In a clear, detailed essay, discuss one of the topics below. You must use three stories out of the ten, one from each of the authors. Make sure that you support your points and conclusions with specific evidence. Your essay should have a strong thesis, and be no less than five, and no more than six, pages long. You should have some idea about your topic and thesis , or at least be in a position to discuss these matters, at the time of the writing conference.

1. Discuss the institution of marriage in the chosen three selections. What forces tend to undermine it, and what forces tend to support it?

2. Discuss the concepts of love and honor in the chosen three selections. Do they necessarily lead to clear thinking or judicious decision-making?

3. Discuss the way that gender is presented in the three chosen selections. Are men and women characterized similarly? Differently? Equally?