reaction paper example about speech

How to Write a Reaction Paper

Guide for Writing a Reaction Paper

A reaction paper is a common assignment in most high schools and universities. It gives students the chance to show their understanding of source material by asking them to summarize, analyze, and give their personal opinion. A reaction paper requires critical thinking as well as creative writing skills, so it can be a challenge to write. Whether you were looking for the answer on how to write a reaction paper about a movie, how to write a reaction paper example, or how to write a reaction paper to an article, you will learn everything you need including a step-by-step guide and an outline here!  

What is Reaction Paper?

A reaction paper is a written assignment that asks a student to briefly summarize and then give personal opinions about a book, article, video, etc. Unlike a critique or review, the main focus is on the personal opinions, thoughts, feelings, and reactions of the student.

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How to Write a Good Reaction Paper?

Writing a reaction paper takes time and effort and there are several steps to take before getting to the actual writing. These steps will help you understand the source material as well as help structure the eventual paper. 

What is the purpose? 

Not all reaction papers have the same purpose. While all of them ask you to analyze and give opinions about the source material, the focus of the analysis can be different. Make sure you carefully read the guidelines of the assignment and if you have any questions ask your professor for clarifications.

• Figure out whether the emphasis should be on the analysis or on your personal opinion and reaction.
• The professor may ask you to react to the source material in a way that relates to the course that you are taking. For example, a reaction paper for a sociology class will be different from a reaction paper for an economics class even if the source material is the same.
• Sometimes you may be asked to compare one source material to another piece of writing similar to a compare and contrast essay. 
• A reaction paper can focus more on objective analysis or subjective opinion
• Remember that the goal of a reaction paper is not just to state your opinion. Any claim you make must be backed up by evidence from the source material.
• The purpose of a reaction paper is not to say whether you liked the source material or not, it is to analyze it and connect its deeper meanings to larger themes. 

Go over the source material several times

Just because it's called a reaction paper doesn't mean you can get away with going over the source material once and then quickly writing down what you felt about it. Even if you are trying to learn how to write a reaction paper to a movie, you can't just watch the movie once. Make sure that you give yourself enough time to go over the source material at least a few times. Not only do you have to understand every element of the source material, but you also need time to process, think about, analyze, and make connections. 

While it's good to think about deeper concepts when going through the source material for the first time, just focus on getting a general feeling about the article or movie. Focus on your specific insights and reactions when going over the source material for the second and third times. 

What to do after your first go through

After the first time you read the article or watch the video, spend some time writing down your initial reactions. Think of this as a brainstorming session where there are no bad ideas, write down whatever you want. This can include opinions of what you thought the strengths and weaknesses were, what you liked and didn't like, deeper meanings and connections that jumped out at you, connections to your course,  etc. 

The importance of notes

After you have your initial reactions down, it's time to go over the source material again and take in-depth notes. If it’s an article or a book, print it out so that you can take notes in the margins.  Highlight important quotes or pieces of information, draw arrows connecting different sections, write yourself notes and reminders in the margins, draw diagrams that help you understand the structure of the article, do whatever helps you understand the material better. No one else is going to see the notes you make so be as creative as you want to be. The more time you spend taking notes the better you will understand the source material and the easier writing the reaction paper will be.

Craft a thesis statement

Think of a thesis statement for a reaction paper as the main takeaway from your analysis. A good thesis statement is concise and focused. It should help guide the rest of your paper with every paragraph lending support to your thesis statement. You can come up with a thesis statement by asking yourself what the goal of the author was, how the source material impacts the world, what are the motivations of the main characters, what was the purpose of the source material, what were the major strengths or weaknesses of the source material, etc.

Paragraph Structure

Making a reaction paper outline is a useful endeavor because it helps organize your notes and understand the flow of the paper overall.  A reaction paper follows a typical five-paragraph essay format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The next section will go in-depth into how to write a reaction paper section by section. 

In general, the first introductory paragraph should contain a brief summary of the source material. The body paragraphs should start with a clear topic sentence followed by evidence for the claim that you are making, and the conclusion should reiterate the thesis and main evidence.

When making an outline, write down the topic sentence and then a quick list of evidence that backs it up. Make sure that each paragraph connects to your thesis statement so that you don't lose focus during the paper. A useful way to structure each paragraph is to first elaborate on something from the source material and then give your opinion backed by evidence.

Using quotations

Once you have an outline and understand how the paragraphs will be structured, go through your notes and find specific quotations from the text that back up your claims. Don't just list quotations, make sure you analyze them and explain why they are important as evidence.  Depending on the word count of the assignment you should limit the length of quotations and paraphrase when necessary. 

Revise and Edit

Once you're done writing your paper make sure that you go over it a few times. This is to get rid of typos and other silly mistakes, but more importantly to check for flow and clarity. You may find that certain paragraphs work better in a different order, or even that certain topic sentences don't back up the thesis statement. This is your chance to make your paper the best it can possibly be, so make sure you spend some time reviewing and editing. 

Double-check your assignment guidelines

It's always a good idea to check your assignment guidelines once you are done with any type of assignment. You’ve put in all the hard work and you don't want to get a lower grade than you deserve because of something silly. Question what the assignment guidelines are asking you to do and make sure that you have followed all the rules.

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A reaction paper follows a typical five-paragraph format structure of essay writing. Let's take a look at each section. 

Introduction

Like any type of writing, the first sentence of a reaction paper should engage the reader and make them want to find out more. Write a catchy hook by making a provocative statement about the source material, hinting at an interesting conclusion or reaction, stating an interesting fact or anecdote, etc.

Next, give some background information about the source material including the name of the article, the author, where and when it was published, any awards won, etc.  

Follow this up with a concise summary of the source material. Remember, the goal of a reaction paper is to objectively analyze and then give personal opinions backed by evidence, so don’t take a lot of time on the summary in the introduction. The goal of the summary is to give readers an idea of what the source material is about, so highlight the most important elements and skip details. Specific information about the source material will come up as quotations and evidence in the body paragraphs. 

End with your thesis statement.

Depending on the purpose of the assignment, your first body paragraph may be an expanded version of a summary or evaluation of the source material. 

More typically the body paragraphs are where you talk about your reactions to the source material and back it up with evidence. Make sure that each body paragraph talks only about 1 claim you are making and that each body paragraph relates to your thesis statement. You can ask yourself the following questions to come up with ideas for specific body paragraphs.

• What were the main themes of the source material and how do they connect with your thesis statement?
• Is there a connection between the source material and real-world events?
• How does the source material relate to your course?
• What are the major claims that the source material is making?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the source material and why?
• Did the source material impact your emotions in any way and how did it achieve it?
• Did the source material change your perspective on an important issue?

Conclusion 

The conclusion paragraph should restate your thesis as well as the topic sentences of each paragraph. Concisely explain the main pieces of evidence you have used to support your thesis,  and briefly speak about any larger implications of the work. 

You may be required to have a brief work cited page. This will usually be quite short because the main source is the specific source material. Just make sure to know what citation convention you need to use. 

A reaction paper is one of the most enjoyable assignments for a student because it allows you to experience and give your opinion about something you like, if you were given the freedom to choose the source material, or something interesting if it was assigned by the professor. The most important thing to remember is to stay as objective as possible while expressing your opinion by backing up any claim you make with evidence.

If you have any more questions or need any help with writing a reaction paper, the experts at Studyfy are always here for you. They offer various academic writing services, including sociology essay writing services , help with argumentative essay , write my thesis for me , and college essay writing service . Their team of experts has vast experience in writing high-quality academic papers, and they can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to excel in your coursework.

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How to Write a Reaction Paper: Guide Full of Tips

Imagine being a writer or an artist and receiving feedback on your work. What words would you cherish most? 'Amazing'? 'Wonderful'? Or perhaps 'Captivating'? While these compliments are nice, they tend to blend into the background noise of everyday praise.

But there's one accolade that truly stands out: 'Thought-provoking.' It's the kind of response every creator dreams of evoking. Thought-provoking pieces don't just passively entertain; they stir something inside us, lingering in our minds long after we've encountered them. In academic circles, a work isn't truly impactful unless it prompts a reaction.

In this article, our research paper writing services will delve into the concept of reaction papers: what they are, how to craft a stellar one, and everything in between. So, let's explore the art of provoking thought together.

What is Reaction Paper

Ever found yourself deeply engrossed in a book, movie, or perhaps an article, only to emerge with a flurry of thoughts and emotions swirling within? That's where a reaction paper comes into play. It helps you articulate those musings to dissect the themes, characters, and nuances of the work that stirred something within you.

A reaction paper is a written response to a book, article, movie, or other media form. It give you an opportunity to critically evaluate what you've experienced and to share your insights with others. Whether you're captivated by a novel's narrative, moved by a film's message, or intrigued by an academic article's argument, it allows you to explore the depths of your reaction.

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How to Write a Reaction Paper with 8 Easy Tips

When learning how to write a reaction paper, it's important to keep an open mind. That means being willing to consider different ideas and perspectives. It's also a good idea to really get into whatever you're reacting to—take notes, highlight important parts, and think about how it makes you feel.

Unlike some other school assignments, like essays or reports, a reaction paper is all about what you think and feel. So, it's kind of easy in that way! You just have to really understand what it's about and how to put it together.

Now, we're going to share some tips to help you write a great paper. And if you're running out of time, don't worry! You can always get some extra help from our essay writing service online .

Understand the Point

When you're sharing your thoughts, whether in school or outside of it, it's important to have a good grasp of what you're talking about. So, before you start writing your paper, make sure you understand its goals and purpose. This way, you can give readers what they're looking for—a thoughtful, balanced analysis.

Knowing the purpose of your paper helps you stay on track. It keeps you from wandering off into unrelated subjects and lets you focus on the most important parts of the text. So, when you share your thoughts, they come across as clear and logical.

Read the Text Right After It Has Been Assigned

When you're asked to write a reaction paper, remember that your first reaction might not be your final one. Our initial thoughts can be a bit all over the place—biased, maybe even wrong! So, give yourself some time to really think things through.

Start diving into the material as soon as you get the assignment. Take your time to understand it inside and out. Read it over and over, and do some research if you need to until you've got a handle on everything—from what the author was trying to do to how they did it. Take notes along the way and try to see things from different angles.

When it comes to writing your paper, aim for a thoughtful response, not just a knee-jerk reaction. Back up your points with solid evidence and organize them well. Think of it more like writing a review than leaving a quick comment on a movie website.

Speaking of movies, we've got an example of a movie reaction paper below. Plus, if you're interested, we've got an article on discursive essay format you might find helpful.

Make a Note of Your Early Reactions

When you're diving into a topic, jotting down your initial thoughts is key. These first reactions are like capturing lightning in a bottle—they're raw, honest, and give you a real glimpse into how you're feeling.

Your paper should be like a mirror, reflecting your own experiences and insights. Your instructor wants to see the real you on the page.

Understanding why something makes you feel a certain way is crucial. By keeping track of your reactions, you can spot any biases or assumptions you might have. It's like shining a light in a dark room—you can see things more clearly. And by acknowledging these biases, you can write a paper that's fair and balanced. Plus, it can point you in the direction of further research, like following breadcrumbs through the forest.

Select a Perspective

Your perspective shapes how you see things, and it's like a roadmap for your reaction paper. It keeps you focused and organized and helps you share thoughtful insights.

Before you start writing, think about different angles to approach the topic. Figure out which perspective resonates with you the most. Consider what it does well and where it might fall short.

Putting yourself in the author's shoes can be really helpful. Try to understand why they wrote what they did and how they put it all together. It's like stepping into their world and seeing things from their point of view. This helps you analyze things more clearly and craft a solid paper.

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of reaction paper templates, there are a few more tips to share. So, keep reading. Or if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can always ask our professional writers - ' do my homework for me ' - to lend a hand with your coursework.

Define Your Thesis

Defining your thesis might feel like trying to untangle a knot at first. Start by gathering all your ideas and main points. Think about which one resonates with you the most. Consider its strengths and weaknesses—does it really capture the essence of what you want to say?

Then, try to distill all those thoughts into a single sentence. It's like taking a handful of puzzle pieces and fitting them together to reveal the big picture. This sentence becomes the heart of your response essay, guiding your reader along with your analysis.

Organize Your Sections

When you're writing a response paper, it's important to organize your thoughts neatly. Papers that are all over the place can confuse readers and make them lose interest.

To avoid this, make sure you plan out your paper first. Create an outline with all the main sections and sub-sections you want to cover. Arrange them in a logical order that makes sense. Then, for each section, start with a clear topic sentence. Back it up with evidence like quotes or examples. After that, share your own opinion and analyze it thoroughly. Keep doing this for each section until your paper is complete. This way, your readers will be able to follow along easily and understand your argument better.

Write the Final Version

Writing a reaction paper isn't a one-shot deal. It takes several tries to get it just right. Your final version should be polished, with a strong thesis and a well-structured layout.

Before calling it done, give your paper a thorough once-over. Make sure it ticks all the boxes for your assignment and meets your readers' expectations. Check that your perspective is crystal clear, your arguments make sense and are backed up with evidence, and your paper flows smoothly from start to finish.

Keep an eye out for any slip-ups. If you catch yourself just summarizing the text instead of offering your own take, go back and rework that section. Your essay should be original but also fair and balanced. So, give it that final polish until it shines.

Check Your Paper for Spelling and Grammar

No matter what type of essay you're writing—whether it's argumentative or a reaction piece—grammar matters. Even if you've got a strong reaction statement and unique opinions, they won't shine if your sentences are hard to read.

Before you hit that submit button, take a moment to check for grammar and spelling mistakes. These little errors might seem minor, but they can really drag down the quality of your work. Plus, they signal a lack of attention to detail, which could hurt how seriously your paper is taken.

Remember, good grammar isn't just about following rules—it's about clarity. If your paper is riddled with mistakes, it'll be harder for readers to grasp your ideas. On the flip side, clean, error-free writing boosts your credibility and ensures that your thoughts come across loud and clear. So, give your paper that final polish—it's worth it.

Reaction Paper Reaction Paper Outline

Now that you've got all those handy tips and tricks under your belt let's talk about the big picture: the outline. It typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section has its own job to do and is equally crucial to the overall piece. Each part needs to meet the basic requirements of a written assignment, make clear points, and properly credit any direct quotes using the appropriate citation style, like APA format.

Introduction

Getting started with writing can feel like trying to climb a mountain. But fear not! It doesn't have to be daunting if you know how to start a reaction paper.

The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. It sets the stage for what's to come and gives readers a glimpse of what they can expect. But keep it snappy—nobody likes a long-winded intro!

To craft an effective introduction:

• Provide some context to get readers up to speed.
• Give a brief summary of relevant background information.
• Clearly state the purpose of your paper.
• Explain what you're hoping to achieve and why it matters.
• Wrap it up with a thesis statement that sums up your personal take and outlines the main points you'll be covering.

After your attention-grabbing introduction, it's time to keep the momentum going in the body paragraphs. This is where you really dive into your thoughts and opinions on the key points of the text.

