English 111: World Literature

Midterm Essay question

Due: Thursday, March 25

Albert Camus has said: "In a world of victims and executioners, it is the task of thinking people not to be on the side of the executioners."  Write an essay that analyzes and interprets this statement, referring to at least three of the texts we've read this semester as evidence for your argument.  In your view, do particular characters or ideas from our readings confirm or disprove Camus?  Are there instances in which characters are shown to be both "victims" and "executioners"?  Is it possible to agree with the sentiment of the quotation but to disagree with its terms?  

Remember:

• You need to have a strong opening paragraph and thesis statement that clearly presents your perspective on the quotation,
• You must use quotations and page numbers (in the format you learned during your First Year RFT class) when citing the text,
• You have no page- or word-limit so you need to make judgments on length and editing.

Also remember to turn in your two response papers for March by March 31.