Topics for Further Study
Delve into a fascinating comparison between Simpson’s poetic musings and John Ciardi’s "Suburban" verse. In what ways does Ciardi’s work resonate with or challenge the ideas Simpson presents about suburban life?
Engage in enlightening conversations with your neighbors to explore their views on their own social standing. Do their self-assessments align with your perspectives of them? What insights can you glean from any discrepancies or agreements?
The topic of social class in America stirs intense debate, with some even asserting the nation is devoid of class divisions. Craft a detailed list of criteria you believe define an individual’s or group’s social class. How prevalent do you think these criteria are in the broader populace?
Reflect on your own place within the social hierarchy. Do you identify with the middle class, or do you see yourself as part of another class? What factors influence your self-categorization?
Embark on a comparative exploration of India’s caste system and the American class system. What parallels and distinctions catch your eye, and what do these observations reveal about your own country?
Compose an insightful essay examining the portrayal of suburban life in cinema. Consider the narratives depicted in films like Edward Scissorhands, Truman, Pleasantville, and Wonderland.
Simpson’s poem paints a picture of class as an inherited status with aspirations that are seldom altered. Pen an essay exploring the concept of history acting as a limiting force on individual desires and potential.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.