Extra Credit Assignment

Hi Class. For each body paragraph that you write for Essay 3, you need at least 2 propositions from Nelson to interact with a different source. Below are three sources; potentially three body paragraphs for Essay 3. Even if they don’t make it into your Essay 3, use this extra credit opportunity as a way to generate content for your rough draft.

Option ONE (earn up to 5 points)
Step 1: Google “bluets cornflower” & Joan Mitchell’s painting
(Links to an external site.)
“Les Bluets”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to explain how the experimental painting of the real floral inspiration is parallel with Maggie Nelson’s experimental form. Connect painting with 2 of Maggie Nelson’s propositions. Consider: 1) negative space in painting v. negative space in writing; 2) the meaning and value of each blue blob in singularity v. what they mean as an entire collage; 3) you are welcome to come up with your own ideas too. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans on and blends preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental writing)? Evaluate the “Power Dynamic” of “text and readership”: What does it mean if readers are attracted to Nelson’s experimental style  =vs= what does it mean if readers long for the traditional linear narrative arch (problem, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) because they’re unsettled (reject) by  Bluets’  new form and content?

Option TWO (earn up to 5 points)
Step 1: Read Lydia Davis’s “Les Bluets
(Links to an external site.)
”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to unpack how Lydia Davis’s article helps you unfold, unpack, and understand 2 of Maggie Nelson’s propositions. Use Lydia Davis’s analysis as a critical lens, as a tool, to aid your analysis of Nelson. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans on and blends preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental writing)?

Option THREE (earn up to 5 points)
Step 1: Listen to Joni Mitchell’s entire “Blue.
(Links to an external site.)
”
Step 2: Write a well developed paragraph (10-14 sentences) to connect 1 song from her album with 2 of Maggie Nelson’s propositions. How does Mitchell’s lyrics fuel Nelson’s speaker’s obsessions? Ideally, the ones where she directly mentions Joni Mitchell (I think there are at least 6 props), but you are welcome to write about any propositions. Does the content control the structure (new form: partially leans on and blends preexisting genres)? -OR- Does the structure control the content (new genre: full experimental writing)?