Remember our top tip: divide your ideas into different sections. Each paragraph should kick off with a topic sentence that sums up the main idea you're tackling. Then, give a quick rundown of the specific aspect of the book or article you're discussing. After that, it's your turn to share your honest feelings about it and explain why you feel that way. Back up your ideas with quotes from trustworthy sources, and make sure to cite them correctly. And don't forget to tie your reactions back to the bigger picture.

Wrap up each paragraph by summarizing your thoughts and feelings and linking them back to the main theme of your paper. With this approach, your body paragraphs will flow smoothly and keep your readers engaged every step of the way.

As you wrap up your reaction paper format, don't overlook the importance of a strong conclusion. This is your chance to bring all your thoughts and feelings together in a neat package and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Kick things off by revisiting your reaction statement. Remind your reader of the main points you've covered in the body paragraphs, and share any fresh insights you've gained along the way. Just remember—keep it focused on what you've already discussed. Your conclusion shouldn't introduce any new information.

Finish off your paper with a memorable closing statement that ties everything together. This is your chance to leave your reader with a final thought that resonates long after they've finished reading. With a well-crafted conclusion, you'll send your paper off on a high note and leave your reader feeling satisfied.

Reaction Paper Example

Sometimes, seeing is believing. That's why we've prepared a reaction paper example to show you exactly what a stellar paper looks like and how paying attention to small details can elevate your essay. While you're at it, you can also check out our pestle analysis example .

Final Words

Our tips and tricks on how to write a compelling reaction paper will get you an A+. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings, be clear, support your ideas with evidence, and remain objective. Review our reaction paper sample and learn how to write a high-quality academic paper.

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How to Write a Response Paper: Outline, Steps & Examples

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Response essays are a frequent assignment in many academic courses. Professors often ask students to share their thoughts and feelings about a variety of materials, such as books, articles, films, songs, or poems. To write an effective response paper, you should follow a specific structure to ensure that your ideas are well-organized and presented in a logical manner.

In this blog post, we will explore how to write a good outline and how it is used to develop a quality reaction essay. You will also come across a response paper example to help you better understand steps involved in writing a response essay.  Continue reading to explore writing tips from professional paper writers that you can use to improve your skills.

What Is a Response Paper?

It is vital to understand the meaning of a response essay before you start writing. Often, learners confuse this type of academic work with reviews of books, articles, events, or movies, which is not correct, although they seem similar.  A response paper gives you a platform to express your point of view, feelings, and understanding of a given subject or idea through writing. Unlike other review works, you are also required to give your idea, vision, and values contained in literal materials. In other words, while a response paper is written in a subjective way, a review paper is written in a more objective manner.  A good reaction paper links the idea in discussion with your personal opinion or experience. Response essays are written to express your deep reflections on materials, what you have understood, and how the author's work has impacted you.

Purpose of a Response Essay

Understanding reasons for writing a reaction paper will help you prepare better work. The purpose of a response essay will be:

• To summarize author's primary ideas and opinions: you need to give a summary of materials and messages the author wants you to understand.
• Providing a reflection on the subject: as a writer, you also need to express how you relate to authors' ideas and positions.
• To express how the subject affects your personal life: when writing a response paper, you are also required to provide your personal outcome and lesson learned from interacting with the material.

Response Essay Outline

You should adhere to a specific response paper outline when working on an essay. Following a recommended format ensures that you have a smooth flow of ideas. A good response paper template will make it easier for a reader to separate your point of view from author's opinion. The essay is often divided into these sections: introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs.  Below is an example of a response essay outline template:

• Briefly introduce the topic of the response paper
• State your thesis statement or main argument
• Provide a brief summary of the source material you are responding to
• Include key details or arguments from the source
• Analyze the source material and identify strengths and weaknesses
• Evaluate the author's arguments and evidence
• Provide your own perspective on the source material
• Respond to the source material and critique its arguments
• Offer your own ideas and counterarguments
• Support your response with evidence and examples
• Summarize your main points and restate your thesis
• Provide final thoughts on the source material and its implications
• Offer suggestions for further research or inquiry

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Response Paper Introduction

The success of response papers is partly dependent on how well you write the introductory paragraph. As with any academic paper, the introduction paragraph welcomes targeted readers and states the primary idea.  Below is a guideline on how to start a response essay:

• Provide a compelling hook to capture the attention of your target audience.
• Provide background information about the material, including the name and author of the work.
• Provide a brief summary of main points to bring readers who are unfamiliar with the work up to task and enable them to follow up on your subsequent analysis.
• Write a thesis statement at the end of your introductory paragraph to inform readers about the purpose and argument you are trying to relay.

Response Essay Thesis Statement

A thesis statement summarizes a paper's content within a sentence or two. A response essay thesis statement is not any different! The final sentence of the introductory paragraph of a reaction paper should give readers an idea of the message that will be discussed in your paper.  Do you know how to write a thesis statement for a response essay? If you follow the steps below, you should be able to write one:

• Review the material you are responding to, and pinpoint main points expressed by authors.
• Determine points of view or opinions you are going to discuss in the essay.
• Develop your thesis statement. It should express a summary of what will be covered in your reaction. The sentence should also consider logical flow of ideas in your writing.
• Thesis statement should be easy to spot. You should preferably place it at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Response Paper Body Paragraph

In most instances, the body section has between 1 and 3 paragraphs or more. You should first provide a summary of the article, book, or any other literature work you are responding to.  To write a response essay body paragraph that will capture the attention of readers, you must begin by providing key ideas presented in the story from the authors' point of view. In the subsequent paragraph, you should tell your audience whether you agree or disagree with these ideas as presented in the text. In the final section, you should provide an in-depth explanation of your stand and discuss various impacts of the material.

Response Paper Conclusion

In this section of a response paper, you should provide a summary of your ideas. You may provide key takeaways from your thoughts and pinpoint meaningful parts of the response. Like any other academic work, you wind up your response essay writing by giving a summary of what was discussed throughout the paper.  You should avoid introducing new evidence, ideas, or repeat contents that are included in body paragraphs in the conclusion section. After stating your final points, lessons learned, and how the work inspires you, you can wrap it up with your thesis statement.

How to Write a Response Paper?

In this section, we will provide you with tips on how to write a good response paper. To prepare a powerful reaction essay, you need to consider a two-step approach. First, you must read and analyze original sources properly. Subsequently, you also need to organize and plan the essay writing part effectively to be able to produce good reaction work. Various steps are outlined and discussed below to help you better understand how to write a response essay.

1. Pick a Topic for Your Response Essay

Picking a topic for response essay topics can be affected either by the scope of your assignment as provided by your college professor or by your preference. Irrespective of your reason, the guideline below should help you brainstorm topic ideas for your reaction:

• Start from your paper's end goal: consider what outcomes you wish to attain from writing your reaction.
• Prepare a list of all potential ideas that can help you attain your preferred result.
• Sort out topics that interest you from your list.
• Critique your final list and settle on a topic that will be comfortable to work on.

Below are some examples of good topics for response essay to get you started:

• Analyzing ideas in an article about effects of body shaming on mental health .
• Reaction paper on new theories in today's business environment.
• Movies I can watch again and again.
• A response essay on a documentary.
• Did the 9/11 terror attacks contribute to issues of religious intolerance?

2. Plan Your Thoughts and Reactions

To better plan your thoughts and reactions, you need to read the original material thoroughly to understand messages contained therein. You must understand author's line of thinking, beliefs, and values to be able to react to their content. Next, note down ideas and aspects that are important and draw any strong reactions.  Think through these ideas and record potential sequences they will take in your response paper. You should also support your opinions and reactions with quotes and texts from credible sources. This will help you write a response essay for the college level that will stand out.

3. Write a Detailed Response Paper Outline

Preparing a detailed response paper outline will exponentially improve the outcome of your writing. An essay outline will act as a benchmark that will guide you when working on each section of the paper. Sorting your ideas into sections will not only help you attain a better flow of communication in your responsive essay but also simplify your writing process.  You are encouraged to adopt the standard response essay outline provided in the sample above. By splitting your paper into introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs, you will be able to effectively introduce your readers to ideas that will be discussed and separate your thoughts from authors' messages.

4. Write a Material Summary

For your audience to understand your reaction to certain materials, you should at first provide a brief summary of authors' points of view. This short overview should include author's name and work title.  When writing a response essay, you should dedicate a section to give an informative summary that clearly details primary points and vital supporting arguments. You must thoroughly understand the literature to be able to complete this section.  For important ideas, you can add direct quotes from the original sources in question. Writers may sometimes make a mistake of summarizing general ideas by providing detailed information about every single aspect of the material. Instead of addressing all ideas in detail, focus on key aspects.  Although you rely on your personal opinion and experience to write a response paper, you must remain objective and factual in this section. Your subjective opinion will take center stage in the personal reaction part of the essay.

Example of a Response Summary

Below is a sample summary response essays example to help you better understand how to write one. A Summary of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

The classic film The Adventure of Robin Hood (1938), as directed by Michael Curtis and William Keighley, stars an infamous outlaw, Robin Hood, who "robbed from the rich and gave to the poor''. The charismatic and charming Saxon lord, Robin Hood (Flynn), becomes an outlaw and seeks justice for poor people by fighting Sir Guy of Gisborne (Rathbone), Sheriff of Nottingham (Copper), and Prince John (Rains), who were oppressing people. After assembling an outlaw group, Robin defies the excessive taxes imposed on poor people by stealing from wealthy individuals and redistributing wealth to the destitute in society. Robin Hood is eventually lured into an archery tournament and gets arrested, but survives an execution. He later helps King Richard to regain his lost throne and banish Prince John.

5. Share Your Reaction

After summarizing the original material, the second part of a response paper involves writing your opinion about author’s point of view. After a thorough review of the material, you should be able to express your perspective on the subject.  In this section, you are expected to detail how the material made you feel and how it relates to your personal life, experience, and values. Within the short response essay, you may also be required to state whether you agree or disagree with author's line of thinking. How does the material relate to current issues, or in what way does it impact your understanding of a given subject? Does it change your opinion on the subject in any way? Your reaction should answer these questions.  In addition, you may also be required to outline potential advantages and shortcomings of the material in your reaction. Finally, you should also indicate whether or not you would endorse the literal work to others.

Reaction in Response Body Paragraph Example

Below is a reaction in a response essay body paragraph sample to help you improve your skills in writing the response body paragraph: Reaction Paragraph Example

My main takeaway from watching The Adventure of Robin Hood (1938) is that society should prioritize good and justice over laws if the set rules oppress people. Prince John, Sir Guy, and Sheriff Cooper were cruel and petty and used existing laws to oppress and exploit poor people. In response, Robin Hood employed unorthodox means and tried to help oppressed people in society. I agree with his way of thinking. Laws are made to protect people in society and ensure justice is served. Therefore, when legislation fails to serve its purpose, it becomes redundant. Even in current society, we have seen democratic governments funding coups when presidents start oppressing their people. Such coups are supported despite the fact that presidency is protected by law. Although Robin Hood's actions might encourage unlawfulness if taken out of context, I would still recommend this film because its main message is advocating for justice in the community.

6. Conclude Your Response Essay

Do you know how to write a response paper conclusion? It should be the icing on the cake. Irrespective of how good previous sections were, your reaction essay will not be considered to be exceptional if you fail to provide a sum up of your reaction, ideas, and arguments in the right manner.  When writing a response essay conclusion , you should strive to summarize the outcome of your thoughts. After stating your final point, tell readers what you have learned and how that material inspired or impacted you. You can also explain how your perspective and the author's point of view intertwine with each other.  Never introduce new ideas in the conclusion paragraph. Presenting new points will not only disrupt the flow of ideas in the paper but also confuse your readers because you may be unable to explain them comprehensively.  You are also expected to link up your discussions with the thesis statement. In other words, concluding comments and observations need to incorporate the reaffirmation of the thesis statement.

Example of Response Paper Conclusion

You can use the responsive essay conclusion sample below as a benchmark to guide you in writing your concluding remarks: Conclusion Example

There are a lot of similarities between the film's message and my opinion, values, and beliefs. Based on my personal principles, I believe the actions of the main character, Robin Hood, are justifiable and acceptable. Several people in modern society would also agree with my perspective. The movie has provided me with multiple lessons and inspirations. The main lesson acquired is that laws are not ultimate and that we should analyze how they affect people rather than adhere to them blindly. Unless legislation protects people and serves justices, it should be considered irrelevant. Also, morality outweighs legislation. From the movie, I gathered that morality should be the foundation for all laws, and at any time, morality and greater good should be prioritized above laws. The main inspiration relates to being brave in going against some legislation since the end justifies the means sometimes. My point of view and that of the movie creators intertwine. We both advocate for human decency and justice. The argument discussed supports the idea that good and justice is greater than law.

Proofread Your Response Paper

It is important to proofread your response paper before submitting it for examination. Has your essay met all instructional requirements? Have you corrected every grammatical error in your paper? These are common questions you should be asking yourself.  Proofreading your work will ensure that you have eliminated mistakes made when working on your academic work. Besides, you also get the opportunity to improve your logical flow of ideas in your paper by proofreading.  If you review your work thoroughly before submitting it for marking, you are more likely to score more marks! Use our Paper Rater , it is a tool that can help you pinpoint errors, which makes going through your work even simpler.

Response Essay Examples

If you have never written this type of academic paper before, responsive essay examples should help you grasp the primary concepts better. These response paper samples not only help you to familiarize yourself with paper's features but also help you to get an idea of how you should tackle such an assignment. Review at least one written response essay example from the compilation below to give you the confidence to tackle a reaction paper. Response essay example: Book

Response paper example: Poem

Response paper sample: Movie

Example of a response paper: Article

Sample response essay: Issue

Response Paper Format

It is important to follow a recommended response essay format in order to adhere to academic writing standards needed for your assignment. Formats depend on your institution or the discipline.  A reaction paper can be written in many different academic writing styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago, with each demanding a slightly different format.  The outlook of the paper and referencing varies from one writing style to another. Despite the format for a response paper, you must include introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs.

Response Essay Writing Tips

Below are some of the best tips you can use to improve your response papers writing skills:

• Review your assignment instructions and clarify any inquiries before you start a response paper.
• Once you have selected topics for response essay, reviewed your original materials, and came up with your thesis statement, use topic sentences to facilitate logical flow in your paper.
• Always ensure that you format your work as per the standard structure to ensure that you adhere to set academic requirements. Depending on the academic writing style you will be using, ensure that you have done your in-text citation as per the paper format.
• If you have never worked on this kind of academic paper, you should review examples and samples to help you familiarize yourself with this type of work. You should, however, never plagiarize your work.
• You can use a first-person perspective to better stress your opinion or feelings about a subject. This tip is particularly crucial for reaction part of your work.
• Finally, before submitting your work, proofread your work.

