Important Dates:
Monday 04 March: Bring all sources + your book to class. I will "approve" all of your research. Outlines & presentation guidelines given this day. Sign up for group meetings.
W 06 March & F 08 March: Group meetings. Bring your completed outline (have thesis and topics written out) and/or a beginning draft + all of your materials. You will also have time to prepare the presentation. You are required to attend both class periods, whether or not you meet with me that day.
SPRING BREAK
M 18 March: ROUGH DRAFTS DUE FOR EDITING-- paper should be complete and include citations and a Bibliography.
W 20 March: PRESENTATIONS BEGIN!
F 22 March: Finish Presentations. FINAL COPY OF PAPER IS DUE THIS DAY!
9am Presentation Schedule:
W 20 March: 9-9:15- Into the Wild; 9:15-9:30- Mysterious Skin; 9:30-9:45- Never Let Me Go
F 22 March: 9-9:15- The Basketball Diaries 9:15-9:30- Fight Club 9:30-9:45- We Need to Talk About Kevin
10am Presentation Schedule:
W 20 March: 10-10:15- Into the Wild; 10:15-10:30- Never Let Me Go; 10:30-10:45- We Need to Talk About Kevin
F 22 March: 10-10:15- Mysterious Skin; 10:15-10:30- The Basketball Diaries; 10:30-10:45- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
ABSTRACT: An abstract is a summary of a scholarly article. Your research paper is a scholarly article, and you will write an abstract to accompany it. To write your abstract, begin with your title. Then, in paragraph form, write down your thesis statement, all of your topic statements, and a concluding statement. It should flow as a paragraph. To test the strength of your thesis and topic statements, have someone read your abstract who is not familiar with your project. They should be able to clearly tell exactly what your paper is about, to the point of being able to tell you exactly what is covered in each paragraph. Send your abstract to me over spring break, and I will give you feedback. It is due in class on MONDAY 18 March, along with your completed rough draft.
Monday 04 March: Bring all sources + your book to class. I will "approve" all of your research. Outlines & presentation guidelines given this day. Sign up for group meetings.
W 06 March & F 08 March: Group meetings. Bring your completed outline (have thesis and topics written out) and/or a beginning draft + all of your materials. You will also have time to prepare the presentation. You are required to attend both class periods, whether or not you meet with me that day.
SPRING BREAK
M 18 March: ROUGH DRAFTS DUE FOR EDITING-- paper should be complete and include citations and a Bibliography.
W 20 March: PRESENTATIONS BEGIN!
F 22 March: Finish Presentations. FINAL COPY OF PAPER IS DUE THIS DAY!
9am Presentation Schedule:
W 20 March: 9-9:15- Into the Wild; 9:15-9:30- Mysterious Skin; 9:30-9:45- Never Let Me Go
F 22 March: 9-9:15- The Basketball Diaries 9:15-9:30- Fight Club 9:30-9:45- We Need to Talk About Kevin
10am Presentation Schedule:
W 20 March: 10-10:15- Into the Wild; 10:15-10:30- Never Let Me Go; 10:30-10:45- We Need to Talk About Kevin
F 22 March: 10-10:15- Mysterious Skin; 10:15-10:30- The Basketball Diaries; 10:30-10:45- The Perks of Being a Wallflower
ABSTRACT: An abstract is a summary of a scholarly article. Your research paper is a scholarly article, and you will write an abstract to accompany it. To write your abstract, begin with your title. Then, in paragraph form, write down your thesis statement, all of your topic statements, and a concluding statement. It should flow as a paragraph. To test the strength of your thesis and topic statements, have someone read your abstract who is not familiar with your project. They should be able to clearly tell exactly what your paper is about, to the point of being able to tell you exactly what is covered in each paragraph. Send your abstract to me over spring break, and I will give you feedback. It is due in class on MONDAY 18 March, along with your completed rough draft.
Research Meetings Overview:
3 types of citations that will likely appear in your essay and are expected to be cited correctly:
1. Film Review:
Ebert, Roger. "An Inconvenient Truth." Rev. of An Inconvenient Truth, dir.
Davis Guggenheim. Rogerebert.com. Sun-Times News Group, 2 June
2006. Web. 24 May 2009.
2. Interview:
Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed.
Skewed & Reviewed, 2009. Web. 15 Mar. 2009.
3. A Journal:
Milken, Michael, Gary Becker, Myron Scholes, and Daniel Kahneman. "On
Global Warming and Financial Imbalances." New Perspectives Quarterly.
23.4 (2006): 63. Ebscohost. Web. 04 March 2013.
For other formats, check your handout, your textbook, or Purdue Owl.
Mise-en-scène is a French term and originates in the theater. It means, literally, "put in the scene." For film, it has a broader meaning, and refers to almost everything that goes into the composition of the shot, including the composition itself: framing, movement of the camera and characters, lighting, set design and general visual environment, even sound, as it helps elaborate the composition.
