More about the essay...

Another exchange about Essay 3, specifically:

aleli ann espinoza <aleliann_espinoza@yahoo.com> wrote:

"The Essay
Explain how Orwell in his novel reveals a particular truth about our world today."

Hi, Mr. Maxwell!

I'm confused! Can the third essay be like a comparison between 1984 and today?

Thanks,

Aleli Ann

Tim Maxwell wrote: Hi Aleli,

Sort of, but not exactly. Your assignment is try to show how some particular aspect of the novel--not the whole novel!--helps you to see the world as it is today. You might begin in your prewriting to compare and contrast the two worlds, but be certain to focus on a specific element of the novel and show it helps you understand a corresponding part of our world.

Tim

aleli ann espinoza <aleliann_espinoza@yahoo.com> wrote:
what i did... i picked out four similarities of orwell's dystopia and our world today.. and explained how they were similar... in fact, i'm almost done with my first draft. I hope i'm on the right track... or am i not? (fingers crossed)

Tim Maxwell wrote:
Sounds good, but be certain to assert a synthetic thesis, one that states the nature of your comparison.

NOT good:

"There are many similarities and differences between our world today and Orwell's 1984."

NOT good:
"There are four similarities between...."

Better:
Orwell in 1984, displaying his keen insight into human nature and the patterns of politics in the modern world, foresaw, with some important differences, the War on Terror .


aleli ann espinoza <aleliann_espinoza@yahoo.com> wrote:
what i did... i picked out four similarities of orwell's dystopia and our world today.. and explained how they were similar... in fact, i'm almost done with my first draft. I hope i'm on the right track... or am i not? (fingers crossed)

what?! then, i'll have to shred this essay and start over...

you're making me cry!!! huhu... (kidding)

thanks...