ENG 175 Essay Instructions

Dear Students,

For those who will be completing the essay for ENG 175 (required for academic credit), I am providing a link to this guide to writing a successful essay.

Please make use of the Chicago Manual Style in citing sources. A quick reference guide to the Chicago Manual can be found here. A good essay will include both primary (i.e., works by Lewis) and secondary (i.e., works about Lewis & his work). Internet sources are acceptable.

The essay is due two weeks after the last class (which is April 8th), on April 21st. It is requested that each student have his essay proofread by a peer beforehand, incorporating corrections/suggestions into the final draft.

The word count for the essay is 1500-1750 words (6-7 pages) for grade 10 -12 , and 1000 - 1250 words (4-5 pages) for grade 8-9, and may treat either Mere Christianity or Till We Have Faces. You are responsible for choosing your own specific topic; suggestions include the following:

Mere Christianity

1) Compare the Lewis' moral theology ("Christian Behaviour") with that of another Christian writer, whether classical or contemporary (e.g. St. Thomas Aquinas or St. John Chrysostom, for ex., or N.T. Wright or Peter Kreeft).

2) How does Lewis' view of "mere Christianity" compare with your own Christian faith? Where do you (dis)agree with Lewis, and why?

3) How does Lewis go about explaining the doctrine of the Holy Trinity ("Beyond Personality")? Find another Christian writer who has discussed the Trinity, and compare his account with that of Lewis.

Till We Have Faces

1) Compare Lewis' retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche with the classical version of this myth, as found in Bullfinch's The Age of Fable or in his source, the Golden Ass (Chapter 22) by Roman writer Lucius Apuleius (translation from the Latin available here). How has Lewis altered the myth? Do you think it is is better/worse as a result; why?

2) Comment upon the transformation of the principal character Orual; discuss the way she changes, and why. Is the view of herself that she presents accurate, do you think; how might her sister describe Orual differently?

3) Compose your own retelling of a classical myth, followed by a commentary explaining how you have changed the original and why. Research the different extant versions of your chosen myth prior to developing your own version.

3) Offer a theological analysis of Orual's case against the gods, by drawing upon your knowledge of Lewis' other works, such as Mere Christianity and Screwtape Letters.

I look forward to hearing any other ideas you may have, and will be happy to discuss the development of your projects with you.

Warm regards,

Dr. Butcher