Example topic statement: The mise-en-scene of the film adds to its appeal. You would then go on to use examples from the film, as well as short quotes from your articles, to comment on different aspects of mise-en-scene and how/why it adds value to the film.
Example supporting point: For example, Foreman’s use of elaborate costume, such as the many “powder white and pastel colored wigs” (Ebert, par. 4) that adorn the actors’ heads, adds to the visual appeal of the film.
THESIS STATEMENT:
Should contain-
1. Title & author of book
2. Title & director of film
3. Evaluative key word
4. A comparative key word
5. Issue key word – adds extra value
Example:
While the film version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by Richard Brooks deviates from the written text, it successfully illuminates the central issue of the work, familial dysfunction, and earns artistic merit in its own right.
Research Paper
Comparison & Contrast: Identifying main similarities or differences and considering why those similarities are important and what they reveal about the characters or works. Evaluation: Ascertains the value, both of kind and degree, of the subject.
Argument: Takes and defends a position.
Directions: It has long been stated that "the book is always better than the movie". But, is this accurate? Sometimes the goal of a film isn't to accurately represent the book but to interpret it; we must remember to judge different mediums by different standards. We can judge the film first as a separate entity from the book, a film in and of itself. However, with this assignment, your goal will be to determine the value of a film when studied alongside the written work that it is based upon. Once you choose your topic, you will both read the written version of the work and then view the film version of the work. You will find important parallels in the versions and comment on them accordingly. If the adaptation is mostly the same as the text, then your essay will focus more on differences, or departures; if the adaptation is vastly different from the text, then your essay will focus more on similarities, or on bridging the two works back together. It is your job to present the similarities/differences, discuss them, use quotes from the book, film, and outside research to "back up" your commentary, while evaluating the film adaptation along the way (a movie review, of sorts). You will want to discuss aspects that stand out in one version over the other, the changes made from the book to the film, how the actors live up to the portayal of their characters, how the director's vision lives up to or honors the written version, etc. Secondarily, the other goal of the paper is to discuss the main "issue" that is brought up by the book/film and convey its importance.
This project requires you to purchase a book (or check it out from a library) and to either rent or purchase a film. You must bring both the book and the film to class on your presentation day; you will be required to show a clip from the film. Check the NCTC library for these materials; I did order many of these in past semesters!
Specifics: Your paper will be in MLA format and contain a header, centered title, 1 inch margins, 12 point font, a Works Cited page, and internal citations. You must find (via the library databases) 3 scholarly articles written on the book, and 3 film reviews (these can be found via www.imdb.com, click on "external reviews", but you must choose ones written by well-known critics who publish in well-known newspapers or magazines with wide distribution). You must also find 3 articles on the issue or theme presented in the book/film; you do this by searching the academic databases available to you on the library page. You must also use quotes from both the book and the film. Your Works Cited sheet should contain at least 10 sources: 2-3 on book, 3 film reviews, 2-3 on the theme or issue being portrayed, the movie, and the book. Again, "googling" the title of your book will NOT produce academic sources; you MUST use Academic Search Premier or some other library database in order to find your articles; you may also use books that contain analysis of your subject.
Each body paragraph should include a minimum of 3 short quotes that are cited in correct MLA format. Please use your grammar handbook and the online MLA guidebook (link available on the website). The quotes MUST be worked into your own sentences and flow as part of your commentary; they must not be left "hanging". Follow this model: Introduce the quote, state the quote, explain/analyze the quote, in that order, all in the same sentence. You must balance your own ideas with quotes-- you use your sources to back up your ideas. Therefore, quotes/citations should not make up the bulk of your paper.
Example for citing: Big Daddy's declaration to Brick, [Introduction of Quote] "One thing you can grow on a big place more important than cotton!--is tolerance!" [Quote] (2.89) [Citation], proves that he is a caring father who loves his son unconditionally [Explanation of Quote]; he is tolerant of his son, but Brick needs to learn to be tolerant of himself [Analysis of Quote]. Big Daddy prefaces his advice to Brick with "I'm not easy to shock by anything here" (2.89), which indicates an inviatation for Brick to be able to tell him anything; nothing is off limits, and he will not be judged for his confession should he choose to make one.
* Note that we normally cite a play by (Act #. Scene #. Line #), but because we don't have a scene or line number, we use (Act #.Page #).
