STEP 1: Select an author from one of the subcultures listed below (or another subculture you are aware of) and read/annotate one or more works by that author.

• Beat generation (Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Creeley, Denise Levertov, Frank O’Hara)
• Hippies (Richard Bach, Terrence McKenna, Hunter S. Thomson, Jim Morrison, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan)
• Feminists (Joni Mitchell, Margaret Atwood, Joan Didion, Louise Erdrich, Erica Jong, Barbara Kingsolver)
• Generation X (Douglas Copeland, Jay McInerny, Chuck Palahniuk )
• Hip-hop (Tupac Shakur, Sister Souljah, LL Cool Jay, Queen Latifah, Beastie Boys)

STEP 2: Select an author from a different subculture listed above (or another subculture you are aware of) and read/annotate one or more works by that other author.

STEP 3: Using the Venn Graphic Organizer (attached), outline the similarities and differences between the subcultures based on what the literature tells you about them. List details of one piece of literature on the left and the other on the right. In the middle, list the details common to both pieces of literature. List at least 12 points of contrast and at least 6 points of comparison on your diagram. Consider carefully:

• Imagery
• Symbolism
• Tone/attitude
• Subject
• Themes
• Settings
• Conflicts
• Comparisons
• Descriptions of characters
• Plot events

STEP 4: In a paragraph or two, draw conclusions about how literature defines any culture (or in this case counterculture). What tools do authors have that make them able to portray the essence of their culture?

Create a Works Cited page using MLA format that lists your sources.