Prompt:

ï‚·

Discuss the differences and similarities of how two artists from different cultures/perspectives

address the same topic of physical beauty in America.

ï‚·

Compare and contrast specific characters and their relationship to the thematic elements of

each work.

o

Questions to be considered within this prompt:



How does each author approach the topic of physical beauty? Differences?

Similarities?



Does cultural background, Neil La Bute being white, male and Toni Morrison

being Black, female change the approach to the same topic? In what way? Think

examples of language, setting, scenario etc . that each author uses to represent

their culture/community.



Compare Adam from

The Shape of Things

and Pecola from

The Bluest Eye

?

ï‚·

What do they want? Do they get it? How do they get it? What is their

relationship to physical beauty? Why is it easier for Adam to change his

appearance than Pecola?

ï‚·

If they get what they want, does their personality change? For better?

For worse? Who are their critics? What do they get criticized for?

ï‚·

Most people feel bad for character Pecola, but Adam gets mixed

reviews. Is Adam a victim of the American Standards of beauty like

Pecola or not?

Writing guidelines:

PURPOSE:

Your critical response involves analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking. You will need to give

examples from course reading, videos, and/or outside sources.

FORMAT:

paper should be 3-5 pages in length, and double-spaced with one-inch margins. (Don’t worry,

if you discuss all aspects of the prompt, you should have no trouble getting to 5 double-spaced pages)

PLAGIARISM:

To write with originality and depth, you must use your own voice and resist the urge to

plagiarize. This assignment requires little to no outside research, and is meant to be pure analysis of the

information by you alone. Feel free to quote from your text, course readings, course videos etc. Just be

sure to cite properly. Copying from sparknotes.com or any of the college essay sites is easily detectable

and takes away your chance to trust yourself and make observations about your analysis of the

information.

STRUCTURE:

Make sure you include the basic information early in the opening of your paper: cultures

you will be discussing; types of art you will discuss; tie that info to the overall Western world. The body

of your paper must include specific examples from the book And the play, a discussion of the style and

themes, the context (historical background info) in which they were created and your evaluation of their

impact on the Western world at large. Then Conclude.

The following questions may help you begin your analytical work of the pieces.

Your paper should not

simply be short answers to these questions

, rather a formal essay. But you should address these

questions. Organize your essay around these main points: (as stated above)

ï‚·

How does each author approach the topic of physical beauty? Differences? Similarities?

ï‚·

Does cultural background, Neil La Bute being white, male and Toni Morrison being Black, female

change the approach to the same topic? In what way? Think examples of language, setting,

scenario etc . that each author uses to represent their culture/community.

ï‚·

Compare Adam from

The Shape of Things

and Pecola from

The Bluest Eye

?

o

What do they want? Do they get it? How do they get it? What is their relationship to

physical beauty? Why is it easier for Adam to change his appearance than Pecola?

o

If they get what they want, does their personality change? For better? For worse? Who

are their critics? What do they get criticized for?

o

Most people feel bad for character Pecola, but Adam gets mixed reviews. Is Adam a

victim of the American Standards of beauty like Pecola or not?

Use these questions are just to help you organize, brainstorm, and get you on the right track.

3. GRADING STANDARDS FOR WRITING

Grades for writing in this course (Outlines, Production Responses, and Exam Essays) are determined by

your adherence to guidelines, deadlines, and thoroughness of analysis, writing ability, mechanics, and

clarity of logic. For all written assignments, the student should accomplish each of the following goals:

A:

Well organized (use of introduction, conclusion, paragraphs with a single main point,

evidence from analysis, and transitions); sentences smooth and carefully crafted; virtually

no errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar; words chosen with precision; language fresh,

vivid, and concise; addresses all the specifics of the prompt.

B:

Well-organized, but paragraph structure sometimes disjointed; a few awkward passages and

errors in mechanics; language sometimes general, may lack freshness or precision; no

errors glaring or highly distracting; addresses most of the specifics of the prompt.

C:

Organized, but paragraphs often disunited or misplaced; shows logical plan but writing is

wordy, general, imprecise, or trite; sentences awkward but meaning is clear; articulation

fair, and volume just loud enough; errors in mechanics but not highly distracting; addresses

some of the specifics of the prompt.

NC:

meaning not clear in many sentences due to poor construction; language muddled and

unclear; errors in mechanics are distracting; does not address the specifics of the prompt.