The Essay should be approximately 4 pages in length, but no more than 5 pages in length. In MLA, everything is double-spaced. However, note that the "content" portion of your grade will address both length and quality, and if you have 4 pages but something is missing, then you will not get a full content grade. Most people will need to write 4 full pages to address all content criteria. In an essay of this length, you will have approximately 4-5 body paragraphs, plus and introduction and conclusion. Obviously your paragraphs will be longer than you are used to in order to accomodate adding in cited research. You should have a clear thesis statement that sets up the basis of your comparison and is evaluative. Each body paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence that defines the basis of that paragraph as it relates to the thesis. The author and title of the book, director and title of the film, should be mentioned in the introduction and conclusion. Avoid over-summarization in the body paragraphs; set up the "synopsis" of the story in the introduction paragraph; this usually takes 2-3 sentences. Make sure you state the main plot points and the main characters, but give just enough detail so that you provide readers a CONTEXT for the discussion and analysis that follows.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: TBA
Obviously, because this is an MLA formatted RESEARCH paper, you will also have to compile a bibliography. Print out all of your research articles. I need to approve your articles before you use them. Don't wait on this-- begin reading and researching ASAP. See what is out there. Soon I will give you more details about the bibliography and specifics of what needs to be included. You should check this tab weekly to see if there are any updates.
Essay outline: [This is general, and you may have more paragraphs or different topics depending on your take on the topic.]
Introduction
1. Your lead-in might be some general statement that applies to the theme/issue your story presents.
2. Then you would bridge that general idea to the content of the story itself; this is where you'd introduce the works and mention the director's and author's names.
3. Then you might provide a brief overview of the plot (2-3 sentences max) and note if the film accurately portrays that plot or departs from it.
4. You might discuss the popularity/acclaim of the book/film-- awards? Classic status?
5. End with the thesis that clearly states how this story is important and whether or not the film lives up to the expectations readers would have after reading the book-- in other words, is the film as good as the book?
Par. 1
What is the central theme/idea/message of this story? Use your research on the theme/issue to give readers a good idea of what this story is about but not by relying on plot summary-- rather by exploring the theme. Is it about gay rights? Child abuse? Poverty? What about this work makes people take it seriously and makes it popular enough to be made into a film? Include objective research on the issue itself; for example, if the story deals with drug addiction, provide some factual information about drug addiction.
Par. 2
Now that you've pinned down what this story is about, talk about the characters and actors here. Your topic statement should be an evaluation of whether or not the actors accurately bring the characters from the book to life. You will cite both your book and film sources in this paragraph.
Par. 3
Here you'll talk about directing. Does the director accurately bring this story to life? What is used to do so (costume, music, camera techniques, setting, etc.?) Is the setting changed or kept the same, and what is the significance? Any of these types of topics can be addressed here. If you write about more than one, then find some commonality in what you are writing about and pin that down in the topic statement. Cite book and film sources.
Par. 4
Devote this paragraph to one of the following: Controversial aspects, comparing and assessing the goals of the book and film, secondary themes, or some other aspect of the filmmaking that may shed light on the story in a creative way.
Conclusion:
This paragraph not only summarizes your main points and substantiates your thesis, it also is a call to action to audiences. What is the social commentary provided by this author and this director? What message are they sending to society? What should society do with that message? If it is a serious issue, what can we do to address this issue? What should we learn from this book/film? Finally, do you recommend the film? Is it a successful adaptation-- not necessarily literal, just successful? Make sure you define how you define success.
You will then include an annotated bibliography of your sources.
Here are the 7 wonderful selections that I've chosen (with your input) for this project this semester. Only 4 people will be allowed to sign up for each topic, and you will present as a group. A total of 6 projects will be chosen.
NOTICE: Most of these works present *sensitive* subjects and are intended for *mature* audiences who are capable of *mature* discussion/analysis of the material. This is college, and this is college-level reading. These works have been carefully selected.
"The Basketball Diaries" by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse]
"Mysterious Skin" by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation]
"Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism]
"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Consumerism]
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide]
"We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre]
"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics]
**All film versions are by the same title.
Argument: Takes and defends a position.
Directions: It has long been stated that "the book is always better than the movie". But, is this accurate? Sometimes the goal of a film isn't to accurately represent the book but to interpret it; we must remember to judge different mediums by different standards. We can judge the film first as a separate entity from the book, a film in and of itself. However, with this assignment, your goal will be to determine the value of a film when studied alongside the written work that it is based upon. Once you choose your topic, you will both read the written version of the work and then view the film version of the work. You will find important parallels in the versions and comment on them accordingly. If the adaptation is mostly the same as the text, then your essay will focus more on differences, or departures; if the adaptation is vastly different from the text, then your essay will focus more on similarities, or on bridging the two works back together. It is your job to present the similarities/differences, discuss them, use quotes from the book, film, and outside research to "back up" your commentary, while evaluating the film adaptation along the way (a movie review, of sorts). You will want to discuss aspects that stand out in one version over the other, the changes made from the book to the film, how the actors live up to the portayal of their characters, how the director's vision lives up to or honors the written version, etc. Secondarily, the other goal of the paper is to discuss the main "issue" that is brought up by the book/film and convey its importance.
This project requires you to purchase a book (or check it out from a library) and to either rent or purchase a film. You must bring both the book and the film to class on your presentation day; you will be required to show a clip from the film. Check the NCTC library for these materials; I did order many of these in past semesters!
