One. For Eric Weiner’s The Geography of Bliss
Your essay will be essentially two parts. In your first part, summarize Weiner’s analysis of the major fallacies we have about happiness and how these fallacies lead to the opposite of happiness, unhappiness. This summary section will take you about 1.5 pages. Then in another page, profile someone you know who embodies these fallacies and explain how this person’s misery conforms to the types of unhappiness Weiner describes.
In the second half of your essay, summarize, in 1.5 pages, Weiner’s conditions for happiness, especially as happiness is born from the intersection of the individual and culture. Then in another page, write about a person you know who conforms to this type of happiness.
Then in your conclusion, about a page, analyze how convincing Weiner’s claims about happiness are. What are the strengths and weaknesses of his investigation? How would you define happiness in the context of Weiner’s book? Is this definition logically sound and convincing? Why or why not? Be sure to explain your position.
You will need a Works Cited page that cites Weiner, my blog, any interviews you might do with your subjects, and any other source material. Remember: Give your essay a catchy, salient, memorable title.
Two: Open-Ended Option for The Geography of Bliss:
In the context of the book, analyze the causes of happiness and unhappiness and use examples from people you know. Same research requirements as above.
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