Bottom Line on Response Paper Writing

As discussed in this blog post, preparing a response paper follows a two-step approach. To successfully work on these sections, you need to plan properly to ensure a smooth transition from the reading and analyzing the original material to writing your reaction. In addition, you can review previous works to improve your writing skills.  So, what is a response essay that will immediately capture the attention of your instructor? Well, it should have a captivating introduction, evidence backed reaction, and a powerful conclusion. If you follow various tips outlined above and sum up your work with thorough proofreading, there is no chance that you can fail this type of assignment.

Order a response essay from our academic writing platform! Send us a ‘ write my college paper ’ message and our experienced writers will provide you with a top-notch essay according to your instructions. 

FAQ About Response Paper

1. how long is a short response essay.

The length of a short response essay varies depending on topic and your familiarity with the subject. Depending on how long original sources are and how many responsive points you have, your reaction paper can range from a single paragraph of 150-400 words to multiple paragraphs of 250-500 words.

2. How to start a response body paragraph?

Use an argumentative topic sentence to start your responsive paper paragraph. Failing to begin a paragraph with an elaborate topic sentence will confuse your readers. Topic sentences give readers an idea of what is being discussed in the section. Write a responsive body paragraph for every new idea you add.

3. Is reaction paper similar to a response paper?

Yes. Reaction papers and response essays are used interchangeably. Responsive essays analyze author's point of view and compare them with your personal perspective. This type of academic writing gives you freedom to share your feelings and opinion about an idea. People also discuss how ideas, concepts, and literature material influence them in a response paper.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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How to Write a Reaction Paper

Last Updated: September 15, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Rachel Scoggins, PhD . Rachel Scoggins is a Visiting Assistant Professor of English at Lander University. Rachel's work has been presented at the South Atlantic Modern Language Association and the Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy. She received her PhD in Literary Studies from Georgia State University in 2016. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,140,119 times.

A reaction or response paper requires the writer to analyze a text, then develop commentary related to it. It is a popular academic assignment because it requires thoughtful reading, research, and writing. You can learn how to write a reaction paper by following these writing tips.

Prewriting and Actively Reading

• When you respond to the text, back up your ideas with evidence from the text along with your own connection of ideas, texts, and overarching concepts. If you are asked to agree or disagree, you have to provide convincing evidence about why you feel this way. [2] X Research source
• If responding to multiple texts, you must analyze how the texts relate. If responding to one text, you probably should connect the text to overarching concepts and themes you have discussed in the class.
• The same assignment may also be given to films, lectures, field trips, labs, or even class discussions.
• A reaction paper is not a summary of the text. It also does not state, "I liked this book because it was interesting" or "I hated this because it was boring." [3] X Research source

• If you are unsure, ask the teacher to clarify what they expect from the assignment.
• You may be asked to react to the text in light of another text. If this is the case, you will want to use quotations from both texts in your writing.
• You may be asked to react to the text in the light of the class themes. For example, if you read a book in a Sociology of Gender Roles class, you will want to read, annotate, and react based on how gender roles are described in the book.
• You may be asked to react personally to the text. This is less common, but occasionally the teacher simply wants to know if you have read the text and thought about it. In this case, you should focus on your opinions of the book.

• One of the biggest mistakes that students make is waiting until the last minute to read and react. A reaction is a thoughtful consideration after reading and rereading several times.
• You may need to reread the text multiple times. First, to read and familiarize yourself with the text, then again to start thinking about the assignment and your reactions.

• Try completing some of the following sentences after you read: I think that..., I see that..., I feel that..., It seems that..., or In my opinion...

• What issues or problems does the author address?
• What is the author's main point?
• What points or assumptions does the author make, and how does she back that up?
• What are strengths and weaknesses? Where are problems with the argument?
• How do the texts relate? (if multiple texts)
• How do these ideas connect to the overall ideas of the class/unit/etc?

Drafting Your Essay

• When you finish, read back over what you've just written. Determine what your strongest and most convincing reactions are. Prioritize your points.

• Think about why the author has written the article or story as they have. Why did he structure things in this particular way? How does this relate to the outside world? [7] X Research source

• Your thesis will be one statement that explains what you will analyze, criticize, or try to prove about the text. It will force your reaction paper to remain focused.

• For example, if you are reacting to a theme in a book, you can split the paragraphs into how the setting, antagonist, and figurative imagery communicate the themes successfully or unsuccessfully.

• Draft paragraphs that introduce quotations, analyze them, and comment on them.

• A good way to think about structuring your paragraph is: detail, example/quotation, commentary/evaluation, repeat.

Writing Your Final Draft

• The last sentence of your introduction should be your thesis.

• Look for places where you simply report what the texts says instead of providing a critique or evaluation of what the text says.

• If you have been asked to give a statement about your personal opinion, the conclusion may be the best place to insert it. Some teachers may allow you to state the personal opinions in the body paragraphs. Make sure to double check with the teacher first.

• Read through for clarity. Are your sentences clear? Have you supported and fully argued your points? Is there any place where you're confusing?

Writing Help

Community Q&A

• Look for things the author leaves out or raise counterarguments when an argument is weak. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't wait too long between reading the text and writing the paper. You don't want to forget important details. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• This paper is not autobiographical. It's not about how you feel, how you were in the same situation, or how this relates to your life. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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• ↑ https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/online-guide-to-writing/tutorial/chapter8/ch8-14
• ↑ http://www.esc.edu/online-writing-center/resources/academic-writing/types/summary-reaction-papers/
• ↑ http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm
• ↑ https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/handouts/the-writing-process-1/invention/Writing-a-Response-or-Reaction-Paper
• ↑ http://study.com/articles/Step-by-Step_Guide_to_Writing_a_Great_Reading_Response_Paper.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/quotations/
• ↑ https://success.uark.edu/get-help/student-resources/reaction-paper.php
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/introductions/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_for_errors.html

About This Article

To write a reaction paper, start by carefully analyzing the thing you're supposed to be reacting to. Then, write down your initial reactions and thoughts. Try to come up with an angle for your paper, like that you disagree with the subject or that you think it has a deeper meaning. Once you've got an angle, summarize it in the introduction of your paper and use the body paragraphs to support it. Remember to use direct quotes and specific examples to back up what you're saying. When you're finished, reread your paper to make sure your angle is clear. If you want to learn how to set up topic sentences in your paragraphs from our Literary Studies Ph.D. co-author, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write A Reaction Paper: Guide For College Students

Table of contents

• 1 First Things First: What Is A Reaction Paper?
• 2 What About The Reaction Papers Format?
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Thesis Statement
• 3.3 Body Paragraphs
• 3.4 Conclusion Paragraphs
• 3.5 Citations
• 4 Tips for Writing A Reaction Paper Effectively
• 5 Things to Avoid While Writing a Reaction Paper

In most educational settings, teachers and instructors need to assess the abilities of their students. A common method applied to do that is the use of essays or academic assignments. Papers and essays allow students to showcase their skills and understanding of a particular idea and subject.

One type of essay that is often used in the form of a home task is a reaction paper. This usually requires the students to read and analyze a piece of literature or article. Then write a response that is a reflection of their thoughts and emotions on that material.

Students are usually asked to write a reaction paper to learn how to engage in a meaningful way while articulating their thoughts properly. If you are required to write a reaction paper, it’s important to understand the purpose and thoughtfully approach the assignment.

First Things First: What Is A Reaction Paper?

A reaction paper, also known as a response paper or response essay, is a unique essay requiring a critical perspective in response to another text. It is commonly assigned by teachers and college professors to evaluate students' reading comprehension abilities.

The purpose of a reaction paper is to provide an analysis and interpretation of the text and to express the writer's personal opinions and reactions to it. Each reaction paper uniquely expresses the composer's thoughts, making it a valuable tool for developing critical thinking skills.

The process of writing a reaction paper includes two parts. Here is how to write a reaction paper.

• The analysis of the text,
• And the correct expression of your personal opinion or response.

Reaction papers and research papers serve different purposes and require distinct approaches. Reaction papers involve providing a critical response and personal opinion, while research papers involve conducting thorough research and presenting objective findings. Confusing the two can lead to errors in writing. Reviewing a guide on how to write a research paper can help differentiate between the two and understand their unique requirements.

It´s also important to learn to differentiate the reaction essay from the summary essay. A reaction paper concentrates on the writer's opinion of it, while a summary essay is more about rewriting the original text or article. Still, it is recommendable for the first paragraph of the piece to be an informative summary of the primary article or composition.

With this, you can give your reader a clear idea of the original text before reading your opinion in the reaction paper.

What About The Reaction Papers Format?

Following formatting protocols is crucial when presenting a reaction essay or a research paper in academic writing. And by format, we mean characteristics like page size, font sizes, and margins.

So if you are wondering how to do a reaction paper and which style to use, look at the different styles used for reaction and research papers.

• MLA style . This format was created by the Modern Languages Association and is usually applied in humanistic or artistic pieces. Among other things, it sets regulations for font size (12pts) and margins (1 inch).
• APA style .   This is a frequently used format created by the American Psychiatrists Association. Stipulate a letter page size, 1-inch margins, and Times New Roman font size 12 pts, among other specifics.
• Vancouver style.  The National Library of Medicine created this style for the health field. It's used in medical articles, essays, books, and related texts.

The format style of a reaction paper or article depends on your academy or your teacher’s protocols.

What Are The Reaction Paper Outlines?

Every essay should follow a precise structure that serves as its skeleton. These outlines provide specific guidelines for writers to follow and are easy to comprehend. By adhering to this structure, they can effectively organize their thoughts and ideas, leading to a more coherent and impactful essay.

Here is a generic outline that will help you in case you are wondering how to write a reaction paper for any article.

Introduction

The introduction is the first part of every essay and even a reaction paper. It should be about 15%-20% percent of the content. You do not have to go detailed in this section. The purpose is just to mention the main ideas. And also, present the “problem” or “object” on which your essay centers.

Here are a few steps you can follow if you aim for an introductory paragraph to write an outstanding reaction paper.

• Start by summarizing the article or text that you are reacting to. This will help your reader understand the basic context.
• It's a good idea to provide some background information in the introduction based on the context of your reaction paper.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement aims to put forward the central argument or crucial points you want to put across the reaction paper. This is the most important part of the entire text and must be articulated clearly and concisely.

Here are some important points you should keep in mind while writing the thesis statement for reaction essays or articles.

• Before writing the thesis statement, make sure you have a proper and thorough understanding of the content of the article and that it is not only based on the initial reactions.
• Identify the main idea presented in the article or content you are reacting to.
• The next step is to determine what your reaction is going to be in response to the article, whether you agree or not with the author.
• Finally, develop your thesis statement encompassing the main idea and your opinions.

Body Paragraphs

This is the main part of the essay where the writer has to explain the principal ideas and the arguments to defend them. This is also the section that should be referenced properly with citations.

Here are some tips to help you with the writing process of the body paragraphs and every reaction paragraph.

• Verify that each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence, it will make your thesis clear.
• After the initial topic sentences, use your analytical skills and provide an analysis. The second part should include supporting evidence to reiterate specific points by using direct quotes backed by reliable sources.
• Use transition words, this allows a better flow of ideas when you write.
• One common mistake students make is that they don't consider the counterarguments. Ensure that you address them in your response papers.
• You can also use ideas and points made during class discussions that might be related to the context of the text you are reacting to.
• Each and every body paragraph should have a strong ending, summarize the main points, and connect back to the central thesis.

Conclusion Paragraphs

In a reaction paper, the writer's conclusions should reflect the results of their analysis and consideration of all the arguments presented. If they are not coherent with the findings, it indicates a failure in the analysis process. Therefore, writers need to ensure that their conclusions accurately reflect the insights they have gained from their analysis. Synthesis of all the major points in one paragraph is to ensure that it serves as a closure for the reaction paper.

Here are some steps you can follow for your academic assignment if you find writing reaction papers a challenging task.

• Start by briefly summarizing every single aspect to provide the reader with a quick overview of all supporting facts and other elements of the paper.
• The next step is to restate your thesis statement or personal thoughts on the topic in a varying tone. This part can also serve as an opportunity to address any lingering questions that the target audience may have.
• The final step is to provide a call to action in a single sentence. This will keep your audience informed.

There are several ways to make citations, and each style defines its own. Before starting your paper, it's important to research the required format and ensure that you follow its specifications. Proper grammar is also essential in any document as it demonstrates language proficiency and respect for the reader.

If you struggle with grammar, there are resources available, such as this website which provides grammar tips for students . Having some help is always an excellent way to improve your performance.

Tips for Writing A Reaction Paper Effectively

Writing a paper or article can be difficult, but it doesn't have to be discouraging. There are many strategies and resources available that can help you produce an effective paper. With the right approach and tools, anyone can become a successful writer.

On the one hand, you should look for services on academic writing. If this is your preference, check this site, where you can pay for assignment and get professional help. If you would rather do the reaction paper by yourself, here is some inside information that can help you understand how to create a reaction paper.

• Organize the process Writing is a process that is more effective if you follow it step by step.
• Understand the task and create the outline Before delving into the crafting process, make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the writing assignment. Structure it for the reaction paper, and get an overview of the task at hand.
• Take notes while reading & reread This way, you can keep track of your first reaction. Employ critical thinking while reading and note down any quotes, examples, or thoughts that would back your response. The first two times, you are processing the content. After a third time, start to create your own thoughts and generate ideas. This is the most critical part of a successful reaction paper.
• Be clear about the ideas & respect the paper outline If you don’t express your thoughts precisely, the reader might not understand the key points, which is vital to such assignments.
• Respect the reaction paper outline Follow the ideal reaction paper format when writing to ensure the presentation is on point.
• Remember that it's a reader-response essay. So, you must express your ideas about the particular issue in the response paper. In order to refer to your personal evaluation and opinion on the article or text, it’s crucial to use the first person.

Things to Avoid While Writing a Reaction Paper

You have read through all the main tips and tricks to polish your writing skills and write an effective reaction paper. Here are some things you should avoid while reacting to an article or text.

• Fluff or rambling – Write concisely to ensure that you do not go off-topic just to increase the word count.
• Plagiarism – If you are quoting from the original article, make sure you are using the proper methods of citations to avoid copying anything without giving proper credit to the author.
• Be Objective – even though your task is to write a reaction to an article, don't be too subjective and maintain a certain level of objectivity throughout the final draft.
• Language – make sure that you use proper jargon and mannerisms even when disagreeing with the author of the article.
• Grammatical errors – ensure you proofread and reread the complete paper to remove any grammatical errors, typos, or mistakes.

In conclusion, a reaction paper is an important assignment that helps teachers and instructors assess the reading comprehension abilities of their students. As an academic piece, it requires a specific format that varies depending on the protocols of the academy or teacher. A good reaction article should have a precise structure that includes an introduction, thesis statement, and body paragraphs.

It is essential to differentiate a reaction article from a research article and a summary essay. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, college students can understand how to make reaction papers successfully. And showcase their critical thinking skills and ability to articulate their thoughts properly.

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How to Write a Response Paper

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Most of the time when you are tasked with an essay about a book or article you've read for a class, you will be expected to write in a professional and impersonal voice. But the regular rules change a bit when you write a response paper.