Specifics: Your paper will be in MLA format and contain a header, centered title, 1 inch margins, 12 point font, a Works Cited page, and internal citations. You must find (via the library databases) 3 scholarly articles written on the book, and 3 film reviews (these can be found via www.imdb.com, click on "external reviews", but you must choose ones written by well-known critics who publish in well-known newspapers or magazines with wide distribution). You must also find 3 articles on the issue or theme presented in the book/film; you do this by searching the academic databases available to you on the library page. You must also use quotes from both the book and the film. Your Works Cited sheet should contain at least 10 sources: 2-3 on book, 3 film reviews, 2-3 on the theme or issue being portrayed, the movie, and the book. Again, "googling" the title of your book will NOT produce academic sources; you MUST use Academic Search Premier or some other library database in order to find your articles; you may also use books that contain analysis of your subject.
Each body paragraph should include a minimum of 3 short quotes that are cited in correct MLA format. Please use your grammar handbook and the online MLA guidebook (link available on the website). The quotes MUST be worked into your own sentences and flow as part of your commentary; they must not be left "hanging". Follow this model: Introduce the quote, state the quote, explain/analyze the quote, in that order, all in the same sentence. You must balance your own ideas with quotes-- you use your sources to back up your ideas. Therefore, quotes/citations should not make up the bulk of your paper.
Example for citing: Big Daddy's declaration to Brick, [Introduction of Quote] "One thing you can grow on a big place more important than cotton!--is tolerance!" [Quote] (2.89) [Citation], proves that he is a caring father who loves his son unconditionally [Explanation of Quote]; he is tolerant of his son, but Brick needs to learn to be tolerant of himself [Analysis of Quote]. Big Daddy prefaces his advice to Brick with "I'm not easy to shock by anything here" (2.89), which indicates an inviatation for Brick to be able to tell him anything; nothing is off limits, and he will not be judged for his confession should he choose to make one.
* Note that we normally cite a play by (Act #. Scene #. Line #), but because we don't have a scene or line number, we use (Act #.Page #).
The Essay should be approximately 4 pages in length, but no more than 5 pages in length. In MLA, everything is double-spaced. However, note that the "content" portion of your grade will address both length and quality, and if you have 4 pages but something is missing, then you will not get a full content grade. Most people will need to write 4 full pages to address all content criteria. In an essay of this length, you will have approximately 4-5 body paragraphs, plus and introduction and conclusion. Obviously your paragraphs will be longer than you are used to in order to accomodate adding in cited research. You should have a clear thesis statement that sets up the basis of your comparison and is evaluative. Each body paragraph should contain a clear topic sentence that defines the basis of that paragraph as it relates to the thesis. The author and title of the book, director and title of the film, should be mentioned in the introduction and conclusion. Avoid over-summarization in the body paragraphs; set up the "synopsis" of the story in the introduction paragraph; this usually takes 2-3 sentences. Make sure you state the main plot points and the main characters, but give just enough detail so that you provide readers a CONTEXT for the discussion and analysis that follows.
BIBLIOGRAPHY: TBA
Obviously, because this is an MLA formatted RESEARCH paper, you will also have to compile a bibliography. Print out all of your research articles. I need to approve your articles before you use them. Don't wait on this-- begin reading and researching ASAP. See what is out there. Soon I will give you more details about the bibliography and specifics of what needs to be included. You should check this tab weekly to see if there are any updates.
Essay outline: [This is general, and you may have more paragraphs or different topics depending on your take on the topic.]
Introduction
1. Your lead-in might be some general statement that applies to the theme/issue your story presents.
2. Then you would bridge that general idea to the content of the story itself; this is where you'd introduce the works and mention the director's and author's names.
3. Then you might provide a brief overview of the plot (2-3 sentences max) and note if the film accurately portrays that plot or departs from it.
4. You might discuss the popularity/acclaim of the book/film-- awards? Classic status?
5. End with the thesis that clearly states how this story is important and whether or not the film lives up to the expectations readers would have after reading the book-- in other words, is the film as good as the book?
Par. 1
What is the central theme/idea/message of this story? Use your research on the theme/issue to give readers a good idea of what this story is about but not by relying on plot summary-- rather by exploring the theme. Is it about gay rights? Child abuse? Poverty? What about this work makes people take it seriously and makes it popular enough to be made into a film? Include objective research on the issue itself; for example, if the story deals with drug addiction, provide some factual information about drug addiction.
Par. 2
Now that you've pinned down what this story is about, talk about the characters and actors here. Your topic statement should be an evaluation of whether or not the actors accurately bring the characters from the book to life. You will cite both your book and film sources in this paragraph.
Par. 3
Here you'll talk about directing. Does the director accurately bring this story to life? What is used to do so (costume, music, camera techniques, setting, etc.?) Is the setting changed or kept the same, and what is the significance? Any of these types of topics can be addressed here. If you write about more than one, then find some commonality in what you are writing about and pin that down in the topic statement. Cite book and film sources.
