The Structure of an Essay Using Harrison Bergeron and 2081

Introduction  A strong introductory paragraph sets the stage for the essay by providing: an assertion to capture the reader’s interest and set the groundwork for the thesis context to explain what scene (s), detail (s), theme (s) will be used to further discuss this topic and a thesis to make your argument

Assertion  The assertion is like a pre-thesis, in that it provides an initial claim that will feed into your main argument.  It shouldn’t be too broad or too specific  Examples:  Too Broad- Dystopian literature often holds a mirror up to present day society.  Too Specific- In Harrison Bergeron, the main character tries to inspire change but fails and dies.  Good: In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison uses dance to instill hope in his audience.  An appropriate assertion will lead into context.

Context  Context guides the discussion by situating us within particular scenes, plot points, and/or moments of characterization that are necessary to understanding the thesis.  Context is the next step up from summary. You know how to summarize plot (you learned how to do this in previous years), now let’s work on your ability to concisely discuss only the most significant scenes from a text to thoroughly develop your paper’s argument.  Also, this is where you can outline the scenes/details you will discuss further in your body paragraphs aiding in the organizational structure of your paper.

Context (Assertion): In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison uses dance to instill hope in his audience. ( Context): During the dance scene, Vonnegut breaks out of his dim, matter-of-fact writing style into energetic, descriptive language that lightens the mood and inspires hope. Similarly, Harrison chooses to use music and dance to awaken his audience to the possibilities that exist within themselves, underneath the oppressive weights that burden them. However, just as Harrison’s anthem of change is silenced, so too is Vonnegut’s use of descriptive language when the Handicapper General exerts her force once more, returning the mood of the text to its previous darkness.  Notice the three references to specific scenes and language (three shades of green). These three lines will outline the body paragraphs of this paper. Also, the transitions used here will make the flow of my argument and organization of the paper clear to the reader.

Thesis  The thesis makes an arguable claim about your topic and explain its significance to the larger work.  Do: Be specific! Ex: Ultimately, Vonnegut mirrors moments of descriptive writing with Harrison’s moving performance in order to remind us of the power of human emotion in the face of stark uniformity and emptiness.  Do Not: Leave the reader with vague fluff. Ex: Ultimately, Vonnegut’s language sets the mood of the situation at the end of the story. (What language? What mood? What situation?!)

Introductory Paragraph In Vonnegut’s dystopian story Harrison Bergeron, figurative language is used to establish mood in the same way that Harrison uses dance to instill hope in his audience. During the dance scene, Vonnegut breaks out of his dim, matter-of-fact writing style into energetic, descriptive language that lightens the mood and inspires hope. Similarly, Harrison chooses to use music and dance to awaken his audience to the possibilities that exist within themselves, underneath the oppressive weights that burden them. However, just as Harrison’s anthem of change is silenced, so too is Vonnegut’s use of descriptive language when the Handicapper General exerts her force once more, returning the mood of the text to its previous darkness. Ultimately, Vonnegut mirrors moments of descriptive writing with Harrison’s moving performance in order to remind us of the power of human emotion in the face of stark uniformity and emptiness.

Revise In Kurt Vonnegut’s short story Harrison Bergeron, repetition is used in the last piece of dialogue to get across a point. The repeated dialogue between Hazel and George was to show the repeating theme of the story. It is to show that although Harrison stood up against the oppression, it just came back again after he died. The repeating dialogue of the story is meant to resemble how the plot travels in a circle.

Now you try…  You have two options: 1) Rewrite your paragraph from last week using this format 2) Choose a different question from the selection of analytical prompts  No matter which option you choose, you should pre-write and plan out your response. Make sure your response/understanding of the text and question is accurate or else your thesis will be flat out wrong. Check with me if you’re unsure. Then, select the three scenes that are most significant to your argument (context). Once these steps have been taken, you will be ready to write your Intro.

Grading  Please type up your paragraph and have it ready for tomorrow. You will be graded as follows: - Assertion includes the name and author of the text and a clear, base argument. - Context includes an outline of significant scenes and/or details that relate to the development of the paper’s argument. The individual contextual pieces include transitions that provide organization and a logical flow of ideas. - Thesis shows evidence that you understand the text, and it is clear and specific. - Grammar, presentation, and style: be sure to read over the writing reference sheets to properly format your paper and avoid common mistakes.