Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic
choices below. The focus is on brief but important primary source material
written by major authors. Read the selections  as identified with each topic
below. Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (250 words minimum) which
analyzes the “surprise ending” of the reading selection. 

Topic Choices

• Reading selection from Descartes’ Discourse on the
  Method (Part IV). Descartes begins with a  proof of one basic conclusion and
  ends with a proof of something much grander. Remember to focus on the surprise
  and point of realization, not the details of the philosophical argument. Read
  Part IV of the Discourse on the Method located at http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/assets/pdfs/descartes1637.pdf
  (then scroll down to Part 4, pp. 14-18). This is only four or five (4 or 5)
  pages of the larger work.
• Reading selection of Swift’s A Modest Proposal. It
  is essential to recognize the genre of this work, as discussed in our class
  text, which you should consult and cite. Swift promotes a radical solution, but
  subtle options are mentioned. You are looking for surprise and a point of
  realization. Read and focus on A Modest Proposal located at http://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/swift/modest.html. 
• Two (2) reading selections from Voltaire’s Candide. Consider how these
  readings start and end in terms of the action and the beliefs. You are looking
  for surprise and a point of realization. These selections can be found on pp.
  840-841 in the textbook. In addition, consult the class text at pp.
  824-825.

For the reading selection you choose:

1. Clearly state in your own words the “surprise ending” in the reading you
   selected. Clearly identify the point in the reading when you realized that there
   were elements in the reading that surprised you. Not all of the surprises come
   at the end.
2. Evaluate how successful the author was in convincing you to accept the
   validity of the “surprise ending” that was different from what you
   expected. 

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch
  margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format.
  Check with your professor for any additional instructions. (Note: Students can
  find APA style materials located in the Additional Resources section of their
  Student Center within their course shell for reference)
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s
  name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and
  the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
• Use the source(s) identified above for the topic you choose, focusing on the
  main primary source of that author. You may use additional sources also if they
  are of good academic quality for college papers (Wikipedia and similar websites
  do not qualify). Use proper APA style in-text citing and also a matching APA
  style References list at the end.