SWA #1

John Morin

English 102-111

January 10, 2012

SWA#1, Draft 1

Short Writing Assignment #1

            In my English 101 portfolio last semester, I included four essays. The first essay was based off of the analysis of a written text, such as a poem, short story, or an excerpt from a memoir. In my first essay, I used an excerpt from a memoir to analyze the change in the author’s relationship with her father. I argued that, while the author’s initial relationship with her father was strained in her youth because of their lack of communication and mutual experiences, the two are able to reconcile with one another through discussion and through sharing their thoughts and opinions.

            The second essay that I wrote was an analysis based off of a visual text. In my case, I used a sculpture, called La Pieta. This artwork depicts the Virgin Mary cradling her son Jesus after He was crucified and taken down from the crucifix. I argued that the attention to detail, imagery, and structure of the sculpture helped to develop the artist’s personal rendition of an event that has no primary sources (in terms of visual records), and that the work of art helps to develop modern day ideas of an ancient topic.  

            In my third essay, I analyzed a cultural film that uses satire as a way to develop a unique message about the era of the film’s subject. I analyzed the movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, a satirical comedy about the development of women’s rights in San Diego, California during the 1970’s. I argued that, while the movie’s face value suggests that the national women’s rights movement helped the nation develop stronger gender equality values and ideals in the work place and at home, the satirical nature of the film suggests that the women’s rights movement only slightly improved the level of equality between man and woman in the modern era.

            In my last essay, I picked two versions of the folk tale Cinderella and analyzed the differences between the two author’s stories. Using Andrew Lang’s version and the Brothers Grimm version of the story, I argued that the differences between the two versions are to suggest unique moral themes for each author.  Andrew Lang’s version suggested that people who are good at heart and in action will acquire rewards and happiness because of their goodness, and that those who seek forgiveness will receive it. The Brothers Grimm version suggested that, while individuals who are noble in action and spirit will be rewarded, those who do bad things will suffer for their evils.

            I believe that my greatest essay is the last essay, because I was able to successfully analyze and give strong supporting evidence for each of my claims in regards to the personal view of each author. My weakest essay was my second essay, because I found difficulty in finding something to argue about the text-my essay more pointed out and discussed the various details of the visual text and what they meant, rather than arguing a claim about the piece as a whole.

            The best piece I have ever written was a religious piece about my connection with God. I felt really inspired to put my heart into an essay after a religious retreat that renewed my faith. I felt that I was able to make it my best essay because I was more connected to myself than I had been in years, and it felt like I was more open, more inspired to write. The words seemed to write themselves. In contrast, the worst essay I wrote was probably the SAT required essay. I do not write well under pressure- I can form well phrased ideas and arguments, but I need time. The SAT essay topic I was given was so foreign to me that I could not form supporting evidence for my claims, and thus I bombed the essay. I have to say that the fact that I was able to write a great essay and receive high marks and praise from my teacher had the better impact. It reminds me that I do have the potential to write well, even when I do not believe I can.