A response (or reaction) paper differs from the formal review primarily in that it is written in the first person . Unlike in more formal writing, the use of phrases like "I thought" and "I believe" is encouraged in a response paper. 

You'll still have a thesis and will need to back up your opinion with evidence from the work, but this type of paper spotlights your individual reaction as a reader or viewer.

Read and Respond

Grace Fleming

For a response paper, you still need to write a formal assessment of the work you're observing (this could be anything created, such as a film, a work of art, a piece of music, a speech, a marketing campaign, or a written work), but you will also add your own personal reaction and impressions to the report.

The steps for completing a reaction or response paper are:

• Observe or read the piece for an initial understanding.
• Mark interesting pages with a sticky flag or take notes on the piece to capture your first impressions.
• Reread the marked pieces and your notes and stop to reflect often.
• Record your thoughts.
• Develop a thesis.
• Write an outline.
• Construct your essay.

It may be helpful to imagine yourself watching a movie review as you're preparing your outline. You will use the same framework for your response paper: a summary of the work with several of your own thoughts and assessments mixed in.

The First Paragraph

After you have established an outline for your paper, you need to craft the first draft of the essay using all the basic elements found in any strong paper, including a strong introductory sentence .

In the case of a reaction essay, the first sentence should contain both the title of the work to which you are responding and the name of the author.

The last sentence of your introductory paragraph should contain a thesis statement . That statement will make your overall opinion very clear.

Stating Your Opinion

There's no need to feel shy about expressing your own opinion in a position paper, even though it may seem strange to write "I feel" or "I believe" in an essay. 

In the sample here, the writer analyzes and compares the plays but also manages to express personal reactions. There's a balance struck between discussing and critiquing the work (and its successful or unsuccessful execution) and expressing a reaction to it.

Sample Statements

When writing a response essay, you can include statements like the following:

• I felt that
• In my opinion
• The reader can conclude that
• The author seems to
• I did not like
• This aspect didn't work for me because
• The images seemed to
• The author was [was not] successful in making me feel
• I was especially moved by
• I didn't understand the connection between
• It was clear that the artist was trying to
• The soundtrack seemed too
• My favorite part was...because

Tip : A common mistake in personal essays it to resort to insulting comments with no clear explanation or analysis. It's OK to critique the work you are responding to, but you still need to back up your feelings, thoughts, opinions, and reactions with concrete evidence and examples from the work. What prompted the reaction in you, how, and why? What didn't reach you and why?

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Your Ultimate Guide to Writing an Exceptional Reaction Paper (2023)

Introduction: What is a Reaction Paper?

Tips on how to write a reaction paper, understand the point of a reaction paper, read the text right after it has been assigned, make a note of your early reactions, select a perspective, define your thesis, organize your sections, write the final version, check your paper for spelling and grammar, reaction paper outline, reaction paper introduction.

• 1.      What is a reaction paper?
• 2.      How do I start writing a reaction paper?
• 3.      What should be included in the introduction of a reaction paper?
• 4.      How should I structure the body paragraphs of my reaction paper?
• 5.      What is the purpose of the conclusion in a reaction paper?
• 6.      Can I get professional assistance with my reaction paper?
• Final Thoughts  

Writing reaction papers originated in the early 1900s as a form of response to literature. Initially known as a “response paper,” this writing style gained popularity among scholars and educators as a way to encourage critical thinking and engagement with written works. Over the years, the format evolved, and it became known as a “reaction paper,” emphasizing the writer’s personal reactions and opinions to the material they encountered. Today, writing a reaction paper remains a valuable academic exercise, enabling students to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and insights while analyzing various texts, films , or experiences.

In the realm of art and literature, creators often aspire to evoke profound thoughts and emotions in their audience. While receiving compliments like ‘Amazing’ and ‘Wonderful’ is gratifying, the true mark of a successful piece lies in its ability to be thought-provoking. These thought-provoking works embed themselves in our minds, eliciting reactions and discussions that linger long after the initial encounter. In academic settings, this concept holds true as well. A piece of academic work becomes noteworthy when it evokes reactions from its readers. In this article, we will delve into the essence of a reaction paper and explore how to write one effectively.

At its core, a reaction paper is a written response to a book, article, movie, or any other form of media. It goes beyond a mere summary, delving into the writer’s thoughts, emotions, and analysis of the work’s themes, characters, and other elements. The primary purpose of a reaction paper is to provide a platform for the writer to reflect on and critically evaluate the work, as well as to communicate their insights and opinions to others.

When assigned a reaction paper, it is essential to carefully follow the given instructions, which can typically be found in the course syllabus. Paying attention to the structure, grammar, and citations is crucial to ensure the paper meets the required standards. It is vital to fully grasp the specific requirements to avoid inadvertently writing a reaction paper in the wrong style, such as confusing a Chicago-style reaction paper with an APA reaction paper. In this article, we will offer valuable tips on crafting a flawless reaction paper, accompanied by a sample to serve as a helpful guide.

When it comes to writing a reaction paper, approaching the task with an open mind and actively engaging with the material are essential. Unlike other academic assignments, a response paper allows you to express your personal opinions, making it a relatively easy task. The key is to master the essence and general structure of a reaction paper, enabling you to effectively convey your thoughts and feelings about the subject matter.

To guide you through the process, we have compiled some helpful tips on how to write a reaction paper. However, if your due date is fast approaching , don’t hesitate to seek assistance from our reliable essay writing service online. Our team of expert writers is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Beyond the confines of academia, sharing unstructured opinions about unfamiliar topics is unlikely to leave a positive impression. When you express your personal opinion, it is expected that you have a solid understanding of the subject matter.

Therefore, before delving into your reaction paper, ensure that you fully comprehend its purpose. Whether you are writing a psychology reaction paper or any other type, the key is to deliver valuable and balanced analysis that resonates with readers.

The primary goal of reaction papers is to foster critical thinking skills among students. As a writer, your task is not merely to react to the text but to meticulously analyze its strengths, weaknesses, the author’s intentions, and whether the text accomplishes its objectives.

Understanding the essence of a reaction paper ensures that you remain focused on the assignment’s scope, avoiding any tangents or irrelevant content. It also enables you to concentrate on the most pertinent aspects of the text and present your personal opinion in a clear and logical manner.

While a reaction paper naturally invites your immediate response, it’s crucial to resist the urge to react hastily. Initial thoughts can be ambiguous, biased, and even inaccurate. To form well-founded opinions, you need time for thoughtful consideration.

As soon as you receive the assignment to write a response essay , begin immersing yourself in the material. Dedicate ample time to read, reread, and conduct additional research until you grasp every aspect of the text, from the author’s objectives to their execution of ideas. Take meticulous notes and maintain a balanced perspective.

Aim to develop a strong and thoughtful reaction statement rather than an impulsive and emotionally charged one. Supporting your arguments with gathered information and structuring them coherently will give your paper a more professional and review-like tone, rather than sounding like a casual comment on a movie website.

Speaking of films, below you will find an example of a movie reaction paper. For additional guidance, feel free to explore our article on discursive essay format.

Remember, writing a reaction paper is an opportunity to express your unique perspective and insights, so embrace the process with enthusiasm and a critical eye. Mastering the art of crafting thoughtful and well-structured reaction papers will not only enhance your academic skills but also equip you with valuable tools for expressing your thoughts effectively in various contexts.

As you begin your journey of writing a reaction paper, don’t underestimate the significance of your initial reactions. Jotting down your first thoughts and emotions about the subject matter can be invaluable. These early reactions often represent the rawest and most honest expression of your feelings, providing valuable insight into your perspective.

Noting your early reactions also aids in organizing your ideas and identifying key points to explore further in your academic paper. As you delve deeper into the subject, continue writing down your thoughts to observe how your ideas evolve and progress . This process helps ground your text in your personal experience and ensures a clear and meaningful thesis, meeting the expectations of your instructor for an authentic reflection of your thoughts.

Understanding how a specific piece of art or work evokes emotions and why is crucial to the writing process. By recording personal reactions, you can also recognize any biases or preconceived notions you might have. Acknowledging and examining these biases allows for a better understanding of your perspective and enables you to present a more balanced and nuanced paper. Additionally, noting areas where further research is needed can enhance the depth and credibility of your response.

In writing a reaction paper, selecting a perspective is pivotal as it guides your analysis and provides a structured approach to your response. This ensures that your paper remains focused, well-organized, and offers insightful thoughts.

Before you commence writing, explore different viewpoints on the topic and determine which perspective aligns most closely with your feelings and understanding . Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the selected perspective to gain a comprehensive perspective on the subject matter.

Stepping into the author’s shoes can be enlightening. Reflect on the motives behind the piece, the author’s intentional structure, and their objectives. Such insights will help you analyze the work more clearly and leverage your analytical skills to craft an exceptional reaction paper.

A well-defined thesis statement serves as a roadmap for the rest of your reaction paper, providing clear direction and purpose to your analysis. Crafting a compelling thesis is pivotal as it concisely presents the main idea of your response and helps you stay on track throughout your writing.

Defining a thesis statement might prove challenging, so begin by gathering all your ideas and main points. Identify the notion that resonates most powerfully with you and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses in effectively conveying the central message.

Strive to express your thoughts in a single sentence that blooms into a meaningful response essay, capturing the essence of your analysis and argument.

To avoid confusion and maintain readers’ attention, proper organization of your response paper is essential. A well-structured reaction paper ensures that readers can easily comprehend your argument and follow the flow of your analysis.

Create a coherent outline that provides a clear framework for your response paper, including main sections and sub-sections. Arrange them in a logical sequence, commencing each section with a topic sentence supported by relevant facts, quotes, or examples. Subsequently, present your personal opinion and back it up with a comprehensive analysis. Repeat this approach for each section, culminating in a cohesive and well-structured reaction paper .

After several revisions, your initial draft will evolve into a powerful final version of your reaction essay. Ensure that it encompasses a strong thesis, exhibits a well-structured flow, and radiates polish.

Take the time to thoroughly review the final version, ensuring it aligns with the academic assignment’s requirements and fulfills the expectations of your audience. Revisit your response paper to confirm that your perspective remains clear, your arguments are logical, and they are substantiated with supporting facts. Verify that your paper follows a cohesive structure, presenting your thoughts coherently and persuasively.

During this review, identify and rectify any sections that may veer into mere retelling of the original text, as your goal is to offer a critical analysis infused with your personal opinions . Aim for uniqueness while maintaining an unbiased approach, providing a distinct voice that reflects your genuine reactions and insights.

While the task of writing reaction papers might initially seem tedious, we strive to facilitate the process by offering a valuable how-to-write-a-reaction-paper example, which you can explore in our site.

Grammatical accuracy is paramount, be it for argumentative essays or reaction papers. Your compelling reaction statement and unique perspectives may lose their impact if the sentences lack readability.

Before submitting your reaction paper, meticulously check for grammar and spelling errors. These flaws can detract from the overall quality of your work and undermine your intended message. Moreover, they may hint at a lack of attention to detail, jeopardizing the seriousness and impact of your paper.

By maintaining proper grammar and spelling, you elevate your credibility and ensure that your thoughts and feelings on the subject are effectively conveyed and comprehended. Polished writing, devoid of grammatical mistakes, enhances your reader’s perception of your analytical and communication skills, thereby strengthening the overall impact of your reaction paper.

Incorporate these tips into your writing process to craft a compelling reaction paper that resonates with your audience and showcases your critical thinking and writing prowess. By staying true to your personal reactions and diligently refining your paper, you will produce an engaging and thought-provoking piece that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

As you’ve now become well-versed in the valuable tips and tricks that elevate the art of crafting a compelling response, let’s delve into the fundamental foundation of a stellar reaction paper: the outline. An essential tool in organizing your thoughts and guiding readers through your intricate reflections, the reaction paper outline ensures a seamless and coherent flow that captivates your audience.

The reaction paper outline comprises three key components: the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section carries its unique purpose and holds equal significance in the overall structure of your response essay . Embracing the essence of written assignments, these units stand as pillars to present your specific points with clarity while appropriately crediting direct quotations following formats such as reaction paper APA style or other citation guidelines. So, buckle up for an enlightening journey as we embark on unraveling the intricacies of crafting an impeccable reaction paper outline.

Embarking on the journey of crafting a reaction paper can be both exhilarating and daunting. However, fear not, for we have the perfect guide to master the art of writing an engaging introduction. The opening paragraphs of your reaction paper serve as the gateway to your readers’ hearts and minds, making it essential to leave a lasting impression from the very beginning.

To start your introduction with a bang, focus on providing relevant context for the topic at hand. Enlighten your readers with a concise summary of the background information pertinent to your analysis, setting the stage for a deep exploration of the subject matter. Clearly express the purpose of your paper and articulate the objectives you aim to achieve with your thoughtful reflections. And here’s the key: Conclude your introduction with a powerful thesis statement that encapsulates your unique perspective and the main points that will guide your readers through the captivating journey of your response paper.

Having conquered the introduction, it’s time to dive into the heart of your response paper—the body paragraphs. In this crucial section, your thoughts and feelings take center stage as you explore the major points of the work under scrutiny. Remember, organization is key to maintaining a coherent and impactful presentation.

To master your body paragraphs, divide your ideas into separate sections, each beginning with a topic sentence that reflects the central theme. Provide a brief summary of the specific aspect of the book, article, or media you’re about to delve into, followed by a thoughtful expression of your emotions and explanations behind them. Reinforce your ideas with well-crafted quotes from reliable sources, ensuring proper citation to maintain academic integrity. Aim to connect your reactions to the broader context, showcasing the depth of your understanding.

As you conclude each paragraph, offer a succinct summary of your thoughts and feelings, skillfully tying them back to the paper’s main theme and creating a seamless flow of ideas throughout your reaction paper.

Now, as you reach the culmination of your reaction paper, you’re armed with the power to leave a profound impact on your readers through an impressive conclusion. This is your chance to consolidate your thoughts and emotions, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Begin your conclusion by restating your reaction statement, anchoring your readers to the core essence of your response. Reaffirm the key points you eloquently presented in the body sections and provide newfound insights you’ve gained through your analysis. However, it’s crucial to refrain from introducing any new information at this stage. Instead, offer a memorable statement that artfully ties together the main ideas, providing closure and resonating with your readers.

With these invaluable tips, you now possess the tools to craft a remarkable reaction paper, capable of captivating hearts and sparking minds. Whether you’re writing a response to a thought-provoking book, an enlightening article, or even a gripping film, these techniques will elevate your writing prowess and ensure your reaction paper shines bright. So, let your words flow with passion, and leave a lasting impression with your compelling reflections.

FAQs – Writing a Reaction Paper

1.      what is a reaction paper.

A reaction paper is a type of academic assignment that requires students to express their personal thoughts and feelings about a specific book, article, movie, or other forms of media. It goes beyond merely summarizing the content and involves critical analysis, reflection, and thoughtful responses to the material.

