American Literature
Choose two of the following three short essay questions. Answer the question in the form of a paragraph. Complete sentences are a must.

1. In “The Way to Wealth,” Benjamin Franklin sets forth several overriding principles that will help people achieve wealth. Discuss (not just list) three of these principles, explaining what Franklin has to say about this topic. Giving an aphorism or two to support your answer is welcome but not required.

2. In both Common Sense and The Crisis, No. 1, Thomas Paine uses powerful persuasive appeals to make his arguments. Discuss Paine’s use of two of the three rhetorical appeals. In other words, choose two prompts below and give specific answers/explanations from one or both of Paine’s essays.

· Logos is a logical appeal supported by facts and evidence. The focus is on the argument itself. What logical or factual appeals does Paine make in his essays? In other words, what arguments would make sense to his audience?

· Ethos is an ethical appeal based on the credibility of the writer. In what way does Paine establish his credibility (his knowledge and/or his trustworthiness) with his audience?

· Pathos is an emotional appeal. What emotions does Paine bring forth in his readers? How does he do so?

3. Consider the text of “On Being Brought from Africa to America” by Phyllis Wheatley. Who is Wheatley’s audience in this poem? Describe the person whom you take to be addressed by this poem, what it hopes to persuade that person of, and how it goes about persuading her or him.