Writer’s Choice
ESSAY #2 ASSIGNMENT
GUIDELINES: Pages 3 – 4 / Font: 10 – 12 pt. (no cursive) / double-space
ASSIGNMENT: Keeping in mind the themes and experiences expressed in Tennov’s book, Love and Limerence, write an essay that explores one of the topics listed below. Use the appropriate terminology as seen in Tennov’s text.
NO: “I statements”, or “YOU / YOUR” in academic writing
REFERENCE: Use Tennov’s terminology: limerent and limerent object (LO). You may also use “lover(s), beloved, but preference should be with Tennov’s terminology. These are specific identifiers that are better than “he”, “she” “the couple” etc. This paper is about the dynamics of limerence active on an individual or within a relationship. Dynamics and the roles played must be clear, so check that your references regarding the parties involved are clear. Do not rely solely on pronouns.
TOPICS: Choose one topic and format an essay that cites from the specified text.
Explain the effects of limerence and how it can work to undermine the limerent’s desired outcome and their happiness.
Explain how reciprocity relieves and / or intensifies limerence.
How is limerence a “mental activity” rather than a supposed emotional experience?
Discuss the differences and dynamics of crystallization and idealization.
PLANNING the ESSAY
Determine Your Purpose:
Brainstorm about your selected topic. Do a free-write or a listing to see if you have
clear thoughts and an understanding about the issues involved.
Revisit portions of the text to refresh your comprehension
Carve out a Working Thesis, being sure to use key words or phrases to indicate the focus
and direction of your paper. Be sure your thesis is a clear SUBJECT + ASSERTION. Thesis is not an announcement of your intent, nor is it a summation of what Tennov writes. It is a statement that forecasts the focus of the essay.
Complete the Planning Sheet. Use complete sentences for the Thesis and each Topic Sentence. Main ideas may be just a word or phrase.
Satisfied with your choice of topic? Now scout-out points of evidence in text before you begin the rough draft. Remember, you must cite from the text. Review “The 1,2,3s of Citation”. Failure to cite correctly will harm your results.






