Comparative rssay

In this comparative essay, you will analyze and compare how filmic adaptations embody a key theme or issue from a literary text. In this three page essay (not including Works Cited), you will analyze either The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and their filmic adaptations. Once you’ve picked a story narrative, you will then need to note a theme or issue found in the text (short story/novel) and each filmic adaptation. As a reminder, a theme is a topic, subject, or even message within an artifact. To help identify a theme, you can ask yourself “what does [text] say about [theme/issue]”?

I choose Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you would need to discuss the 1964 children’s book ( I will attach the book for you ) and the two films: 1971 and 2005.

*** Note, I have taken out the option to write on Wonka. I will explain this in class.**

As an example, I might explore “fatphobia” as a theme in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I would need to establish that this is a theme in the text and then explore how the the 1971 film and 2005 film portray fatphobia. I would need a clear claim, such as

“Despite a more modern approach, the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory uses similar filmic elements as the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to portray fatness as inherently bad”

“Both filmic adaptations further the them of “fatness” as inherently bad through their portrayal of Augustus.”

Rhetorical Situation

Audience: Professors within the HU/COM department

Task: Analyze and compare the treatment of one theme or issue and its representation in two filmic adaptations

Context: You can assume that readers will know of the artifacts, but may have not seen or read them in some time.

Purpose: Identify and discuss trends between an original artifact and it’s adaptations

Essay Structure and Minimum Requirements:

Must include an engaging title, intro, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion

Provide and follow a clear, engaging thesis, supported by topic sentences

Create a Works Cited (may be attached at end or on new page – up to you!)

Use MLA formatting throughout

Effectively and ethically uses textual evidence (from class texts and films) to support your claims

Do not use outside sources – this is a close analysis essay!

Have 3 double-spaced pages, 12 pt. Times New Roman black font

Clearly identify the theme/issue in the artifact and explore two filmic adaptations

Implement an effective organization strategy (suggestion: dedicate one body paragraph per film)

Student Learning Outcomes this Achieves:

Recognize the relationship between particular cultures and their artifacts; for example, understand the relationship between the dominant values of the cultures and the revolutionary quality of artifacts that challenge these cultures.

Understand the humanities as a record of what the culture values.

Recognize themselves as part of a cultural tradition, as inheritors and contributors to it.

Extend their critical thinking skills through examining and discussing primary texts.

Extend their writing skills through a variety of interpretive writing assignments.