Limits of Desire

University of Phoenix Material

The Limits of Desire

Resource: The Norton Anthology of English Literature (pp. 531–561, 749-765, and 766-984)

In this assignment, you address the relationship between desire and limitations on its expression as reflected in 16th-century English literature.

Select and complete one of the following assignments:

Option 1: The Limits of Desire Paper

Option 2: The Limits of Desire Dialogue

Option 3: Period Limits on Desire

Option 1: The Limits of Desire Paper

Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper in which you analyze the relationship between desire and societal limitations on its expression as reflected in one or more major works from 16th-century English literature.

Address the following points in your paper:

• The nature and origin of the desires analyzed, such as romantic love, the desire for knowledge, the desire for holiness, the desire for life itself, and so on

• How these desires fit into the existing social structure, how social structures limited the expression of the desires, how the desires shaped the society, or all these aspects

• How the relationship between desire and its limitations emerged in and influenced language of the period, such as how desire is hidden in or overwhelms the language of love poetry

Provide textual evidence to support your opinions.

Reference at least two sources other than the course text.

Format your paper as directed by your instructor.

Option 2: The Limits of Desire Dialogue

Write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper in dialogue format as though two major 16th-century authors were arguing about the relationship between desire and societal limitations on its expression as reflected in major works by the authors.

Conduct research on the authors you selected.

Address the following points in your dialogue:

• The nature and origin of the desires expressed in the authors’ works

• How those desires fit into the existing social structure,...