Aim: To prep for our essay on madness.

Today: Use the handout to compile notes and quotes for writing your

essay on Monday.

Essay Assignment

Write a well-developed, 5-paragraph essay discussing the definition of madness as revealed through Emily Dicksinson’s poem, “Much

Madness is Divinest Sense”, Allen Ginsberg’s “On Burrough’s Work,” and Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Your thesis statement should clearly define the definition of madness as you have seen it defined through the 3 works. You should then use

each work to reinforce that thesis statement.

Note: This will count as an exam grade. You are to write this essay in class. You will have 1 day (Friday) to prepare by taking notes on the

poems and preparing quotes from the novel. You will then have 2 full class days (Monday & Wednesday) to write out your essay and hand it

in at the end of class on Wednesday, November 5.

Essay Format

Introduction

Establish thesis statement that

clearly and specifically

provides the definition of

madness gained from the 3

works

Body 1

Work 1Focus on 1

work.

Body 2

Work 2Focus on 2nd work but you may begin to

compare works

Body 3

Work 3Focus on 3rd

work but make comparisons of

all 3

Conclusion

• Topic Sentence• Provide Example• Explain Example• Connect to Thesis

Make sure to provide

specific quotes!

On Burrough’s Work by Allen GinsbergThe method must be purest meat and no symbolic dressing,actual visions & actual prisons as seen then and now.Prisons and visions presented with rare descriptionscorresponding exactly to those of Alcatraz and Rose.A naked lunch is natural to us, we eat reality sandwiches.But allegories are so much lettuce. Don't hide the madness.In what way is this poem ironic?

• Which line of Ginsberg’s poem contains its thesis?

• What statement is Ginsberg making of the depiction of madness and imprisonment?

• Ginsberg was referring to his friend, William Burrough’s, writing. However, how does this poem connect to the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?

• Is it fair to suggest that the ward is really a prison? Are they all?

Much Madness is Divinest Sense By: Emily Dickinson Much Madness is divinest Sense – To a discerning Eye – Much Sense – the starkest Madness – ’Tis the MajorityIn this, as all, prevail – Assent – and you are sane – Demur – you’re straightway dangerous – And handled with a Chain – Vocabulary• Discerning – having or showing good judgment• Starkest – complete, sheer• Assent – the expression of approval or agreement• Demur – raise doubt or objections or show reluctance