HUM 112 (Strayer) – Assignment 1: Essay
Due Week 4 and worth 100 points
Choose one (1) of the three reading selections from the list of topic choices below. Read the selection in the textbook. Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (250 words) which analyzes the surprise ending of the reading selection.
Topic Choices:
? Reading selection from Descartes Discourse on the Method(Part IV). Descartes begins with the problem of being able to prove his own existence but ends up with an argument proving the existence of God. Read more about the Discourse on the Methodlocated at http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/authors/descartes.html.
? Reading selection from Swifts A Modest Proposal. Swift begins with offering the solution that the
English could do things which might solve the problem of overpopulation and the mistreatment of citizens in Ireland. It ends by offering the solution that an internal change in the Irish government would best solve the problem of overpopulation and a populace victimized by its own government. Read more about A Modest Proposallocated at.victorianweb.org/previctorian/swift/modest.html”>http://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/swift/modest.html.
? Two reading selections from Voltaires Candide. The story begins by acknowledging the foolishness of the superstitious traditions held by the people in the city of Lisbon but ends by confirming Voltaires belief that religion in general is equally based in false superstitions.
For the reading selection you choose:
1. Clearly state in your own words the surprise ending in the reading you selected. Identify the point in the reading when you realized that the ending would be different from what the beginning of the reading suggested that it would be.