2.      How do I start writing a reaction paper?

To begin writing a reaction paper, approach the task with an open mind and engage actively with the material. Start by understanding the purpose of the reaction paper and identifying its main goal – which is to develop your critical thinking skills . Make notes of your early reactions to the content and take the time to explore and form well-rounded opinions before crafting your response.

3.      What should be included in the introduction of a reaction paper?

The introduction of a reaction paper sets the tone for the entire piece. It should provide relevant context, a summary of the background information related to the analysis, and clearly state the purpose of the paper. Additionally, the introduction should present a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal opinion and the main points of your paper.

4.      How should I structure the body paragraphs of my reaction paper?

The body paragraphs should be divided into separate sections, each starting with a topic sentence that reflects the main theme of the section. Summarize the specific aspect of the material you want to discuss, share your thoughts and feelings about it, and support your ideas with evidence and proper citations. Connect your reactions to the broader context and conclude each paragraph with a summary of your insights.

5.      What is the purpose of the conclusion in a reaction paper?

The conclusion of a reaction paper allows you to summarize your thoughts and feelings, reaffirm your key points from the body paragraphs, and offer new insights you’ve gained from the analysis. It should not include any new information but rather provide closure for the readers and leave a l asting impression based on your raw emotions and thoughtful reflections.

6.      Can I get professional assistance with my reaction paper?

Yes, absolutely! GradeSmiths offers top-notch essay writing services, including assistance with reaction papers. Our experienced writers can guide you through the process and help you craft a compelling and high-quality academic paper that will earn you excellent grades. Whether you need help with reaction papers, research papers, or any other type of academic writing, our team is here to support you every step of the way.Top of Form

Final Thoughts  

As you embark on the journey of writing a reaction paper, GradeSmiths is here to be your guiding light. Our expert tips and tricks will equip you with the knowledge to produce a compelling and top-notch response essay that will surely impress your professors. So, brace yourself to dive deep into the realm of reflection, clarity, and objectivity, as we unveil the secrets to securing that coveted A+ grade.

With our insightful guidance, you’ll learn to channel your thoughts and feelings into a well-structured paper that captivates readers from start to finish. Supporting your ideas with solid evidence, you’ll craft a persuasive argument that resonates with your audience and showcases your analytical prowess. Plus, our exclusive reaction paper sample will serve as a source of inspiration, helping you master the art of academic writing.

At GradeSmiths, we don’t stop at reaction papers. Our skilled and experienced writers offer a comprehensive range of academic writing services , including nursing essay writing and research paper assistance. With our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and academic excellence, you can trust us to deliver outstanding results. So, why settle for less? Experience the GradeSmiths difference and elevate your academic journey today by reaching out for our high-quality essay writing services. Your path to success starts with us!

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How to Write a Response (Reaction) Paper?

14 August, 2020

11 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

A response (reflective) essay is used in different university and college programs. It is assigned by professors, so you need to study thoroughly what you feel about a specific topic. This type of writing takes time because you need it for interpretation and analysis. Generally, creating a response paper does not differ from creating any other academic assignment. The only difference is that you should look back at what you learned and reflect this on paper. If you want to find out more about a response essay and learn how to write it correctly, just keep reading the information below.

What is a Reaction Paper?

A reaction paper is a form of essay in which you reveal your thoughts about a play, book, article, or any other literary work. This kind of academic writing has many parallels with a reaction paper because it contains your reaction to the reviewed work. While giving a written response to something, feel free to include your personal perspective and overall understanding of the subject matter. To make your statements and arguments sound reasonable, support them with sufficient evidence and examples. A reaction paper should be written in a concise and clear language, so it can be easily understood by the reader. This kind of assignment is evaluated based on the writer’s competence in writing and only then on the original content. Similar to most academic essays, a reaction paper consists of introduction, body, and conclusion, which should not exceed 2-3 pages.

It is understandable that most writers are scared of writing this kind of essay. Thus, it is highly recommended to use some guidelines throughout the writing process. And here is the right place to get some of them.

How to Start a Response Paper?

When you start the creative process, you may wonder how to write a reaction paper accurately. The main thing you should think about is your feeling about the intentions of the analyzed work. You should also understand and distinguish the major intentions of the author and their feelings about it. To start your paper properly, you need to represent a topic first by providing the primary information. By explaining every detail of the analyzed book, movie, article, or speech, you introduce the topic for further discussions. To attract your audience’s attention, you need to highlight the significance of your opinion and its practical importance. That’s where you should mention the main objectives of an analyzed work. Don’t forget to include a thesis statement into the introduction to specify the main focus of your reaction paper.

Reaction Paper Outline & Format

When you work with a reaction paper on a book, movie, article or speech, you need to highlight every point of it. You need to identify the main topic and distinguish its major subjects and objects. Once you have watched or read the particular work, you need to provide your reaction to the main story and express your own opinions on it. At the same time, you have to stick to your professor’s instructions and requirements. Depending on the initial assignment, you might be asked to write a reaction paper about the whole work or its particular section.

A response paper format should be based on personal opinions about a particular topic in the book or movie. You should use your personal experience and knowledge to express those opinions on paper. In some cases, you can be also asked to create a paper about the author’s opinions, so you will have to react to the author’s thoughts expressed in the work. When you need to analyze your reaction to the author’s thoughts, you are not expected to address the topic.

When it comes to the actual writing process, you should be as specific as possible. Thus, it is important to develop an outline and use it as your working plan. It will help you structure your future paper by including all the significant sections in your paper. So, what should a response paper include? In general, a reaction paper consists of the introduction, body, conclusion, and citation list. Here are some more details to know:

• Introduction: This is a crucial part of a reaction paper that turns out to be the face of the writing piece of work. To make it effective, you should fill it out with numerous hook sentences. Generally, it should include a clear thesis statement and a small description of the main ideas.
• Body: This part contains the main ideas, arguments, and evidence. You should start every paragraph with a clear topic sentence reflecting the main idea. Don’t forget to use only relevant and up-to-date sources to make your paper look credible.
• Conclusions: This part aims to connect a thesis statement and summary of main ideas. You need to wrap up your major points and clarify your opinions in the summary.
• Citation list: This part should contain relevant and up-to-date sources to be used throughout the paper. Thus, you should use only credible sources to persuade your target reader.

Response Papers Examples

If you want to improve your writing competence, you can look through various examples on the Internet. You can check multiple reaction papers on movies and books to come up with the individual writing technique. By encountering high-quality samples, you will take your knowledge and writing skills to the totally new level.

20 Reaction Paper Topics

If you want to submit a response paper, reaction paper, or a mix of two, you should definitely think of creative topics. Here are some examples that you can use for yourself:

• Square Enix’ Kingdom Hearts as a child-centered online content.
• Assumptions of children’s literature as seen in Tumble Tower.
• Your analysis of a Harvard study that reported that watching 4th of July parades makes people support Republican.
• Resisting interpellation of Beauty and the Beast.
• Your response to Chris Adrian’s article Under My Skin from the New York Times.
• The backside of the fashion industry in the movie The Devil Wears Prada.
• Reader response to Let’s Stop Scaring Ourselves by Michael Crichton.
• Response to Sticks by George Saunders.
• Reaction paper on Maslow’s Theory.
• Reading response to why we crave horror movies by Stephan King.
• Reaction paper for City Ordinance City Dog Pound and Appropriating Funds.
• Reaction paper on Food, Inc . – a Robert Kenner movie.
• Reaction to Hitchcock’s Birds movie.
• Fighting for love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
• The cultural and historical context of Boccaccio’s Decameron .
• Pick a book which you did not like and describe why you did not.
• Is Julius Caesar’ death in Shakespeare’s play worth it?
• Ernest Hemingway. How did the author’s life influence his works?
• Your reaction to the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Macbeth .
• Choose your favorite novel and describe it and your impressions in detail.

Useful Tips for Response Paper

Writing a reaction paper can be a complex task that requires much time and effort. Therefore, you may use some high-quality samples to learn more about this type of academic writing. Here are some tips that can help you in creating a decent response paper:

• Keep the knowledge of the addressed work on which you are writing your response or reaction paper. While reading a book or watching a movie, make a note of the areas that encourage you towards writing. Specify the main ideas that you want to discuss.
• Show your point of view and support it with additional information where you feel it’s necessary. Support the analyzed piece of work with sufficient examples.
• Conduct thorough research and find resources that can prove your arguments and statements.
• Submit a draft in order to minimize the most common errors. Of course, it will take extra time to write a draft and then transform it into a well-structured essay. In your draft, you should not express the same thoughts again. The reader won’t be interested in reading the whole story again and again. Instead, they expect you to thoroughly analyze the information you receive and read. If you don’t know how to do it, you can always use some online samples or templates.

These are some simple and useful tricks that can help you master the response paper writing process. You should also know the most common mistakes that reduce the quality of your response paper. First, you should not place the summary of the analyzed work in the very beginning. The reader will lose interest in your paper immediately. And you will lose a chance of expanding the depth of the book or movie. First, you should develop and express your own opinions, not the overview or basic layout. Second, you should not make a statement without providing any supporting information. Producing examples that are hardly related to the topic also won’t do any good for your paper. With all the above-mentioned information in mind, you will be able to create an excellent piece of work!

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If you want to get high-quality response papers online, you can rely on the professional team of writers who will help you deal with the task. When you are looking for a professional writing service, it means that you want to get rid of your academic burden and have some time for yourself. With the help of HandmadeWriting , you can get an excellent-quality response paper example at an affordable price.

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Each semester, you will probably be asked by at least one instructor to read a book or an article (or watch a TV show or a film) and to write a paper recording your response or reaction to the material. In these reports—often referred to as response or reaction papers—your instructor will most likely expect you to do two things: summarize the material and detail your reaction to it. The following pages explain both parts of a report.

PART 1: A SUMMARY OF THE WORK

To develop the first part of a report, do the following:

• Identify the author and title of the work and include in parentheses the publisher and publication date. For magazines, give the date of publication.
• Write an informative summary of the material.
• Condense the content of the work by highlighting its main points and key supporting points.
• Use direct quotations from the work to illustrate important ideas.
• Summarize the material so that the reader gets a general sense of all key aspects of the original work.
• Do not discuss in great detail any single aspect of the work, and do not neglect to mention other equally important points.
• Also, keep the summary objective and factual. Do not include in the first part of the paper your personal reaction to the work; your subjective impression will form the basis of the second part of your paper.

PART 2: YOUR REACTION TO THE WORK

To develop the second part of a report, do the following:

• Focus on any or all of the following questions. Check with your instructor to see if s/he wants you to emphasize specific points.
• How is the assigned work related to ideas and concerns discussed in the course for which you are preparing the paper? For example, what points made in the course textbook, class discussions, or lectures are treated more fully in the work?
• How is the work related to problems in our present-day world?
• How is the material related to your life, experiences, feelings and ideas? For instance, what emotions did the work arouse in you?
• Did the work increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your perspective in any way?
• Evaluate the merit of the work: the importance of its points, its accuracy, completeness, organization, and so on.
• You should also indicate here whether or not you would recommend the work to others, and why.

POINTS OF CONSIDERATION WHEN WRITING THE REPORT

Here are some important elements to consider as you prepare a report:

• Apply the four basic standards of effective writing (unity, support, coherence, and clear, error-free sentences) when writing the report.
• Make sure each major paragraph presents and then develops a single main point. For example, in the sample report that follows, the first paragraph summarizes the book, and the three paragraphs that follow detail three separate reactions of the student writer to the book. The student then closes the report with a short concluding paragraph.
• Support any general points you make or attitudes you express with specific reasons and details. Statements such as "I agree with many ideas in this article" or "I found the book very interesting" are meaningless without specific evidence that shows why you feel as you do. Look at the sample report closely to see how the main point or topic sentence of each paragraph is developed by specific supporting evidence.
• Organize your material. Follow the basic plan of organization explained above: a summary of one or more paragraphs, a reaction of two or more paragraphs, and a conclusion. Also, use transitions to make the relationships among ideas in the paper clear.
• Edit the paper carefully for errors in grammar, mechanics, punctuation, word use, and spelling.
• Cite paraphrased or quoted material from the book or article you are writing about, or from any other works, by using the appropriate documentation style. If you are unsure what documentation style is required or recommended, ask you instructor.
• You may use quotations in the summary and reaction parts of the paper, but do not rely on them too much. Use them only to emphasize key ideas.
• Publishing information can be incorporated parenthetically or at the bottom of the page in a footnote. Consult with your instructor to determine what publishing information is necessary and where it should be placed.

A SAMPLE RESPONSE OR REACTION PAPER

Here is a report written by a student in an introductory psychology course. Look at the paper closely to see how it follows the guidelines for report writing described above.

Part 1: Summary

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How to Write a Reaction Paper: Format, Template, & Reaction Paper Examples

A reaction paper is one of the assignments you can get in college. It may seem easy at first glance, similar to a diary entry requiring your reaction to an article, a literature piece, or a movie. However, writing a high-quality paper often turns into a challenge. Here is a handy guide on how to write a reaction paper, with examples and topic suggestions.

• ❓ What Is a Reaction Paper?

✍️ Reaction Paper Format

• 🤔 How to Write a Reaction Paper

💭 Reaction Paper Questions

• 📋 Transitional Words

🔍 Reaction Paper Examples

• ⁉️ Questions and Answers

🔗 References

❓ what is a reaction paper assignment.

A reaction paper (or response paper) is an academic assignment urging students to explain what they feel about something . When crafting a good reaction piece, the student should aim to clarify what they think, agree or disagree with, and how they would identify with the object regarding their life experiences. The object of your response may be a painting, a book, an academic publication, or a documentary.

This task is not a simple summary of the text or film you’re assigned to. Neither is it a research paper; you don’t need to use external sources in a reaction paper. Thus, the writing process may seem confusing to newbies. Let’s clarify its main elements and features to help you out.

Every academic assignment has a specific structure and requirements to follow. Here we discuss the major elements of the response paper format to guide you through its components and the composition algorithm. As soon as you capture the structure, you can write stellar texts without a problem.

Reaction Paper Template

Every critical reaction paper follows the standard essay outline, with the introduction, the main body, and the conclusion as to its main parts. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each component:

• Introduction . You present the subject and set the context for the readers.
• Body . This part is a detailed analysis of your response to the subject. You should list the main points and analyze them, relating to your feelings and experiences.
• Wrap-up . Here you recap all major points and restate your opinion about the subject, giving it a conclusive evaluation.

Reaction Paper: APA Format

Depending on your teacher’s preferences and the academic subject, you may be given a reaction paper assignment in various referencing styles. The APA format is one of the possible variants. So, please don’t get confused about the writing approach; it only means that you should format your reaction paper according to APA conventions . These are:

• A standard APA title page
• One-inch margins on all sides
• Double spacing between the lines
• An author-date format of referencing external sources (if you use any supporting evidence)

The rest of the requirements are identical for reaction papers in all referencing formats, allowing you to choose.

🤔 How to Write a Good Reaction Paper Step-by-Step

Now, it’s time to clarify how to begin a reaction paper, what steps to take before writing, and how you will compose the entire assignment. Use our universal step-by-step guide fitting any reaction paper topic.

