Casablanca Persuasive Essay
Does Casablanca merit its status as one of the best American films, a “classic”? As you analyze the
merits of the film, take care not to ignore the fact that it has stood the test of time. Whether you argue
for the film’s merits or deconstruct it to reveal its flaws, your task is to analyze the film, not simply to
react to it or to summarize it. Assume your reader has watched the film. Don’t summarize; rather, use
specific elements / moments to persuade the reader that your thesis is valid.
Introduction
 Engage the attention of the audience.
 Set a compelling and appropriate tone for your essay and focus the reader with a clear thesis.
Body- READ THE SPECIFIC CONTENT CRITERIA INCLUDED IN THE BODY.
 Develop at least three clear arguments that support your thesis and enhance each of these with
examples from the film. Your key arguments should be prominent and easily identifiable in
your essay. I should not have difficulty finding them.
 Address a counterargument.
 Craft an analogy between Casablanca and other films; explore comparisons between
characters, themes, or other qualities relevant to your thesis. (Making connections shows you
are thinking critically.)
 Use at least one outside source in addition to the film’s script in your essay. Quote a critic
who shares a similar view to yours, or respond to the critic’s analysis in your counterargument.
You will need to cite this outside source.
Conclusion
 Go beyond a flat summary.
 Take time to reflect on the larger “truth” behind your analysis. Why should we take the time to
watch Casablanca, or what can we gain by better understanding how it became a “classic”. If
you are arguing against its merits, why should we alter our view of Casablanca? What is it that
you see in other “great” films that Casablanca lacks? What does our reverence of the film show
about American culture- its strengths or its flaws? How does that connect to the purpose of
your essay?
Other Considerations
 Your essay should be approximately three to four pages in length and should be presented in
MLA format.
 You should read over your own writing and use spell check to minimize grammatical errors.
 Take time to establish your tone. Think about precise word choice.
 You need to cite any outside sources that you use in this essay. Make sure you cite ideas that
are not your own.
Time Frame: Today, you will work to gather ideas in a small group. Tonight you should map out a
writing plan. You may bring notes to class. You will have two days in the lab to compose our essay.
This will be a testing environment in the lab. That means that you are expected to work alone. You
should be focused and on task. There should be no conversation; however, I will be glad to answer
your questions. You will have two full days in the lab to write your essay. You will turn in a draft of no
less than 2 ½ pages at the end of the class Thursday. You will then work on editing and sentence
fluency using a writing workshop approach in class Friday. Your final edited essay is due on Monday,
April 26th.