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 1 Focus on 1 work. Body 2 Work 2 Focus on 2nd work but you may begin to compare works Body 3 Work 3 Focus on 3rd work but make comparisons of all 3 Conclusion Topic Sentence Provide Example Explain Example Connect to Thesis Topic Sentence Provide Example Explain Example Connect to Thesis Make sure to provide specific quotes!

On Burrough’s Work by Allen Ginsberg The method must be purest meat and no symbolic dressing, actual visions & actual prisons as seen then and now. Prisons and visions presented with rare descriptions corresponding 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 Majority In 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