Suggestions for Writing

  1. Do you agree or disagree with Twain’s assertion that “[i]t is our nature to conform” (para. 7)? Explain why.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 11 - Corn-Pone Opinions - Suggestions for Writing: Do you agree or disagree with Twain’s assertion that “[i]t is our nature to conform” (para. 7)? Explain why.
  2. Refute Twain’s view of Public Opinion by defending word of mouth as the most reliable communicator of cultural innovation.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 11 - Corn-Pone Opinions - Suggestions for Writing: Refute Twain’s view of Public Opinion by defending word of mouth as the most reliable communicator of cultural innovation.
  3. In paragraph 10, Twain contrasts prose styles that are “ornate and diffuse” with those that are characterized by “compactness and simplicity.” Find examples of each, and write an essay comparing and contrasting the effects of the two prose styles.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 11 - Corn-Pone Opinions - Suggestions for Writing: In paragraph 10, Twain contrasts prose styles that are “ornate and diffuse” with those that are characterized by “compactness and simplicity.” Find examples of each, and write an essay comparing and contrasting the effects of the two prose styles.
  4. Twain says he believed that the slave Jerry was “the greatest orator in the United States” (para. 1) but that “in the distribution of rewards he was overlooked.” Write about how Jerry might have viewed his situation.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 11 - Corn-Pone Opinions - Suggestions for Writing: Twain says he believed that the slave Jerry was “the greatest orator in the United States” (para. 1) but that “in the distribution of rewards he was overlooked.” Write about how Jerry might have viewed his situation.
  5. Write your own version of “Corn-Pone Opinions,” giving examples from contemporary culture and politics. Do you end up making the same argument as Twain, or do you think Americans are more independent thinkers now? Explain why.

    Question

    uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7
    Chapter 11 - Corn-Pone Opinions - Suggestions for Writing: Write your own version of “Corn-Pone Opinions,” giving examples from contemporary culture and politics. Do you end up making the same argument as Twain, or do you think Americans are more independent thinkers now? Explain why.