Essay Topic 2. Essay Topic 4. 1) Political leadership and the Depression. 3) Optimism vs pessimism. Write an essay comparing American literature to the literature of another country, such as France or Germany. Be sure to note differences or similarities in: A Man Without a Country Essay Topics & Writing Assignments. 3) The influence of the Great Depression on economics as a discipline. Essay Topic 1. Write an essay in an informal style that describes what it is. 4) Influence upon global philosophy. Write an essay comparing Kurt Vonnegut to another humorist, such as Mark Twain. Using the example of at least one book from each author, compare style, message, and philosophical standpoint with special attention given to similarities. 2) Differences and similarities between the Great Depression and recent economic crises in the United States. Essay Topic 3. Write an essay on the Great Depression from an economic standpoint, examining its causes, effects, and solution. Be sure to address at least one of these points: