codified and sanctioned the way several generations of men have behaved verbally toward women in American society. Young boys sitting in the Saturday afternoon darkness could not ride horses or shoot guns, but they could talk. Or rather, they could learn how to keep silent. the Western man's silence functions as a script for behavior; it expresses and authorizes a power relation that reaches into the furthest corners of domestic and social life. The impassivity of male silence suggests the inadequacy of female verbalization, establishes male superiority, and silences the one who would engage in conversation. (59)

While the western may have encouraged the image of the American man as the strong, silent type, in what other ways may it have inspired the behavior of American men? Write an essay of 3-5 pages (750-1000 words) in which you argue answer this question, supporting your observations with information drawn from the tapes you listened to and essays written by your classmates.
 

• Introduction Start with a reference to Jane Tompkins' suggestion that American men have developed their need to be silent from watching westerns. Quote Jane Tompkins if you wish, either in full or by paraphrase or summary. Suggest other possible general influences the western may have had on the behavior of the American male.

• Body Explore each of these influences with references to the episodes of Gunsmoke which you listened and to essays written by your classmates.

• Conclusion Apply your observations in some way. Perhaps you could suggest ways that your discussion might help society better understand male-female relationships.

• Works Cited List the three to five sources you use (any combination of audio tape, student essay, or additional source) in your Works Cited page or section (see below). If you need help documenting a source, check your textbook or visit the Writing Center.

"The Lamb." Gunsmoke. Starring William Conrad, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, and Parley Baer. Audiocassette. Radio Spirits, (12-05-53).

Document a classmate as follows:

Joseph, Jenica. "Gunsmoke." Anthology of Gunsmoke Essays. 14 February 2005. Date you look at the page. www.andrews.edu/~closserb/215_Gunsmoke_Anthology.html.

Document Jane Tompkins' book as follows:

Tompkins, Jane. West of Everything: The Inner Life of Westerns. NY: Oxford University Press, 1992.

Remember to alphabetize your entries, ignoring the word "The" when it starts an entry.
 

1. Begin with the official Andrews University Title page which you should have in your syllabus.

2. Use Times New Roman font, 12-point.

3. Set the margins for one inch on all sides.

4. Set the page number for the upper right-hand corner.

5. Include a Works Cited page or section on which you list each source you refer to in your essay.

6. After printing a hard copy of your essay to turn in, send me an electronic version of our essay by pasting it into, or attaching it to an e-mail at closserb@andrews.edu. You may also submit your copy on a floppy disk. I can read either Word Perfect or Microsoft Word.