Great Works - OPTIONAL EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT James Madison University

Instructions:
This is an optional assignment. Choose just one option. An acceptable effort will earn you FIVE points extra credit on the midterm. (Note that you don't get more credit for doing more than one, so just pick one!) Type your work, doublespaced, normal margins, preferably 12-point font.

• First, read the short story we /would/ have discussed on one of the snow days, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s gothic romance/science fiction story “Rappaccini’s Daughter.” Then, write a thoughtful answer of at least one full typed page to the following question, considering both relevant literal and relevant metaphoric meanings for the word “poisonous”: Who seems to be more poisonous, Rappaccini’s daughter, Beatrice, or some/all of the men who have an impact on her life?

OR

• Research Sumerian mythology/religion in a reputable source (not Wikipedia, for example!) and write up at least one full page on the similarities and differences you find between your source and the Snow Crash discussions of some particular aspect of mythology -- either a particular myth/story mentioned in the novel or a particular god/goddess discussed.