Par. 4
Devote this paragraph to one of the following: Controversial aspects, comparing and assessing the goals of the book and film, secondary themes, or some other aspect of the filmmaking that may shed light on the story in a creative way.
Conclusion:
This paragraph not only summarizes your main points and substantiates your thesis, it also is a call to action to audiences. What is the social commentary provided by this author and this director? What message are they sending to society? What should society do with that message? If it is a serious issue, what can we do to address this issue? What should we learn from this book/film? Finally, do you recommend the film? Is it a successful adaptation-- not necessarily literal, just successful? Make sure you define how you define success.
You will then include an annotated bibliography of your sources.
Here are the 7 wonderful selections that I've chosen (with your input) for this project this semester. Only 4 people will be allowed to sign up for each topic, and you will present as a group. A total of 6 projects will be chosen.
NOTICE: Most of these works present *sensitive* subjects and are intended for *mature* audiences who are capable of *mature* discussion/analysis of the material. This is college, and this is college-level reading. These works have been carefully selected.
"The Basketball Diaries" by Jim Carroll [Issue: Drug Abuse]
"Mysterious Skin" by Scott Heim [Issue: Child Molestation]
"Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer [Issues: Extreme Adventure, Consumerism]
"Fight Club" by Chuck Palahunik [Issues: Commercialism, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Consumerism]
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky [Issue: Suicide]
"We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver [Issue: School Massacre]
"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro. [Issue: Human Scientific Experimentation/Ethics]
**All film versions are by the same title.
TIPS:
When you are reviewing a movie, make sure to include descriptive language. Refer to the film's relevance. It is a good idea to reference similar stories that might be more familiar to your readers. As always, introducing the main characters, basic plot, and presenting the "social commentary," are musts. Here's an example of a short film review:
Remember-- KEY WORDS!!
Sample Mini-Film Review: The Doom Generation is Araki's best film to date. Rose McGowan is interestingly cast as Amy Blue, the femme fatale for the 90's. She embarks upon a doomsday journey with her counterparts Xavier Red and Jordan White; as in Kafka's The Trial, everyone seems to be after Amy, but she doesn't know why. Darkly reminiscent of Godard's Weekend, The Doom Generation makes an important statement about groupthink and mass conformity. It addresses teen angst in a post-Cobain desolate American setting. Underlying the maudlin comedy are serious issues, such as bigotry, androgyny, and a longing for acceptance in a world devoid of humanity.
Sample Citation:
Underage drinking is not only irresponsible, but it can also be deadly; as Voas states, "An average of 11 million teens die from alcohol-related crashes" (381).
Less effective:
Voas states, "An average of 11 million teens die from alcohol-related crashes" (381); what Voas is basically saying is that drinking can be deadly.
Does not flow and is repetetive:
People that serve could be very uncomfortable knowing the person they are using for body heat could be aroused by their interaction, "The only way to keep from freezing at night was to get as close as possible for body-heat, which means skin to skin" (Jones 617).
Another common error:
In Zellner's article 'How Wal-Mart Keeps Unions at Bay", explores the efforts and setbacks found while trying to unionize Wal-Mart stores.
When you are reviewing a movie, make sure to include descriptive language. Refer to the film's relevance. It is a good idea to reference similar stories that might be more familiar to your readers. As always, introducing the main characters, basic plot, and presenting the "social commentary," are musts. Here's an example of a short film review:
Remember-- KEY WORDS!!
Sample Mini-Film Review: The Doom Generation is Araki's best film to date. Rose McGowan is interestingly cast as Amy Blue, the femme fatale for the 90's. She embarks upon a doomsday journey with her counterparts Xavier Red and Jordan White; as in Kafka's The Trial, everyone seems to be after Amy, but she doesn't know why. Darkly reminiscent of Godard's Weekend, The Doom Generation makes an important statement about groupthink and mass conformity. It addresses teen angst in a post-Cobain desolate American setting. Underlying the maudlin comedy are serious issues, such as bigotry, androgyny, and a longing for acceptance in a world devoid of humanity.
Sample Citation:
Underage drinking is not only irresponsible, but it can also be deadly; as Voas states, "An average of 11 million teens die from alcohol-related crashes" (381).
Less effective:
Voas states, "An average of 11 million teens die from alcohol-related crashes" (381); what Voas is basically saying is that drinking can be deadly.
Does not flow and is repetetive:
People that serve could be very uncomfortable knowing the person they are using for body heat could be aroused by their interaction, "The only way to keep from freezing at night was to get as close as possible for body-heat, which means skin to skin" (Jones 617).
Another common error:
In Zellner's article 'How Wal-Mart Keeps Unions at Bay", explores the efforts and setbacks found while trying to unionize Wal-Mart stores.
Important Dates:
SAMPLE
Sample Thesis: “Cat”:While the film version of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” directed by Richard Brooks deviates from the written work by Tennessee Williams, it holds its own value; the play is so brilliant that any version of it would contain a level of artistic merit.
