Write an 800- to 1,200-word research essay that traces the long-term significance of one of the seminal american works you read in this unit and how it connects to current issues. your purpose should be clearly stated and well-supported by your research. be sure to consult and properly cite at least three reliable sources of information from a variety of perspectives. use a balance of direct quotes and paraphrasing.

Millicent sat down at her desk in the big study hall. tomorrow she would come to school, proudly, laughingly, without lipstick, with her brown hair straight and shoulder length, and then everybody would know, even the boys would know, that she was one of the elect. teachers would smile , thinking perhaps: so now they've picked millicent arnold. i never would have guessed it. —"initiation," sylvia plath what inference can be made about millicent from the way she is characterized indirectly? millicent is a student with straight brown hair. millicent does not usually take care of her appearance. millicent has not always been popular.