Writing Project #3: OPEN CHOICE
YOUR TASK:
Your task will be to delve into any film and genre of your choice to analyze the archetypes present in characters, scenes, and/or viewing audiences. You’ll want to assess how the archetype changes or evolves throughout the film. The reason for the change is what your argument will be. For instance, in our last essay, characters changed or adapted because of the horror they faced. In this case, possibly the characters change or adapt because of the desire for the American Dream, or greed, or to save the day or for love.
You are allowed to branch out to television, broadway, anime, reality tv and/or video gaming. You may also write about remakes (original vs. remake) or adaptations (book or show adapted into a film).
Situation archetypes (You would use this to discuss the entire movie. There may be multiple characters involved. For instance, in LOTR, Frodo and Samwise go on a hero’s journey and are forever changed after. Their desire is to destroy the ring and to restore fertility to Middle Earth.)
Character archetypes (You would use this to discuss on character. The character may change from one archetype to another because of their desire. You could also look at remakes or adaptations. For instance, you could review the original Grimm version of Cinderella and compare her character to the Disney version. You then assess what archetypes they change from and why.)
You will still need to make an argument and there will be more pre-writing activities to force you to begin. Your main goal will be to showcase what you have learned about argumentative writing, MLA style and film analysis.
SAMPLES:
The Hero’s Journey in Lord of the Rings
Archetype: The Quest
Thesis: Throughout The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Frodo Baggins’ transformation from a reluctant hero to a savior, driven by his understanding of the ring’s corruptive power and his personal sense of duty, illustrates the Quest archetype’s impact on how the journey for salvation and the burden of responsibility fundamentally alter his character.
Counterclaim: However, some might argue that Frodo’s journey is less about the Quest archetype and more about the inevitability of fate and the influence of external forces, suggesting that his character development is less a result of personal growth and more a consequence of the situations imposed upon him by the world he inhabits.
Right or Wrong in Breaking Bad
Archetype: The Tragic Hero
Thesis: In Breaking Bad, Walter White’s evolution from a meek teacher to a ruthless drug lord, propelled by his desire for control and security initially sparked by his terminal diagnosis, embodies the Tragic Hero archetype, demonstrating how the fear of insignificance and death can dramatically warp one’s moral compass and personal identity.
Counterclaim: On the other hand, some may argue that Walter White’s transformation is not entirely a result of his tragic flaw or fear but rather a revelation of his true nature, suggesting that the series is more about the unveiling of inherent character traits than the transformation of a good man into a villain.
Wolf of Wall Street and the American Dream
Archetype: The Fall
Thesis: Jordan Belfort’s descent from an ambitious stockbroker to a morally bankrupt individual in Wolf of Wall Street, showcases the destructive nature of the American Dream, epitomizing the Fall archetype by revealing how greed and the relentless pursuit of wealth can lead to a profound loss of humanity and ethical bearings.
Counterclaim: Some might contend that Belfort’s story is less about the American Dream leading to his downfall and more about personal greed and moral bankruptcy existing independently of societal ideals, indicating that his fall is due to inherent personal flaws rather than the pursuit of the American Dream.
Do the Right Thing: The Portrayal of Racism in America
Archetype: The Rebel
Thesis: Mookie’s character in Do the Right Thing, evolving from an indifferent observer to an active participant in the racial conflict, driven by the escalating tension and injustice surrounding him, reflects the Rebel archetype, illustrating how exposure to systemic racism and personal experience of discrimination compel individuals to confront their own role in the societal fabric.
Counterclaim: Some could argue that Mookie’s actions and evolution are less about embodying the Rebel archetype and more about survival and the instinctual human reaction to conflict and oppression, suggesting that his character change is less a deliberate rebellion and more a natural human response to the circumstances.
While you may love certain movies, you want to make sure there is research out there on your topic/movie, otherwise this paper will prove to be more challenging than you want. You will be writing a research review before your full paper to see if there is enough to use.
GOALS AND EVALUATION OF YOUR ESSAY:
The goals for this assignment are as follows:
your analysis of the film
how you break down your theme and chosen topic
how well you use and incorporate your resources
the interest, significance, and/or originality of your argument
the quality of your support (reasoning, examples, details)
your development of an appropriate persona for your purpose and audience
the unity and coherence of your paragraphs
your use of standard English conventions
REQUIREMENTS:
Length: 6-7 pages
Resource requirement: 2 secondary, reliable resources (not including your film) required, can use up to 6 sources total. You may any of the essays posted on our course reserves page, as well as any of the older articles we read in class.
Specifications: Typed, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt. Times New Roman
Format: Paper should be formatted as an MLA academic paper with a Works Cited page.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
Rough drafts are uploaded to Turnitin
Final Drafts are uploaded to Turnitin and Canvas
Be sure to review all rubrics which will be posted under the final essay dropboxes in Canvas.
This paper serves as your final for the course, therefore, your feedback from me will be limited to appointments. You will only receive a peer review on Turnitin for this final. You are allowed to schedule appointments with the LRC.
