Conflicts in Nature Essay
Due:
Either……….. Mid-level
Discuss the individual’s relationship with nature, and his or her responsibility to nature as well,
as revealed in three of the works covered in this quarter (see bottom of page).

Paragraph 1: Thesis: Provide a statement defining the individual’s relationship and
responsibility to nature. Name the three works that will be the focus of analysis.

Body Paragraphs: Provide evidence from the three works of individuals’ actions or dialogue
that express this dual relationship.

Conclusion: Which work is most successful at illustrating this relationship, and why?
OR…………. Higher level
Support or refute one of the following statements, using specific evidence from three of the
works as support.
Conflicts in nature often reveal both the fragility of human life and the determination of the
human spirit.
Conflicts in nature involve a protagonist that considers the careful, delicate balance of risks
and benefits.
Conflicts in nature are best addressed as a team rather than an individual.

Paragraph 1: Thesis: Deliver one of these statements and introduce briefly the three works to
be discussed.

Body Paragraphs: Provide evidence from the three works that illustrate the idea conveyed in the
statement.

Conclusion: Which work is most successful at conveying the idea of the statement, and why?
Conflicts in Nature works:
Into the Wild and Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer; The Mosquito Coast directed by Peter Weir;
The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger; “Law of Life” by Jack London; “The Other Side of
Crazy” by Michael Finkel; “Pearyland” by Barry Lopez; “Blood Brothers” by Doug Peacock;
“Tombstone White”, “Maxed out on Everest” and “In the Good Company of the Dead” by
Mark Jenkins;
“Being Prey” by Val Plumwood; “Into the Jaws of Destiny” by Bill
Belleville; Never Cry Wolf directed by Carroll Ballard; 127 Hours directed by Danny Boyle;
Deborah:Wilderness Narrative by David Roberts; “Be Your Own Donkey” by Rolf Potts;
Moby Dick by Herman Melville.
NOTE: only one of the three works discussed in your essay can be a film.
Conflicts in Nature Essay
Due:
OR…………. Highest Level
BIOGRAPHY- a written account of another person’s life
AUTOBIOGRAPHY- a written account about the author’s own life
NONFICTION- writing centered on fact or even opinion about real events
FICTION- stories that are created by the author
(Some biographies and autobiographies are largely FICTIONALIZED, especially in
film)
Compare/Contrast literary work of a biographical nature to that which is
autobiographical, and/or fictional work to nonfiction pieces. Discuss the ramifications
of each mode of conveying events. What are the benefits/drawbacks of each? What
effects on the reader are there from each mode of writing?
Be sure to use plenty of examples from at least three works that we have read (may use one
film that we’ve watched). In your response, use as much of this terminology as applies:
STYLE: literary trademarks of a writer, notably Hemingway’s short sentences and e.e.
cumming’s avoidance of capital letters.
ANECDOTE: a brief narrative embedded within a larger, alternately focused narrative, or used
in an essay or informative piece, with the purpose of illustrating a point.
PARADOX: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality
expresses a possible truth.
RHETORICAL FIGURES: comparisons made between dissimilar items for effect. AKA
Similes, Metaphors, Personifications.
IMAGERY: The use of vivid or figurative language to represent objects, actions, or ideas.
Usually this language involves sensory words.
OR…………. Level to Be Determined
Feel free to deliver unto me a written or verbal prospectus if you aren’t interested in any of
these options. Basically, your piece must prove a challenging thesis using evidence/example
from three works covered in this course, only one of which may be a film. Do not
procrastinate!!!