Sample opening: The level of dysfunction a family experiences is often disguised in public view; sometimes problems are "pushed under the rug" even within the family, which can create a proverbial "elephant in the room" scenario. Tennessee Williams uncovers the Pollitt's family "elephant" and pushes out into plain view in his famous play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The story reveals the skewed family dynamic of the Pollitt family: A cancer-stricken Big Daddy is uncovering the truth about his health, the future of his estate, and his relationship with his wife and two sons. Brick and Maggie, the protagonists, are struggling to come to terms with their failing marriage, and the secret that has created that struggle: Brick's latent feelings for his best friend Skipper who has committed suicide. The story was as popular on film as it was in print; while the film versio of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by Richard Brooks and produced by Elia Kazan deviates from Williams' work, it holds its own value as a separate but equally brilliant work. While the artistic merit of the film is evidenced by the character portrayals and mis en scene, the elimination of certain key plot elements detracts from Williams' original work.
Body 1: Issue: You want to discuss the predominant TOPIC/ISSUE that lead to the story's "social commentary" or "message". Some of your stories deal with hot button topics, such as drug addiction, child abuse, or the correlation between poverty and the education system. For "Cat", there are several to pick from. I'd choose homosexuality and cite research about homophobia to show how the story can relate the issue from the 1950's (a time when the subject was completely taboo) to the 2010's (a time when progress is being made).
The topic sentence should give an overview of the general point of the paragraph. One tip is to use a keyword from your thesis statement in your topic sentences.
My topic might be: Williams explores various issues in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, including family dysfunction, alcholism, parenting, and fidelity, but it has been said that "sex is the peg that the drama is hung on" (Brown, par. 4). The intense sexual desire that Maggie has for her husband Brick is paralleled with Brick's latent sexual desire for his deceased best friend Skipper, and the homophobia that leads to his self-denial. [I would then go on to discuss homosexuality then and now, citing articles that discuss the subject].
2. A logical “topic” for the next paragraph is a character/actor discussion. Describe the characters in the book and then discuss how they are brought to life on screen by the actors. Of course, you will need to use quotes from your research to back up your statements.
Sample: “Cat”: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof contains some of the most colorful characters ever created; these characters are portrayed by a brilliant cast made up of a combination of movie stars and stage actors who each command their role.
I would then go on to describe each character and evaluate each actor in that role, citing my film reviews and literary research to support my characterization and evaluation.
Body 3: Now that you’ve covered the ‘people’, you might transition to visual effects. You may discuss setting, costume, lighting, or other visual imagery that the director uses to bring the story to life. Again, a firm topic statement and quotes from research are required.
Sample: “Cat”:The film stays true to the setting of the play, the Pollitt home, a sprawling southern plantation, in the 1950’s; the visual appeal of the film adds interest, as well as a symbolic layer, to the story.
I would go on to discuss symbolism and setting (names, the time period, the mansion, the weather, etc.) and cite reviews and articles on the book.
Body 3: While the topics for body paragraphs 1 and 2 can be the same for everyone, the ones beyond that will depend on each individual project. For example, if music plays a big part in your book/film, then that may be discussed here. If there are specific camera techniques used, then you may discuss that. If there are specific motifs or symbols, then discuss that. If the screenplay deviates heavily from the original work, or if the critics viewed them each differently, or if there is some social reason changes were made (Hollywood Codes, Budget, Ratings, etc.)… You’ll have to decide what is most important to your particular topic. Whatever you choose, you will have to use quotes to support your discussion.
Sample: “Cat”: The writers of the screenplay, Richard Brooks, in collaboration with Williams and James Poe, did a fine job of maintaining the spirit of the original play; however, the Hays Code, the Hollywood Production Codes for that time, resulted in a vital plot point, Brick’s homosexual desire for his best friend Skipper, be eliminated from the film version. Rather than sexuality, immaturity is instead the focus of the film.
[I would go on to cite passages from the text that discuss this, lines from the film that hint at it but don’t make it overt, lines that place more focus on his young mindset rather than his sexuality; then I’d cite an article that discusses the Hays Code, and maybe a critic who might have pointed out the difference in the film… I would go on to evaluate the effect that change had].
That last paragraph, should be an elaboration of theme/social commentary.
Sample: “Cat”: While Brick’s struggle to come to terms with his sexuality is a poignant theme in the play, the many effects of “mendacity”, especially on personal relationships, seems to be the guiding message in both the play and in its cinematic counterpart.
I would then cite my articles and reviews, pointing out passages that reiterate the theme of mendacity-- how each character is a liar dealing with lies and Williams' and Brooks' messages about this theme.
Conclusion: You may want to circle back to your title, your frame, your thesis. Restate the director, author, and titles as well. Here you will want to make a clear evaluative statement about the works. Keep in mind the goals of the film—if it was to interpret the book, present the book literally, or maybe was just inspired by the book. State this, and then go on to examine if the film had a worthy goal, accomplished that goal, and how it stacks up to the written version.
