This is a film short about the opening of Invisible Man, produced at Columbia University’s MFA Film Division:
{qtube vid:=7cctjuE95VA}
If you are interested in downloading the Invisible Man mix, you can find it here. It’s a large file, so if anyone would like a CD I can certainly burn one for you.
Some thoughts for all of the AP McCarthy prose responses, as you approach your revision.
- 1. Be careful about the use of the passive voice. You want each sentence to be active, reflecting how McCarthy creates meaning in the passage. Active voice is always preferable in these essays and will help you avoid plot summary that is not analytical.
2. Limit your use of quoted material. Brief, short passages only.
3. Each claim needs two other elements: proof and a connection to the topic sentence/thesis. Too often, claims are made without supporting information.
4. Instead of just stopping at 1 1/2 pages, why not go crazy and finish the response? It was amazing how many third body paragraphs lacked development and ended exactly at 1 1/2 pages.
5. Every sentence and word should be precise. Don’t tell me that the protagonist experienced emotion; tell me what emotion it was.
6. Make sure that your topic sentences identify which section of the passage you are writing about. If it is paragraph by paragraph, you don’t need line numbers.
7. Transitions between paragaphs need to be better. Try to hook back to the preceding paragraph, rather than just saying things like “Next.”
8. It’s the protagonist, not the main character.
9. Avoid using weasel words in your analysis, like almost, maybe, could, and might. Your analysis should be direct and clear.
10. Different language in outlines than in drafts of the paper. Chore-like works in an outline, but not so much in an essay.
Period 4 generated a good sample outline for the prompt this week.
Paragraph 1: Chore/Work-like Nature of the task of the wolf
- sentence structure (monotony of lines)
- details (factual, little emotional content)
- diction (stiff, cold)
- symbolism (coyotes represent his isolation, loneliness)
Paragraph 2: Mourning/Remorse
- sentence structure (avoidance of emotion, run-on, juxtaposition with last section)
- epic simile shows the enormity of his fear
- symbolism/allusion (washing away blood, sins–allusions to Christ)
Paragraph 3: Appreciation for wolf, broad nature
- imagery (dozing penitent–awe, guilt)
- juxtaposed images (perfect teeth, flowers that consume flesh, terror/beauty
- the wolf: shift in point of view, personification
These are some sample introductions from the assignment, written last year. They may provide some motivation for you, though some are much better than others.