• Study the prompt inside out . You should understand the prompt to craft a relevant paper that your professor will grade highly.
• Clarify all instructions . A grave mistake that students often make is assuming they have understood everything in one go. Still, asking questions never killed anybody. So, we recommend inquiring your tutor about everything to be 100% sure you’re on the right path.
• Study the subject of your paper . Watch a movie, look at the painting, or read the text – do everything you can to get to the depths of the author’s message and intention.
• Make notes . Your reactions matter, as they will become the main content of your written text. So, annotate all feelings and ideas you have when studying the subject. You’ll be able to use them as writing prompts later.
• Make a reaction essay outline . The outline is the backbone of your content, which will serve as your compass during the actual writing process.
• Compose the draft . Use the outline as a structure and add details, evidence, and facts to support your claims. Then add an introduction and a conclusion to the final draft.
• Edit and revise . To err is human; to edit is divine. Follow this golden rule to submit a polished, revised paper without errors and typos.

How to Write a Reaction Paper About a Movie?

When the subject of your reaction paper assignment is a movie, you should consider the context in which it was given. It’s probably a supporting material for your study course dedicated to a specific learning concept or theory. Thus, it would be best to look for those links when watching the assigned movie – “ Women’s Rights and Changes over the 20 th Century ” is an excellent example of this technique. It will help you draw the connections in your reaction paper, showing your professor that you understand the material and can relate theory and practice.

The steps you need to take are as follows:

• Watch the film . It’s better to do it 2-3 times to capture all the tiny details.
• Take notes . Record the film’s central themes, messages, character traits, and relationships.
• Focus on a relevant element of the film in your response . If it’s a Film Studies class, you may write about the stylistic means and shooting techniques that the director used. If it’s a psychology class, you may write about characters and their relationships. If you need to compose a Sociology or Politics reaction paper, you may focus on the context of the film’s events.
• Revise the draft . Careful editing can save your grade, helping you locate minor errors, typos, and inconsistencies. Always reserve some time for a final look at your text.

How to Write a Reaction Paper to a Documentary?

Documentaries are also frequently chosen as subjects for reaction papers. They present valid, objective data about a specific event, person, or phenomenon and serve as informative, educational material for students. Here’s what you need to do if you get such a task:

• Watch the documentary several times . Watch it several times to understand everything nicely. It’s usually a much more data-rich video piece than a fiction film is, so you’ll need to take many notes.
• Present your documentary in the background of your reaction paper . Set the context for further discussion by naming the author, explaining its topic and content, and presenting its central claim.
• Talk about the documentary’s purpose at length . Please focus on the details and major claims made by the director; present relevant facts you’ve learned from it.
• React to the documentary’s content and explain how you felt about it . State what points you agree with and what ideas seem controversial; explain why you agree or disagree with the director’s position.

A vital aspect of a response to a documentary is comparing what you knew and thought about the subject before and after watching it. It’s a significant learning experience you should share, showing whether you have managed to progress through the studies and acquire new information. Look through the “ Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory ” reaction paper to get a clear idea of how it works.

How to Write a Reaction Paper to an Article?

Once you get a home task to write a reaction paper to an article, you should follow this algorithm:

• Read the article several times to understand it well . Make notes every time you read; new shades of meaning and details will emerge.
• Explain the key claims and terms of the article in your own words, as simply as possible . Then respond to them by evaluating the strength of those claims and their relevance.
• Assess the author’s stand and state whether you agree with it . Always give details about why you do or don’t support the author’s position.
• Question the evidence provided by the author and analyze it with additional sources, if necessary.

Please don’t forget about the following writing conventions:

An excellent example of a response paper to an article is “ Gay Marriage: Disputes and the Ethical Dilemma .”

Tips for Writing a Psychology Reaction Paper

If you were tasked with writing a reaction paper for a Psychology class, use the following tips to excel in this assignment.

• Identify the subject you need to react to . It may be a psychological theory, a book or article on psychology, or a video of a psychologist’s performance.
• Study the subject in detail . You need to understand it to form specific reactions, give informed commentary, and evaluate the presented claims effectively.
• Think about the topic’s relevance to modern times . Is the theory/book/article consistent with the ideas people hold today? Has there been any criticism of these ideas published recently? Did later research overturn the theory?
• Form a subjective response to the assigned subject . Do you agree with that position? Do you consider it relevant to your life experience? What feelings does it arouse in you?

By approaching a psychology piece with all these questions, you can create a high-quality response based on valid data, reflecting your reactions and opinions. Look through “ Peer Interaction in Mergers: Evidence of Collective Rumination ” to see how it can be done.

Reaction essay writing is a process that you can start only after answering essential questions about the content and your feelings. Here are some examples to ask yourself when preparing for the writing stage.

• What is the author’s key message or problem addressed in the piece?
• What purpose did the author pursue when creating this text/movie/sculpture/painting? Did the author fulfill it successfully?
• What point does the author intend to make with their work of art/literature?
• What assumptions can I trace throughout the subject, and how do they shape its content/look?
• What supporting facts, arguments, and opinion does the author use to substantiate their claims? Are they of high quality? What is their persuasive power?
• What counterarguments can I formulate to the claims made by the author?
• Is the raised issue relevant/interesting/significant?
• What are the author’s primary symbols or figurative means to pass their message across?
• Do I like or dislike the piece overall? What elements contribute to a positive/negative impression?
• How does this piece/subject correlate with my life experience and context?
• How can the reflections derived from this subject inform my life and studies?
• What lesson can I learn from this subject?

📋 Transitional Words for Reaction Paper

When you write a reaction paper, you express a personal opinion about a subject you have studied (a visual artwork or a text). However, the subjective nature of this assignment doesn’t mean that you should speak blatantly without caring about other people’s emotions and reactions. It’s critical to sound polite and use inclusive language.

Besides, you need to substantiate your points instead of simply stating that something is good or bad. Here are some linguistic means to help you develop a coherent reaction text:

• I think/feel/believe that
• It seems that
• In my opinion
• For example / as an illustration / as a case in point
• In contrast
• I think / I strongly believe / from my point of view
• I am confident that
• For all these reasons
• Finally / in conclusion

It’s not mandatory to squeeze all these phrases into your text. Choose some of them sparingly depending on the context; they will make your essay flow better.

Here is a short reaction paper example you can use as practical guidance. It is dedicated to the famous movie “Memento” by Christopher Nolan.

Memento is a movie about a man with a rare neurological condition – anterograde amnesia – seeking revenge for the rape and murder of his wife. He struggles to remember the recent events and creates various hints in notes and tattoos to keep the focus on his mission. Throughout the film, he meets different people who play weird roles in his life, contributing to the puzzle set by the director in the reverse scene presentation.

My first impression of the movie was confusing, as it took me half of the film to realize that the scenes were organized in the reverse order. Once the plot structure became more apparent, I opened many themes in the movie and enjoyed it until the end. Because of the severe brain damage, Leonard could not determine whether the story of his wife’s rape and murder was real, whether he had already been revenged for her death, and whether he was a hero or a villain. Thus, for me, the film was about a painful effort to restore one’s identity and seek life meaning amid the ruining memory and lost self.

The overall approach of Christopher Nolan deserves a separate mention. A unique design of shots’ sequence and the mix of chronological black-and-white and reverse chronological colored scenes is a puzzle that a viewer needs to solve. Thus, it becomes a separate thrilling adventure from the film’s storyline. My overall impression was positive, as I love Christopher Nolan’s auteur approach to filmmaking and the unique set of themes and characters he chooses for artistic portrayal.

Another example of a reaction paper we’ve prepared for you presents a reaction to “Night” by Elie Wiesel.

The horrors of World War II and concentration camps arranged by Nazis come to life when one reads Elie Wiesel’s Night. It is a literary piece composed by a person who lived in a concentration camp and went through the inhumane struggles and tortures of the Nazi regime . Though Wiesel survived, he portrayed that life-changing experience in much detail, reflecting upon the changes the threat of death makes to people’s character, relationships, and morality.

One of the passages that stroke me most was people’s cruelty toward their dearest relatives in the face of death. The son of Rabbi Eliahou decided to abandon his father because of his age and weakness, considering him a burden. This episode showed that some people adopt animal-like behavior to save their lives, forgetting about the cherished bonds with their parents. Such changes could not help but leave a scar on Elie’s soul, contributing to his loss of faith because of the cruelty around him.

However, amid the horror and cruelty that Elie Wiesel depicted in his book, the central message for me was the strength of the human spirit and the ability to withstand the darkness of evil. Wiesel was a living witness to human resilience. He witnessed numerous deaths and lost faith in God, but his survival symbolizes hope for a positive resolution of the darkest, unfairest times. Though reading “Night” left me with a heavy, pessimistic impression, I still believe that only such works can teach people peace and friendship, hoping that night will never come again.

The third sample reaction paper prepared by our pros deals with the article of David Dobbs titled “The Science of Success.”

The article “ The Science of Success ,” written by David Dobbs in 2009, presents an innovative theory of behavioral genetics. The author lays out the findings of a longitudinal study held by Marian Bakermans-Kranenbug and her team related to the evolution of children with externalizing behaviors. Their study presents a new perspective on the unique combination of genetics, environment, parenting approaches, and its impact on children’s mental health in adulthood.

The claim of Dobbs I found extremely convincing was the impact of mothers’ constructive parenting techniques on the intensity of externalizing behaviors. Though most children learn self-control with age and become calmer and more cooperative as they grow up, waiting for that moment is unhealthy for the child’s psyche. I agree that parents can help their children overcome externalizing behaviors with calm activities they all enjoy, such as reading books. Thus, the reading intervention can make a difference in children’s psychological health, teaching them self-control and giving their parents a break.

However, the second part of the article about “dandelion” and “orchid” children and their vulnerability caused more questions in me. I did not find the evidence convincing, as the claims about behavioral genetics seemed generic and self-obvious. Children raised in high-risk environments often develop depression, substance abuse, and proneness to criminality. However, Dobbs presented that trend as a groundbreaking discovery, which is debatable. Thus, I found this piece of evidence not convincing.

As you can see, reaction paper writing is an art in itself. You can compose such assignments better by mastering the techniques and valuable phrases we’ve discussed. Still, even if you lack time or motivation for independent writing, our team is on standby 24/7. Turn to us for help, and you’ll get a stellar reaction paper in no time.

⁉️ Reaction Paper Questions and Answers

What words do you use to start a reaction paper, what is the difference between reflection and reaction paper, what is the purpose of reaction paper, can you use “i” in a reaction paper.

• Reaction vs. Reflection Paper: What’s the Difference? Indeed Editorial Team .
• Response Paper, Thompson Writing Program, Duke University . Guidelines for Reaction Papers, ETH Zürich .
• Film Reaction Papers, Laulima .
• How to Make a Reaction Paper Paragraph, Classroom, Nadine Smith .
• How to Write a Response Paper, ThoughtCo, Grace Fleming .
• Reviews and Reaction papers, UMGC .
• Reaction Paper, University of Arkansas .
• How to Write a Reaction Paper, WikiHow, Rachel Scoggins .
• How to Write a Reaction (Steps Plus Helpful Tips), Indeed Editorial Team .
• Response Paper, Lund University .
• How to Write a Reaction Paper in 4 Easy Steps, Cornell CS .
• Response Papers, Fred Meijer Center for Writing & Michigan Authors, Grand Valley State University .

How to Write a Reaction Paper

Published by gudwriter on February 1, 2021 February 1, 2021

If you hear about a reaction or response paper for the first time, you should read this piece to the very end. If this is new to you, then you might probably be wondering what a reaction paper entails. For many college students, this is no new thing. Reaction papers are quite common in college and even after.

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We often come across response papers daily, but we do not recognize them. An excellent example of a reaction paper can be found in newspaper sections that we read daily. In college, these types of essays are often given as assignments. In a reaction paper, one is expected to express what they feel or think about a particular subject or a specific occurrence.

How easy is it to write a reaction paper? Response papers, as they are also called, are by far the simplest literary materials to write. It is almost like a form of mental exercise except for the fact that you have to write your thoughts down. If you consider yourself a creative person, this should be relatively easy and straightforward, but if you are facing a hard time crafting a quality paper, Gudwriter has the best custom speech writing service with a pool of experts ready to help you at any time.

When writing a reaction paper, you write about your feelings, thoughts, and points of view. When writing such a paper, there are a few pointers to guide you on how exactly you ought to go about putting your thoughts in writing. However, the general idea is merely expressing your reaction to a given subject matter or about something you have watched or read about.

Why did you choose this topic?

• What are your feelings towards this topic?
• Do you agree or disagree with this topic?
• What are some of the contentious points you agree or disagree with?
• Is the topic relatable?
• Are there lessons you can learn from this topic? What are they?

Learn the following;

• How to write a killer 300 word essay
• How to write a graduation speech
• Demonstration speech ideas

Making a Reaction Paper Format Properly

The secret to success in any essay writing lies in its outline. A reaction essay is made up of three main parts; Introduction, body, and conclusion. The outline of a reaction paper requires you to start by writing a summary of your ideas. After this, you proceed to the body where you pen down your points in detail. The third step is to include your reactions. This can be based on a piece related to your experience or on a personal

Steps in Writing a Reaction Paper

The essential thing we are always taught is to first organize yourself before attempting to try anything out. Planning is vital in essay writing since it enables you to break down a seemingly complex assignment into more manageable units. Before embarking on writing an essay, it is essential first to develop your idea about how you want the essay to look like.

An outline gives you guidelines on how exactly you ought to go about arranging your ideas. Thorough research on your subject topic is vital since it reinforces your main points and arguments. It is essential to conduct adequate research beforehand so that you can easily pen down your thoughts. An outline serves to remind the author to remain relevant to the topic and arrange one’s thoughts in such a way that to total required word count of the essay is not exceeded.

A title is the first introductory part of your paper that readers come into contact with. Often, the secret behind a good and a bad reaction paper lies in the crafting of the title. For example, in a magazine, a catchy title determines whether a reader will take an interest in the contents of a reaction paper or not. The same is true for any other paper you write. You, therefore, ought to come up with a title that grabs the attention of the reader while simultaneously addressing the contents of your paper. How creative and catchy your title is, determines a reader’s next cause of action. Get creative titles generated by our free title generator .

For instance, ‘ Dynamics of a Management Seminar. ’

2. Introduction

An introduction comes immediately after your title. The primary purpose of an introduction is to compel your reader to delve more into your work. You ought to craft your work in such a way that it captures the attention of the reader further. Failure to do this means that you are giving your reader less motivation to continue reading. .The number one secret behind a catchy introduction is to keep your first sentences short and exciting. It cannot be emphasized enough just how important it is to make your sentences short and sweet.

Readers don’t like going through lengthy and complicated sentences when they start reading written material. Often, long and complex sentences lower the interest levels of readers who might have initially been interested in reading your work. It is, therefore, appropriate that you make your sentences punchy and easily digestible. For a  500 word paper , the introduction ought to take up roughly 100 words. The introduction should entail a title, copyright details of your information source, and a short description of your topic.

