I need help on a paper that I have to redo again.

The prompt is:
Choose one short story and one poem from the 19th century.

Write to compare the ways in which each of these may be considered representative of American culture during the time period in which it was written. Cite specific evidence from the literature to support your ideas.

I know I want to use The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe and "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin with the transcontinental railroad and women's rights. but I don't know how to set it up.

Question

I need help on a paper that I have to redo again. 

The prompt is:
Choose one short story and one poem from the 19th century. 

Write to compare the ways in which each of these may be considered representative of American culture during the time period in which it was written. Cite specific evidence from the literature to support your ideas. 

I know I want to use The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe and "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin with the transcontinental railroad and women's rights. but I don't know how to set it up.