Show that you ve put some time and thought into your application, and that you ve thought about your choices. Think about the projects you ve done. You are not your resume. Read the catalog before you write your SOP so that you can demonstrate knowledge of what the program can do for you. Be aware that in the first round, committees are looking for someone to eliminate, and grammatical mistakes or spelling errors could eliminate you.
Admissions look for an overall balance of fields in their admitted students.
Admissions with a specialty in modern fields, especially 20th century American literature are more competitive, due to a greater number of interested applicants. Admissions are competitive. Excellent students from Davis have a leg up on admissions here. Consider, however, whether remaining in the department will provide you with the depth and breadth you need in graduate studies. The requirement can be satisfied in grad school by examination.