I also have two posts on this part of essay 4, one discussing the big picture and one looking at strategies and approaches. Please read through and digest all these suggestions about approaching the essay, and don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions.
1. Since we couldn’t see FRENZY today, please instead use THE BIRDS for Essay #4.
2. To prepare for writing Essay #4, Part I, I’d do the following:
- Reread the directions for the essay on the class handout.
- Choose your sequences. Watch each one at least three times, taking solid notes on what’s happening. (Remember: A sequence has a beginning, middle, and end; it can consist of shots or scenes or both; it generally lasts between five to ten minutes, and it often starts with a change in location and ends with something big happening. A perfect model of the sequence is thus the airplane sequence in NBNW.)
- Your primary job is NOT to describe what happens in the sequence–that is, not to list everything that goes on. (Assume we already know.) You’ll need to include some description, but the focus of the essay is an argument: We want you to come up with an argument that you state as a thesis sentence.
- The thesis sentence should do the following: Make a claim based on something you’ve observed in all five sequences.
Since you’re discussing similarities and differences, BE SURE TO SAY WHAT KIND OF SIMILARITIES OR DIFFERENCES YOU’RE LOOKING AT.
That is, a bad thesis would say “There are many similarities [or differences] in the five sequences.” A good thesis would say what KIND of similarities or differences you’ve observed. And it would turn that statement into an argument that you have to prove.
Here’s a thesis based on similarities: “Hitchcock uses subjective point-of-view shots in all five sequences because in each he wants us to experience the main character’s fears.”
Here’s a thesis based on differences: “Although danger threatens the main character in all five sequences, Hitchcock employs more subjective point-of-view shots for women because he sees women as more prone to emotional extremes.”
Note that word “because”: When you plug it into a thesis, you automatically have to answer “why”–which you then do in the body of the essay.
For this essay, please put the word “because” into your thesis statement.
Again: For this essay, please put the word “because” into your thesis statement.
If your thesis examines similarities, before the end of the essay you should also discuss differences. Likewise, if your thesis examines differences, before the end of the essay you should also discuss similarities.
One final request: DO NOT write an introduction; your first sentence should be your thesis statement. And DO NOT write a conclusion that just sums up your essay.
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For more on how to write a thesis and shape the beginning, middle, and end of your essay, see the first chapter of WHAT WE OWE THE READER.
Tags: 2008, Alfred Hitchcock, Essay 4, Essay stuff, Larry
