Analysis Paper Assignment
WR 121, MWF, Spring term
Instructor: Nathan Buck
buckchr@onid.orst.edu
Paper Requirements:
*3-5 PAGES ONLY
*Double-spaced
*One-inch margins
*12 pt. standard font—Times New Roman
*Use proper MLA style (consult your Rules for Writers book)
We live in a media-saturated culture. Everywhere we turn we are confronted with
images of how we should look, act, and even feel. Depending on our age, social status,
race, gender, etc., we are in fact told to feel different things—there are norms we are
expected to live up to.
You will be working with Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” for the writing for your
paper, which can be found in your Presence of Others book. You will also be choosing
from one of the following television programs: The WB’s “Gilmore Girls,” Fox’s
“Boston Public” or “The O.C.,” ABC’s “Alias,” NBC’s “Friends,” or MTV’s “The Real
World.” (You may choose an alternative program, including one in syndication or that
you have on videotape/DVD, but you must consult me first.)
Your assignment:
In Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” Plato talks about a line of people chained in a
dark cave, trapped by shadows, compared to those people who are released to the outside,
into the sunlight. He argues that this journey from darkness to light is like the journey we
all take, where our souls escape the realm of sensory perceptions to the freedom of “true
reality,” which exists beyond the realm of senses. What we see with our eyes is suspect,
a shadow. Only what we see with our souls is “real.” 1) What metaphors and analogies
does Plato use to get his point across? 2) What is valued as real in our society versus
what is considered real by Plato? What are typical images—metaphors if you will—that
the media floods us with in order to make us believe their version of reality? Think about
commercials, product placements, billboards, advertisements for vacations, etc. 3) Watch
one of the above television programs. How does it conform to our society’s obsession
with certain norms? Does it, in fact, differ or try to enter a higher level of “reality”? Is
this impossible because of the very nature of the medium (television)? Discuss how Plato
would have viewed this program, and what he would have had to say about it; pretend he
is in your living room with you, hanging out in front of the television. So what “reality”
is being represented by this program?
Feel free to draw on your own experiences and stories as examples and evidence for
this paper. It makes it more interesting and fun!
Some tips and guidelines:
You can follow the assignment directly, if you choose, going from 1 to 2 to 3 on
the handout I gave you.
You might, then, have a paragraph or more on Plato, your interpretation of what
he’s trying to say about reality vs. illusion (important vs. unimportant in our world).
Would Plato, for instance, think our appearances are important? Would he think money’s
more important than, say, how we treat other people? Bring in his metaphors.
Second, you could transition into a discussion of values in our society, as we
talked about in class. What’s seen as real, or important, in our culture? Draw on your
own ideas, thoughts and experiences.
Third, what would Plato have to say about the specific television program you
chose? (Hint: Plato might be harsh on it, but—then again—that could depend on the
program itself and what version of “reality” it’s trying to sell you.) Pretend you’re sitting
around, watching your program of choice with Plato. A) What would he think? B) What
do YOU think? Draw on your own experiences!
Feel free to mix things up, structure the paper however you want (as long as your
THESIS is clear in your first paragraph!) You don’t have to follow this 1/2/3 pattern, but
it may help.