A reaction statement should be the last part of the introduction, and it ought to be clear and focused. It is usually just one statement, and therefore, it ought to be concise and on point.

Eye-capturing thesis statement:  A management seminar entails dialogues and presentations where speakers have profound knowledge in their subject and share that knowledge effectively.                                             

Other supportive sentences :  For most people, hearing the word ‘seminar’ makes their mind drift towards a boring setting where a speaker is giving a presentation to a half attentive group of people. According to Wikipedia, seminars are types of academic events in a given institution where the main agenda is to gather groups of people for meetings on given subject matters.

The body is supposed to be the longest part of your paper for a reason. It is here that you get to support your arguments and main points. You ought to craft your body in such a way that it captivates readers. Each of your points in such a paper should be in its paragraph, and the paragraph should be balanced in terms of length.

For example

In a recent seminar, a top speaker spoke about how tourism company managers can do more to promote sustainability in tourism. In the tourism industry, the benefits of sustainability are wide-ranging, and there is a need for increased adoption of sustainability (kent, 2018). What makes the seminar interesting is not just the content you learn from the speaker but also the overall experience you get from it (Merccado, 2017). We ought to embrace seminars since that is one of the places where you can get incredible amounts of management content from the best minds

4. Conclusion

A conclusion is the final part of a reaction paper. In this part, you write a recap of the ideas you talked about in the body. In this section, you describe all the points that discuss in your body; you can then write the conclusion.

Example of a conclusion

Management seminars are diverse and cover a wide range of issues. The methods used in conveying information are also diverse. A speaker may choose to use PowerPoint to present or even regular lectures. What is often regarded as necessary is the level of satisfaction of all participants.

Tips and Pointers on Writing a Reaction Paper

1. proofread for errors.

Regardless of how careful we are, we are always bound to make mistakes. Even if you feel your work is faultless, it is prudent to double-check your work. It is essential since it helps you correct any errors you may have made. It takes less than 10 minutes to proofread your work. You should always make sure that you do this for all your papers.

2. Plagiarism

When you directly copy someone’s ideas or literary work, that action is referred to as Plagiarism. In essay writing, plagiarized work is deemed not credible and lacking in authenticity. People love original material that is free from any duplication. When writing a reaction paper, you must cite any form of information you use from an external source and further give a list of all the sources of information used.

You have often heard that what you say is never as important as how you say it. When it comes to writing these types of papers, the same is equally true. How you craft your work is so vital that it has the power to either keep a reader reading or making the reader less enthusiastic about reading your work. You ought to use a combination of both descriptive words and simple language that will keep a reader glued to your work.

To adequately capture your reader’s attention to the very end, your ideas should be free-flowing and exciting. In this type of paper, readers like work that flows smoothly towards a logical conclusion.

Explore some of the tips on becoming a successful content writer .

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Reaction Paper

Like in other writing types, people are bound to make mistakes when writing a reaction paper. However, versing yourself with some of the common mistakes made in these papers means that you don’t have to make them.

1. Summarizing the source

The objective of a reaction paper is not to summarize the source of your content. Having this in mind as you start your paper will be your saving grace. Instead, you should read the content and analyze it adequately, after which you should come up with your own opinion on the problem and suggest a probable solution.

2. Using irrelevant examples

As earlier indicated, reaction papers are intensive on examples. However, this does not mean that you can pick just any example and include it in your essay. Only relevant and reliable evidence should be used to support your opinion, or support the solutions you provide for a problem. Using examples is beneficial; however, using reliable ones will help you nail your paper.

3. Always supporting the author of your source

Reaction papers are written based on already existing work. However, you are not bound to supporting the ideas in a given content. Reaction papers allow you to be creative and give you the opportunity to develop your own opinions on a subject and argue them out.

The number one secret to writing a good research paper is first planning your work. It is as simple as that! When your work is planned well with introduction, body, and conclusion segments, ideas start to flow naturally, and before you know it, you have a masterpiece.

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How to Write a Response/Reaction Paper like a Pro

The development and growth of most disciplines involve two repeated actions: research and discussion of its findings. To be able to participate in the latter as a full-fledged member of the scientific or professional community, you must know how to write response and reaction papers. Their formal nature will allow you to clearly and easily express your opinions and experiences, which makes learning how to write them a worthwhile pursuit for anyone who intends to participate in innovation and research.

Text Analysis

• Make sure you have read the entire paper thoroughly and have established an understanding of the author’s intent and main points. The primary purpose of a reaction paper is to voice your opinion about those points, potentially followed by more detailed discourse if your observations deserve merit. Creating a flowchart that summarizes the ideas proposed in the paper and how they relate to your perceptions may be a helpful step. While you should still mention the smaller concerns that you have regarding the writing, these should not be the central topic of your argumentation.
• Try to analyze the statements that you disagree with or believe to be erroneous and trace their origins. This way, you may be able to uncover deeper, more significant concerns and re-evaluate your position on the work depending on your findings, enhancing your understanding of the topic in the process. Well-formulated arguments that identify problematic parts of a paper, suggest possible causes, and recommend changes and improvements are at the core of such a discussion and resulting progress.
• Examine the work within its contexts such as similar or associated literature and the current state of the subject. You should try to determine whether the work is derivative or introduces new ideas as well as identifying its potential implications and significance. Also significant is the prevalence in the latest literature of the notions the work supports. If a paper promotes an argument that is generally refuted by other scholars, the fact deserves mention and possible further elaboration. However, this is not grounds for immediate rejection of the author’s points as new research methods or specific study designs often yield results that contradict established norms.

How to Start a Response Paper

• Create a framework around which you will construct your response before you begin writing. Decide on your tone and overall opinion about the paper, choose primary points to mention and discuss, and construct skeleton arguments that agree or disagree with each point. Try to arrange the order of the essential topics to match that used in the original paper to facilitate comprehension. However, any less relevant points that you choose to mention should be relegated to the end of the article so that they do not interfere with the main discussion.
• Try to formulate and structure the narrative throughout your discussion and maintain a logical progression. Doing so will help you to illustrate your position, highlight the differences, and explain the fundamental reasons why you support or disagree with parts of the original author’s opinions. A response paper that provides a detailed analysis of a work along with the reviewer’s opinion about specific arguments and suggestions for improvement is highly valuable in the refinement and development of a thesis as well as the underlying theory.

Response Structure

• Introduction Your introduction should summarize your perceptions and primary concerns related to the paper. You should begin by explicitly naming the work that you are reviewing and noting its authors. Next, mention the topic and the overall arguments supported in the text. If the subject of the study is relevant to current events or the conclusions of the study are controversial, you should mention that fact as well. End this paragraph by describing your opinion of the paper, including your overall evaluation and specific points of interest, which will also serve as your thesis for the discussion to follow.
• Summary In this part, you should relate the primary arguments made in the paper as well as the reasoning behind them. You should include a considerable amount of detail to provide a basis for your arguments, but as the summary is ultimately a derivative part of the reaction essay, it should not take up a majority of the total text. Try to strip the arguments down to their basic logical units to save writing space and show the depth of your analysis. As a general rule, you should add as few comments as possible in this part of the paper, although points of interest such as untrustworthy sources or logical omissions deserve immediate mention.
• Literature Review This section should contain information on the topic that you have collected from scholarly sources other than the reviewed work. As this material reflects neither your personal opinion nor a summary of material from the original paper, the topic deserves a separate section. Here, you will look at a body of evidence that should be as representative of the overall field as possible and determine whether it agrees with the conclusions of the work you are considering. Analysis of the general schools of thought on the subject matter and of the allegiance of the authors to one of those schools belongs in this section, but analysis of the reasons why the conclusions of the researched paper disagree with those reached by other researchers does not. If others have reviewed the article that is the subject of your essay, you should mention them along with their main points.
• Response This section is the primary part of the paper, in which you will outline your opinion and describe your thoughts on the matters that you consider the most noteworthy. You should try to use the logical constructs that you established in the summary when describing the arguments used by the authors of the original work and your support for or opposition to that reasoning. Overall, there are two primary approaches to writing responses, differing in their ordering of the points and arguments: sorting by agreement and disagreement and listing the topics as they appear in the original paper. When you sort topics by your agreement with the authors’ conclusions, you may begin this section with an introductory paragraph that should restate your overall opinion about the study and list the arguments that you support or oppose. Two subsections should follow, representing the two attitudes, with agreement typically preceding disagreement. There is no need to restate your opinion for each new point, and you should devote your attention to supporting or opposing arguments. The advantage of this approach is that it makes your position on the various topics broached in the original paper explicit and clear; however, the method also fragments the logical structure of the work, which may complicate overall comprehension for the reader. The second approach does not require a separate paragraph to describe the structure as the same order is observed in both the original paper and the overview that precedes the response. However, in this case, as you do not explicitly inform the reader of your agreement or disagreement beforehand, you should make your position unambiguous for each point that you cover. In contrast to agreement-based sorting, this method makes it more difficult for the reader to determine your overall opinion on the paper, but it allows you to construct a more precise general argument and analyze the work in greater depth.
• Conclusion The conclusion should restate your position on the paper, including your overall stance and individual points of agreement or contention. Try to keep the mentions as concise as possible, only identifying the topic and your opinion of its handling. You should mention the primary points and relegate smaller concerns, if they exist, to side remarks. Finish the paper with your evaluation of the importance of the work and its potential implications.

You can familiarize yourself with the examples of response essays here .

Response and reaction papers are vital to the advancement of scientific and professional discourse, and every specialist should be aware of the principles of their writing. The creation of an excellent response paper requires a thorough study and understanding of the logic and conclusions of the original work. The structure usually consists of an introduction, a summary, a literature review, your response, and a conclusion. Each of these parts adheres to a rigid structure that allows the paper to be formal and accessible at the same time.

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The most powerful impression had by me regarding Dr. Lani Guinier’s speech was one of privilege.  Even as I felt myself vitally connected to the experience, I was also aware of the enormous advantage of it.  It seemed to me more than an ordinary event in celebration of Dr. King, because so many powerful elements came together to add greater meaning even to that.  To begin with, I was profoundly moved by Dr. Guinier’s evident passion.  When she spoke of how Harvard Law, or any school, must exist to reflect the wider needs of the community beyond it, I understood how involvement in important issues is not a thing to be done after preparation; it is about the present, and about how such involvement is necessary for carrying any education further. These words literally inspired me because I felt a sudden sense of how I am a part of everything occurring around me.  Privilege was reinforced as this sense felt to me like an understanding of humanity itself, and all it requires and gives back.

Equally moving to me was how Dr. Gunier explained what I believe is at the heart of Dr. King’s message to the nation and the world.  She went beyond the overt contribution of him to Civil Rights to emphasize a reality too often ignored; that Civil Rights are the rights of all, and commitment to them translates to the welfare of everyone.  In using the metaphor of the shepherd and the flock, Dr. Gunier expands the horizon and reveals how all men and women may take on leadership roles.  This is reinforced by her discussion of Rosa Parks, and it all goes to a core reality.  It is not about one race seeking equality, but about a united effort for equality led by many and that has meaning for all, and no race can prosper when any race is denied.  King was a champion of humanity, not blacks, and I found this presentation nothing less than beautiful.  I feel Dr. Gunier is serving a vital function, all these years after King’s death, in pointing out the true meaning of his crusade.  This meaning goes to the core of the most essential pursuits of any society, as it reflects spiritual concerns of humanity common to all faiths.  For me, and as expressed with conviction and passion by Dr. Gunier, the imperative facing us always, and as individuals and as a society, is to comprehend and fulfill what it means to be a part of true humanity.

Works Cited

Gunier, L.  27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration.  Web. <http://teachingexcellence.mit.edu/from-the-vault/27th-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration-2001-dr-lani-guinier

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What this handout is about

This handout will help you create an effective speech by establishing the purpose of your speech and making it easily understandable. It will also help you to analyze your audience and keep the audience interested.

What’s different about a speech?

Writing for public speaking isn’t so different from other types of writing. You want to engage your audience’s attention, convey your ideas in a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support your point. But the conditions for public speaking favor some writing qualities over others. When you write a speech, your audience is made up of listeners. They have only one chance to comprehend the information as you read it, so your speech must be well-organized and easily understood. In addition, the content of the speech and your delivery must fit the audience.

What’s your purpose?

People have gathered to hear you speak on a specific issue, and they expect to get something out of it immediately. And you, the speaker, hope to have an immediate effect on your audience. The purpose of your speech is to get the response you want. Most speeches invite audiences to react in one of three ways: feeling, thinking, or acting. For example, eulogies encourage emotional response from the audience; college lectures stimulate listeners to think about a topic from a different perspective; protest speeches in the Pit recommend actions the audience can take.

As you establish your purpose, ask yourself these questions:

• What do you want the audience to learn or do?
• If you are making an argument, why do you want them to agree with you?
• If they already agree with you, why are you giving the speech?
• How can your audience benefit from what you have to say?

Audience analysis

If your purpose is to get a certain response from your audience, you must consider who they are (or who you’re pretending they are). If you can identify ways to connect with your listeners, you can make your speech interesting and useful.

As you think of ways to appeal to your audience, ask yourself:

• What do they have in common? Age? Interests? Ethnicity? Gender?
• Do they know as much about your topic as you, or will you be introducing them to new ideas?
• Why are these people listening to you? What are they looking for?
• What level of detail will be effective for them?
• What tone will be most effective in conveying your message?
• What might offend or alienate them?

For more help, see our handout on audience .

Creating an effective introduction

Get their attention, otherwise known as “the hook”.

Think about how you can relate to these listeners and get them to relate to you or your topic. Appealing to your audience on a personal level captures their attention and concern, increasing the chances of a successful speech. Speakers often begin with anecdotes to hook their audience’s attention. Other methods include presenting shocking statistics, asking direct questions of the audience, or enlisting audience participation.

Establish context and/or motive

Explain why your topic is important. Consider your purpose and how you came to speak to this audience. You may also want to connect the material to related or larger issues as well, especially those that may be important to your audience.

Get to the point

Tell your listeners your thesis right away and explain how you will support it. Don’t spend as much time developing your introductory paragraph and leading up to the thesis statement as you would in a research paper for a course. Moving from the intro into the body of the speech quickly will help keep your audience interested. You may be tempted to create suspense by keeping the audience guessing about your thesis until the end, then springing the implications of your discussion on them. But if you do so, they will most likely become bored or confused.

For more help, see our handout on introductions .

Making your speech easy to understand

Repeat crucial points and buzzwords.

Especially in longer speeches, it’s a good idea to keep reminding your audience of the main points you’ve made. For example, you could link an earlier main point or key term as you transition into or wrap up a new point. You could also address the relationship between earlier points and new points through discussion within a body paragraph. Using buzzwords or key terms throughout your paper is also a good idea. If your thesis says you’re going to expose unethical behavior of medical insurance companies, make sure the use of “ethics” recurs instead of switching to “immoral” or simply “wrong.” Repetition of key terms makes it easier for your audience to take in and connect information.

