic nature of literary evolution and societal values.

References

• Gilman, C. P. (1892). The Yellow Wallpaper. The New England Magazine.
• Locke, J. (1693). Some Thoughts Concerning Education. Retrieved from Project Gutenberg.