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Read the prompt carefully.
Underline the words in the task that define what you need to
do.
Then number the tasks.
If the topic already suggests addressing the “so what” factor,
make sure that’s underlined and numbered.
If not, add the words “so what factor” to the task.
Literally. Write those words beneath the task.
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Novels and plays often depict characters caught
between colliding cultures -- national, regional,
ethnic, religious, institutional. Such collisions can
call a character’s sense of identity into question.
Select a novel or play (The Handmaid’s Tale) in
which a character responds to such a cultural
collision. Then write a well-organized essay in
which you describe the character’s response and
explain its relevance to the work as a whole.
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Novels and plays often depict characters caught between
colliding cultures -- national, regional, ethnic, religious,
institutional. Such collisions can call a character’s sense of
identity into question. (1) Select a novel or play (The
Handmaid’s Tale) in which (2) a character (3)responds to
such a cultural collision. Then write a well-organized essay
in which you (3) describe (give them evidence and analysis.
Don’t summarize!) the character’s response and (4)explain
its relevance to the work as a whole (this is the ‘so what’.
What is Atwood trying to say through this character and
their response to this particular cultural collision? THEME!).
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Outline!
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UNDERLINE the title of major works (books and
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plays).
Present evidence, and ANALYZE! Relate every piece of
evidence back to you thesis, and hit on the ‘why’, ‘so
what’, or theme.
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Topic
Sentence
Evidence
Analysis
Always relate your
analysis back to your
thesis.
Transition
Rinse and repeat at
least one more time!
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You need to think critically, be specific (remember that
specificity is often the difference between a merely
competent essay and an outstanding essay), and
periodically glance back to the prompt.
If time permits, craft a concluding paragraph. Don’t
sacrifice your body paragraphs for a conclusion.
Write in the present tense, and maintain it throughout
the paper.
Proofread!
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Atwood’s implementation of censorship on
the society of Gilead was done to show us the
effects a strict government can have on our
identities. Without the freedom of speech , we
are all alone with thoughts to occupy us.
Moira’s lack of rebellion at the end of the
book proves this idea that if there is too
strict of a government or too much
censorship, we will gradually forget who we
are.
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Moira’s sense of identity was jeopardized by the
institution that Gilead had created. Her bold and
fearless characteristics died out while she was
colliding with a new culture. She went from being
a badass to a person who was very apathetic.
Nothing mattered to her anymore. Gilead was
essentially dehumanizing all its citizens so they
could turn the out just like Moira, and eventually
have them conform to society. If Gilead can
change a person like Moira so drastically, then
they could brainwash anyone.