More O'Keeffe: Leaving the City--"Black Cross with Stars and Blue,” 1929

City Night, 1926

More O'Keeffe

Shelton with Sunspots , 1926, Georgia O'Keeffe

Professor's House and Visual Culture

It's worth thinking about the new style in the visual arts around the time of Cather's novel. Georgia O'Keeffe, who would later come to fame depicting the American Southwest, began her career depicting the city in the mid 1920s.

How does her city depart from the earlier Ashcan artists? How can we start to put her work into conversation with Cather?

Essay Prompt #2

In an essay based on a close-reading of “The Ghetto” by Lola Ridge, consider the significance of section V. of the poem, which opens “As I sit in my little fifth floor room.” In particular, you might want to consider the function/role of the old woman in this section, and what purpose her presence serves in the larger work.

While your argument should address this section at length, your essay should also expand upon its meaning in relation to the poem as a whole.

Essay Prompt #1 (due 3/9/12)

In an essay based on a close-reading of the text, please consider the significance of the final passages (last page) of Yekl. What is the significance of the scene in the context of the larger story? More specifically, why does Cahan choose to end his novella with his main character in a cable car? While your argument should address the final passage--and begin with specific evidence drawn from that passage--make sure your essay opens up to consider the key themes here in relation to the rest of the story.

A strong argument will make a specific claim about this ending, and develop it further through a deeper engagement with the text. Remember to marshal specific, revealing evidence that supports and expands your understanding of the ending. We'll talk in more detail about the paper over the next week.

George Bellows, Cliff Dwellers (1913)

Any more thoughts about life on the cliff?.... in Ridge's world????




These guys look happy: