Write a clear, well-supported essay on one of the following topics:
Choice #1: Examine the ways in which Harrison Bergeron nonetheless functions as a chaos-bearer in his society. How and why is he a threat to the order around him? As the “Emperor,” how is he both a violent despot and a benevolent ruler?
Choice #2: Explore the ways in which George Bergeron in “Harrison Bergeron” functions as a symbol of the government’s triumph. How do the sounds of his mental radio handicap reveal the violence inherent in this supposedly stable society? Why is George unable to break free and achieve intellectual and emotional awareness?
Choice #3: Analyze three aspects of Omelas in Le Guin’s essay, which reveal that life in this seemingly Utopian setting is in actuality far from ideal and ‘joyful.’ In what ways is Omelas a dystopian society? (You must clearly identify the first, second, and third key points which will support your claim about the less than Utopian features of Omelas).
Guidelines:
Remember that plot summary is not analysis. Essays that rely primarily on plot summary will be graded accordingly.
Be sure you quote from your chosen text in order to support your points. For how to incorporate quotes into your essay and how to create a Work/Works Cited page, here is a link to a sample essay that uses the MLA format for citations:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_sample_paper.html
However, do not over-quote; don’t fall into the lazy trap of letting your text do your work for you. Avoid block quotes (any quote that takes up four or more lines of text). Using too many quoted passages from the assigned reading is also considered an act of plagiarism, so be careful to not over-quote.
Underline the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the main claim that the author focuses upon in the text which is supported by at least two-three key points.
Here’s an example of a strong, focused thesis statement:
* “In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore by highlighting Key point 1, Key Point 2, and Key Point 3.
Avoid using “I” in the literary analysis. Use the objective or third person point of view.
Come up with an engaging title for your essay.
Proofread to avoid errors.
