Sentimentality, Hardness of Heart, and Emotional Health

Consider these poems and stories, and Alexie’s novel, your own experiences, my questions, and questions of
your own. Then find one focused issue, one difficult question that compels you, and that deals with
sentimentality or hardness of heart and emotional balance, and compose an essay of three or four pages (1.5-
spaced, 12-pt. Times New Roman with one-inch margins) that offers a response to that difficult question.
Support your claim, your thesis, with material from the sources, quoting from at least one of them, and also
with your own considered experiences. Quote accurately and in context, and make sure that any quotes fit well
into your sentences, your paragraphs, your essay. But don’t write as if you own the truth; remember that some
very likeable and clever people disagree with your position. Concede valid opposing points, and then try to
refute the concessions as well as you can. Remember also that your readers are unfamiliar with the sources,
and with your assignment.