ESSAY #2, GHOST WORLD
LENGTH: 1200 WORDS
BACKGROUND:
In this unit we have developed a probing and dynamic engagement with a graphic novel by Daniel Clowes. We have asked our own questions about the text, and we have worked to figure out what questions the text raises about the world. We have considered not only plot and character but also the style of the images and language.
ESSAY PROMPT:
What in Daniel Clowes’s Ghost World seems most important to you? Why?
HOW TO DO IT:
Your essay may be relatively personal and autobiographical or relatively impersonal (like Thurschwell’s “Ghost Worlds of Modern Adolescence”); either way, it should reflect your own distinctive perspective. You may use “I.” Develop your perspective fully enough to enable other readers of Ghost World to see it the way you do, but also show that your reading takes other perspectives into account. In other words, devote some space to showing that you can think of at least one other way of looking at the book. Make sure you analyze the style of the book; do not just summarize the plot or describe the characters.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (for a passing grade):
Double space your text and indent your paragraphs
Refer to specific details from Ghost World and refer to specific page/ frame numbers
Write readable, coherent, focused paragraphs and sentences
Write at *least* 1200 words
WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR:
Orientation and direction. What’s YOUR angle on Ghost World, and where do you want to take your reader? Show me a way of looking at this text, and make me understand why it’s worthwhile to look at the text in this way.
Thesis statement. Yes, the thesis statement is closely related to #1 (above), but some students do ok with orientation and direction without really ever capturing their argument in a thesis statement. You will get a better grade if you can make a supportable claim which you articulate in a statement of 1-2 sentences relatively early in your essay.
Discussion of formal/ stylistic features of the Examples include (you don’t need to discuss ALL of these!): color, layout, postures, gestures, facial expression, word choice, wardrobe, titles/ subtitles, setting, etc. Make sure to consider graphic and verbal features (pictures and words).
Awareness/ anticipation of other voices/ positions. What might other people say in response to your argument? Consider our class discussions, and critical texts we have read. If you quote or paraphrase these texts, make sure to include them on your Works Cited page.
Focused paragraphs with good transitions.
Well-connected, well-constructed sentences.
