Please respond to One (1) of the topics written below in a seven (7) page (minimum) essay. Your essay must be composed in formal essay fashion, containing:

• a formal introduction,
• an analytical thesis located at the end of the introduction,
• a developed body of three supporting points that relate back and support your thesis,
• topic sentences that relate directly back to the thesis
• transitions that connect your supporting points,
• original analysis/insight that examines your thesis,
• research ( 4- 5 sources) that explains, clarifies, and supports the thesis/analysis,
• references to the text, proper documentation/MLA format
• a functional conclusion,
• a Works Cited page (this page is in addition to the required seven (7) pages.)

Topics:

1. Analyze and present an argument about the role of mythology, legend, and biblical allusions in this text. You must quote specific passages (do not summarize) from this text to explain and support your argument.

2. Palestinian American literary theorist and cultural critic Edward Said [wrote] that “Exile is strangely compelling to think about but terrible to experience. It is the unhealable rift forced between a human being and a native place, between the self and its true home: its essential sadness can never be surmounted.” However, Said also said that exile can become “a potent, even enriching experience.” Discuss Clemente’s experience with such a rift when he is cut off from his land. How is Clemente’s exile from the land both alienating and enriching? How does this experience illuminate the meaning of the Heart of Aztlan as a whole? Do not just present plot summary. You must quote specific passages (do not summarize) from this text to explain and support your argument.

3. How is Heart of Aztlan a political text? How does Heart of Aztlan reflect the socio-political movements (Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Movement, Labor/Union Movement, Anti-War Movement etc.) of the 1960s and 1970s? Your analysis must show an analytical reading and discussion of the novel. Pay particular attention to character development and the conversations among the characters. In addition, examine the power dynamics in the family and in the community. Do not submit a paper that is just a summary and compilation of historical and political science information. If you do so, you will receive a zero (0) for this assignment. In addition, you must quote specific passages (do not summarize) from this Heart of Aztlan to explain and support your argument.

4. Analyze and discuss the theme of leadership in this novel. Where does the reader see leadership in the text? Who demonstrates leadership and who does not demonstrate it? What argument about leadership is Anaya conveying to American society? You must quote specific passages (do not summarize) from this text to explain and support your argument.

5. Analyze and explain how Heart of Aztlan is a representation of Marxist literature. You mustexamine this text in terms of Marxist theory.

Presentation Format:

• Length: 7 full pages (8 pages including Works Cited page.)

• Lining: double spaced

• Font size: 12

• Margins: one inch (1”) from top, bottom, and sides

• Numbered pages

• Proper heading

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