Sample opening: The level of dysfunction a family experiences is often disguised in public view; sometimes problems are "pushed under the rug" even within the family, which can create a proverbial "elephant in the room" scenario. Tennessee Williams uncovers the Pollitt's family "elephant" and pushes out into plain view in his famous play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The story reveals the skewed family dynamic of the Pollitt family: A cancer-stricken Big Daddy is uncovering the truth about his health, the future of his estate, and his relationship with his wife and two sons. Brick and Maggie, the protagonists, are struggling to come to terms with their failing marriage, and the secret that has created that struggle: Brick's latent feelings for his best friend Skipper who has committed suicide. The story was as popular on film as it was in print; while the film versio of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by Richard Brooks and produced by Elia Kazan deviates from Williams' work, it holds its own value as a separate but equally brilliant work. While the artistic merit of the film is evidenced by the character portrayals and mis en scene, the elimination of certain key plot elements detracts from Williams' original work.
Body 1: Issue: You want to discuss the predominant TOPIC/ISSUE that lead to the story's "social commentary" or "message". Some of your stories deal with hot button topics, such as drug addiction, child abuse, or the correlation between poverty and the education system. For "Cat", there are several to pick from. I'd choose homosexuality and cite research about homophobia to show how the story can relate the issue from the 1950's (a time when the subject was completely taboo) to the 2010's (a time when progress is being made).
The topic sentence should give an overview of the general point of the paragraph. One tip is to use a keyword from your thesis statement in your topic sentences.
My topic might be: Williams explores various issues in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, including family dysfunction, alcholism, parenting, and fidelity, but it has been said that "sex is the peg that the drama is hung on" (Brown, par. 4). The intense sexual desire that Maggie has for her husband Brick is paralleled with Brick's latent sexual desire for his deceased best friend Skipper, and the homophobia that leads to his self-denial. [I would then go on to discuss homosexuality then and now, citing articles that discuss the subject].
2. A logical “topic” for the next paragraph is a character/actor discussion. Describe the characters in the book and then discuss how they are brought to life on screen by the actors. Of course, you will need to use quotes from your research to back up your statements.
Sample: “Cat”: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof contains some of the most colorful characters ever created; these characters are portrayed by a brilliant cast made up of a combination of movie stars and stage actors who each command their role.
I would then go on to describe each character and evaluate each actor in that role, citing my film reviews and literary research to support my characterization and evaluation.
Body 3: Now that you’ve covered the ‘people’, you might transition to visual effects. You may discuss setting, costume, lighting, or other visual imagery that the director uses to bring the story to life. Again, a firm topic statement and quotes from research are required.
Sample: “Cat”:The film stays true to the setting of the play, the Pollitt home, a sprawling southern plantation, in the 1950’s; the visual appeal of the film adds interest, as well as a symbolic layer, to the story.
I would go on to discuss symbolism and setting (names, the time period, the mansion, the weather, etc.) and cite reviews and articles on the book.
Body 3: While the topics for body paragraphs 1 and 2 can be the same for everyone, the ones beyond that will depend on each individual project. For example, if music plays a big part in your book/film, then that may be discussed here. If there are specific camera techniques used, then you may discuss that. If there are specific motifs or symbols, then discuss that. If the screenplay deviates heavily from the original work, or if the critics viewed them each differently, or if there is some social reason changes were made (Hollywood Codes, Budget, Ratings, etc.)… You’ll have to decide what is most important to your particular topic. Whatever you choose, you will have to use quotes to support your discussion.
Sample: “Cat”: The writers of the screenplay, Richard Brooks, in collaboration with Williams and James Poe, did a fine job of maintaining the spirit of the original play; however, the Hays Code, the Hollywood Production Codes for that time, resulted in a vital plot point, Brick’s homosexual desire for his best friend Skipper, be eliminated from the film version. Rather than sexuality, immaturity is instead the focus of the film.
[I would go on to cite passages from the text that discuss this, lines from the film that hint at it but don’t make it overt, lines that place more focus on his young mindset rather than his sexuality; then I’d cite an article that discusses the Hays Code, and maybe a critic who might have pointed out the difference in the film… I would go on to evaluate the effect that change had].
That last paragraph, should be an elaboration of theme/social commentary.
Sample: “Cat”: While Brick’s struggle to come to terms with his sexuality is a poignant theme in the play, the many effects of “mendacity”, especially on personal relationships, seems to be the guiding message in both the play and in its cinematic counterpart.
I would then cite my articles and reviews, pointing out passages that reiterate the theme of mendacity-- how each character is a liar dealing with lies and Williams' and Brooks' messages about this theme.
Conclusion: You may want to circle back to your title, your frame, your thesis. Restate the director, author, and titles as well. Here you will want to make a clear evaluative statement about the works. Keep in mind the goals of the film—if it was to interpret the book, present the book literally, or maybe was just inspired by the book. State this, and then go on to examine if the film had a worthy goal, accomplished that goal, and how it stacks up to the written version.
OUTLINE
Name:___ ________________ Date:___________________
Essay Structure for __________________________ Title of Story / Book
I.Introductory Paragraph
Lead-In:________________________________________________________________________________
Story Synopsis:____________________________________________________________________________
Book/Film Awards:_________________________________________________________________________
Thesis (the main point of your essay) __________________________________________________________
II: "Topic" Paragraph [The issue(s) presented/dealt with in this story:
Topic Statement:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
III: Character/Actor Paragraph:
Topic:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
IV: Setting/Symbolism/Costume/Lighting/Music-- choose one or two that best apply to YOUR project:
Topic:__________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________
V: Themes: What makes this story (book and film) controversial/interesting/educational? What message is sent by this story? Is it the same in the book and in the film, or does it differ? Explain.
Topic:________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________________
** You should plug in at least ONE short quote from your 10 sources PER SUPPORTING POINT. In other words, you will have at LEAST 3 short quotes per body paragraph (normally you will have more than that). You must cite each of your sources at least once in the paper and tell me how you used the source under your bibliographic citation.
VI: Conclusion:
Re-introduce book/film for wrap-up.
What were the goals of the book vs. the goals of the film? Are they the same or different? ________________________________________________________________________________________
What was accomplished by the book vs. the film? ________________________________________________________________________________________
What makes this story everlasting-- something that people generations from now will still turn to? ________________________________________________________________________________________
Does the film live up to the book? __________________________________________________________
What are its strengths/weaknesses? _______________________________________________________
What is your overall evaluation of the film (use descriptive/comparative language)? _________________________________________________________________________________________
KEY WORDS: What are the 5 main key words that you will repeat throughout your essay to always remain focused on your thesis?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Essay Structure for __________________________ Title of Story / Book
I.Introductory Paragraph
Lead-In:________________________________________________________________________________
Story Synopsis:____________________________________________________________________________
Book/Film Awards:_________________________________________________________________________
Thesis (the main point of your essay) __________________________________________________________
II: "Topic" Paragraph [The issue(s) presented/dealt with in this story:
Topic Statement:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
III: Character/Actor Paragraph:
Topic:_____________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________________
IV: Setting/Symbolism/Costume/Lighting/Music-- choose one or two that best apply to YOUR project:
Topic:__________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:___________________________________________________________________
V: Themes: What makes this story (book and film) controversial/interesting/educational? What message is sent by this story? Is it the same in the book and in the film, or does it differ? Explain.
Topic:________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:_________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Point:__________________________________________________________________________
** You should plug in at least ONE short quote from your 10 sources PER SUPPORTING POINT. In other words, you will have at LEAST 3 short quotes per body paragraph (normally you will have more than that). You must cite each of your sources at least once in the paper and tell me how you used the source under your bibliographic citation.
VI: Conclusion:
Re-introduce book/film for wrap-up.
What were the goals of the book vs. the goals of the film? Are they the same or different? ________________________________________________________________________________________
What was accomplished by the book vs. the film? ________________________________________________________________________________________
What makes this story everlasting-- something that people generations from now will still turn to? ________________________________________________________________________________________
Does the film live up to the book? __________________________________________________________
What are its strengths/weaknesses? _______________________________________________________
What is your overall evaluation of the film (use descriptive/comparative language)? _________________________________________________________________________________________
KEY WORDS: What are the 5 main key words that you will repeat throughout your essay to always remain focused on your thesis?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT DATES:
01 March: Source Check-- MOVIE VIEWED AND BOOK READ BY THIS DATE!
04 March: Outlines Due
06 March/08 March: Drafts Due
18 March: 2nd Drafts Due for PEER EDITING
Due Date/Presentation Dates TBA-- sometime the week of 22-25 March...
01 March: Source Check-- MOVIE VIEWED AND BOOK READ BY THIS DATE!
04 March: Outlines Due
06 March/08 March: Drafts Due
18 March: 2nd Drafts Due for PEER EDITING
Due Date/Presentation Dates TBA-- sometime the week of 22-25 March...
DIARIES:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xwh185_the-basketball-diaries-1995-official-trailer-vo-hq_shortfilms#.UQKXTifLeWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsuEQP9i3iw
SKIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAcCUjK1DxU
WILD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY_94CSMlyE
FIGHT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXWAEX2jlg
WALLFLOWER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d484wQiDJTk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5aqeM55ymQ
KEVIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW5U4uCHA6Y
NEVER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xwh185_the-basketball-diaries-1995-official-trailer-vo-hq_shortfilms#.UQKXTifLeWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsuEQP9i3iw
SKIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAcCUjK1DxU
WILD:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY_94CSMlyE
FIGHT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUXWAEX2jlg
WALLFLOWER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d484wQiDJTk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5aqeM55ymQ
KEVIN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FW5U4uCHA6Y
NEVER:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXiRZhDEo8A