Incorporate previews and summaries into the speech

For example:

“I’m here today to talk to you about three issues that threaten our educational system: First, … Second, … Third,”

“I’ve talked to you today about such and such.”

These kinds of verbal cues permit the people in the audience to put together the pieces of your speech without thinking too hard, so they can spend more time paying attention to its content.

Use especially strong transitions

This will help your listeners see how new information relates to what they’ve heard so far. If you set up a counterargument in one paragraph so you can demolish it in the next, begin the demolition by saying something like,

“But this argument makes no sense when you consider that . . . .”

If you’re providing additional information to support your main point, you could say,

“Another fact that supports my main point is . . . .”

Helping your audience listen

Rely on shorter, simpler sentence structures.

Don’t get too complicated when you’re asking an audience to remember everything you say. Avoid using too many subordinate clauses, and place subjects and verbs close together.

Too complicated:

The product, which was invented in 1908 by Orville Z. McGillicuddy in Des Moines, Iowa, and which was on store shelves approximately one year later, still sells well.

Easier to understand:

Orville Z. McGillicuddy invented the product in 1908 and introduced it into stores shortly afterward. Almost a century later, the product still sells well.

Limit pronoun use

Listeners may have a hard time remembering or figuring out what “it,” “they,” or “this” refers to. Be specific by using a key noun instead of unclear pronouns.

Pronoun problem:

The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This cannot continue.

Why the last sentence is unclear: “This” what? The government’s failure? Reality TV? Human nature?

More specific:

The U.S. government has failed to protect us from the scourge of so-called reality television, which exploits sex, violence, and petty conflict, and calls it human nature. This failure cannot continue.

Keeping audience interest

Incorporate the rhetorical strategies of ethos, pathos, and logos.

When arguing a point, using ethos, pathos, and logos can help convince your audience to believe you and make your argument stronger. Ethos refers to an appeal to your audience by establishing your authenticity and trustworthiness as a speaker. If you employ pathos, you appeal to your audience’s emotions. Using logos includes the support of hard facts, statistics, and logical argumentation. The most effective speeches usually present a combination these rhetorical strategies.

Use statistics and quotations sparingly

Include only the most striking factual material to support your perspective, things that would likely stick in the listeners’ minds long after you’ve finished speaking. Otherwise, you run the risk of overwhelming your listeners with too much information.

Watch your tone

Be careful not to talk over the heads of your audience. On the other hand, don’t be condescending either. And as for grabbing their attention, yelling, cursing, using inappropriate humor, or brandishing a potentially offensive prop (say, autopsy photos) will only make the audience tune you out.

Creating an effective conclusion

Restate your main points, but don’t repeat them.

“I asked earlier why we should care about the rain forest. Now I hope it’s clear that . . .” “Remember how Mrs. Smith couldn’t afford her prescriptions? Under our plan, . . .”

Call to action

Speeches often close with an appeal to the audience to take action based on their new knowledge or understanding. If you do this, be sure the action you recommend is specific and realistic. For example, although your audience may not be able to affect foreign policy directly, they can vote or work for candidates whose foreign policy views they support. Relating the purpose of your speech to their lives not only creates a connection with your audience, but also reiterates the importance of your topic to them in particular or “the bigger picture.”

Practicing for effective presentation

Once you’ve completed a draft, read your speech to a friend or in front of a mirror. When you’ve finished reading, ask the following questions:

• Which pieces of information are clearest?
• Where did I connect with the audience?
• Where might listeners lose the thread of my argument or description?
• Where might listeners become bored?
• Where did I have trouble speaking clearly and/or emphatically?
• Did I stay within my time limit?

Other resources

• Toastmasters International is a nonprofit group that provides communication and leadership training.
• Allyn & Bacon Publishing’s Essence of Public Speaking Series is an extensive treatment of speech writing and delivery, including books on using humor, motivating your audience, word choice and presentation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Boone, Louis E., David L. Kurtz, and Judy R. Block. 1997. Contemporary Business Communication . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Ehrlich, Henry. 1994. Writing Effective Speeches . New York: Marlowe.

Lamb, Sandra E. 1998. How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You’ll Ever Write . Berkeley: Ten Speed Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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SAMPLE RESPONSE PAPERS

Below is a collection of strong (and exceptionally strong) response papers from students.   All received high grades.   They are good examples of insightful thinking and strong writing.   I would especially encourage you to notice that most of them don’t have obvious organization; most of them let their ideas develop and wander.   Many of the best responses are later in the list.   I continue to add to this collection as I find new examples of strong writing.   As always, I will look at drafts when I can.   [Please Note: Responses here are single-spaced to be read quicker.]

The first example, however, is one I wrote as a sample for the first reading response.

Chris McGee

ENGL 380-01

            Of all of the common assumptions that we discussed in class, I think one of the most common is the idea that a children’s text should in some way teach the reader something.   We of course talked about the term didactic, and how a didactic book strongly pushes a lesson onto the reader, telling them that they should believe this or that.   Many times a reason for that lesson isn’t even given, as though the young person reading the book should just accept that lesson because they are told to, because the other knows better.   As I was reading Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, the book I selected for the assignment, I was hoping that it wouldn’t be as didactic as most other children’s books, and that it would be as playful and exciting as I remember as a child.   On the last two pages of the book, however, the absent mother returns home, the cat has disappeared, the children are behaving nicely, sitting in chairs, and it is pretty obvious that even though they got into mischief they are still good children after all.   Nothing really has changed at the end of the book.   Although all sorts of things got played with, and the children broke the rules I am sure they know about (like, “Don’t fly kites in the house”), major boundaries were never crossed.  

            We talked about how the opposite of a didactic book might be an ambiguous book, or a book that encourages the reader to think about issues, to make decisions for themselves .   In that kind of book, the author usually wants to the reader to think for her or himself, to understand that some things are difficult, even for adults.   The author may present a problem and ask you what you think, or might just never come around to saying exactly what you are supposed to believe.   The last page of Cat in the Hat ends with the narrator saying, referring to the mother, “Should we tell her about it? / Now what SHOULD we do? / Well . . . / What would YOU do / If your mother asked you?” (61) .   In some ways, this is probably a pretty ambiguous ending.   The author asks the reader that if your mother left, if someone wanted you to do what you weren’t supposed to, if you did it anyway, and if you didn’t get caught, then would you tell your mother or father what happened?   Most adults wouldn’t tell what happened themselves, but the question is there anyway, and it seems to be really asking children what they believe.

            But it doesn’t seem really that ambiguous.   If the book were really ambiguous it would be breaking the Typical Case Prototype of children’s books, and in almost every other way the book keeps to those prototypes.   As Nodelman describes it, children’s books are typically bright, colorful, funny, entertaining, and maybe sometimes rhyming.   Children’s books portray children as the way adults typically think of them, as crazy kids who aren’t serious like adults, or innocent angels who would never really do any harm when they play.   Dr. Suess portrays typical kids, bored by the rain, wanting to do something wild.   Although Seuss’s style is strange, the children even look like the sort of standard white children that appear in most books, the girl in a dress and ribbon in her hair.   We saw in class how these children are a lot like the standard one’s in Cassie’s history textbook   And although strange things happen in the book – a talking cat, a couple of strange Things, a lot of things getting thrown around – it is the kind of play we come to expect in children’s lives, especially in the sorts of standard things shown on television and in movies.

            In fact, the children never quite seem to trust the Cat, and they always just sort of watch him play.   The children never really do anything that crazy themselves.   The Fish, who sounds a lot like an adult, is always there to warn them, and in the end everything gets cleaned up.   Of course the book is fun and playful, and is obviously one of the most famous and liked picture books ever made, but it is still pretty straightforward.   Cat in the Hat reinforces and demonstrates almost all of the typical assumptions about childhood, and it fulfills all of the typical case prototypes of children’s books.   Examining it made me think about how the book might have changed in recent years, especially since children are rarely bored when they are at home any more (with all of the stuff they own to play with).   But more than that, it made me think about why we expect all children’s books to be like this, why it is always considered one of the best books for children.   Although I like typical children’s books, it makes me also interested in books that don’t do what we expect.   The book was written 1957, and in so many ways children’s books have become so incredibly different since then.   But in a lot of other ways, some good, some bad, they haven’t changed at all.      

====================================================================================

STRONG EXAMPLES FROM STUDENTS

             The book George and Martha (as well as all of the other books in the series), by James Marshall , is in most ways a typical case prototype.   The reading level that is assigned to the book is for ages four through eight.   Each book is divided into five stories, and the stories are about two hippopotamuses that are best friends and act like humans.   Each of the stories starts with a title page that has bold yellow bubble letters.   As the pages are turned the left hand page has the print for the story and the right hand page has the illustration for that portion of the story.   This is very much typical case prototype—very consistent, very simple in both a visual and a reading sense.   And each story is short in length endorsing the idea that children get bored easily.  

All of the illustrations are simple—basically white backgrounds with bold black outlines and three or four colors used to emphasize certain parts of the images (namely grey, green, yellow, and red).   The pictures tell the story of everything that is going on, which makes it more or less unnecessary for a child to be able to read in order to understand what is going on in the story.   In fact, the pictures include almost no object in that is not directly involved in the story, meaning there is nothing used in the background of the pictures to fill the space.

The story is as simple as the illustrations using little or no complex language or difficult vocabulary.   The story, however, is not told using rhyming endings or any kind of rhythm in the sentence structure, which is less typical case prototype, even though plenty of children’s literature does not utilize rhythm or rhyme.   The story also includes only two characters (save the image of the dentist in the last story).   There are no other characters introduced which also keeps the story simplified.

  George and Martha supports many of the assumptions posed with typical case prototypes; in some cases the story even supports two opposing assumptions about children.   The assumption that children like books about fantasy is supported in that the main characters are animals that have the characteristics of humans—they are hippopotamuses walking around on two feet, wearing clothes, and talking to each other.   At the same time, the assumption is made that kids are so egocentric they only like literature to which they can personally relate.   While the main characters are animals, everything else about the book is based very much in a reality they can understand.   George and Martha live in a world like ours, where everyone lives in houses, cooks meals, takes baths and goes to the dentist.   The issues brought up in the book are even those to which children could relate, such as: not liking split pea soup but having to eat it, losing something that is dear to you, irritating habits that friends have, or invasion of privacy.   These are all concepts that a child can understand, and therefore it fits this typical case prototype as well.

The book is extremely didactic.   Each story ends with the moral that is presented in it, and the morals are very plainly stated in no uncertain terms.   There is no real room for coming up with one’s own ideas or opinions on how the presented situation should be dealt with, because the answer is given—the writer’s view of the issue at hand is almost shoved in the face of the reader.   In some ways, a child who thinks beyond simply what the book is telling him/her, might look at what takes place and determine how he/she might have dealt with that situation, but so many people treat reading as such a passive activity that they simply would not occur to them to look any farther than what is directly presented.  

Though the book seems so simple at first glance, it might also be argued that the book brings up more adult issues in the sense of right and wrong, such as in the story in which George is peeking through Martha’s window when she is in the bathtub.   Now, on the surface this is an issue presented and treated in that it is wrong to invade one’s privacy, but looking at it more deeply might be suggesting peeping-toms and a much more sexual elements of invading privacy than is obvious at first, and that is certainly not a typical case prototype.   Nor is the response that Martha has when she realizes that George is peeking in her window, which is to dump the bathtub on his head and yell at him; that could be construed as a violent reaction.   The story of the mirror brings up the issue of vanity or even pride.   George deals with Martha’s pride in her own appearance by pasting a funny picture on her mirror to trick her into not looking at it anymore.   That is a scenario that may be funny to children, but it may also be looking at the more “adult world” of the seven deadly sins for instance—pointing out the negative tendencies of the human being.  

Despite these deeper rooted possibilities of what the book may be trying to convey, in most cases it would be considered a typical case prototype.   It is built around most of the assumptions made about kids and their views of literature and of the world.   Only when looked at closely does this book show any evidence of underlying meaning or issues being presented, and those clues may be simply a complete coincidence.

Nodelman discusses the Typical Case Prototype portrayed in adult-written children’s books.   Nodelman’s stereotypes include bright colors, fantasy, common childhood experiences, and simple linguistics.   Richard Scarry’s picture book, THINGS TO KNOW demonstrates all of these qualities producing a didactic anecdote.

            Color radiates from the pages of this short story.   From the pink background on the front cover to the bright blue costume worn by an elephant on the title page, the book is filled with bright shades.   The use of color culminates to the very last page, which exemplifies and identifies the colors used in the book (23).   The book ambiguously teaches correct color schemes by ensuring each object is the color found in nature.   For example, in the “Seasons” grass is green, the sky is blue, sand is brown, apples are red, pumpkins are orange, and snow is white; the author easily could have painted these objects in hues of imagination, however the writer chose to demonstrate these objects in their naturally expected forms, encouraging standard ideals of the world (14 ,16,18 , 19).

            While the color usage discourages imagination, Scarry’s use of fantasy promotes creative ideology.   A personified animal or insect represents every character in the book.   Animals play instruments, eat with spoons, count to ten, have hands, arms, and noses, rake leaves, watch TV, write, and eat cookies (5 ,6,8,12,11,17 , 22,9).   Scarry limits the readers’ imagination, allowing only classic fantasy.   Richard Scarry personifies the characters to be similar to his readers.

            Nodelman’s research suggests the ideal that children enjoy characters they can relate to.   Scarry creates childlike characters based on their actions.   Illustrating childlike behavior, a pig spills a glass of juice, a cat wears an inner tube to swim in ankle deep water, and a worm jumps in a pile of autumn leaves (8 ,16,17 ).   The children are distinguished from the adults by size, position, and in some cases clothing.   On page one, a giraffe sits on a stool wearing a suit and tie reading a book to a tiny, casually dressed mouse.   Of course the mouse is the childlike character and the giraffe is the adult; the giraffe know how to read, is formally dressed, and is much taller than his counterpart. This example signifies the view of adults being superior to children and being responsible for the knowledge children gain.   In the manners section a tall pig wearing a dress helps a short pig in red overalls put on a rain jacket, obviously this is the mother aiding her child (10).   This suggests that children require parents to guide them even in simple tasks.

            Finally, the language of the book signifies children’s short attention span and the idea of reading levels.   The syntax is limited to include no more than eleven words, the longest sentence being, “We rake the falling leaves and pick apples in the autumn.” (17) .   The vocabulary of this book is simplistic, using predominately one or two syllable words to identify objects, directions, or sizes.   The book contains only two four-syllable words; accordion and interrupting (5, 8).   The language is simple for young readers and the identifying nature of the book is most likely targeted toward a preschool audience.  

            The book overtly teaches the things adults believe small children should learn; like distinguishing the four seasons and naming body parts (13-20, 11).   The most obvious example of a moralistic or instructive agenda is the section titled “Manners”.   Scarry devotes four pages to “Manners”, while most other topics have two pages.   Scarry clearly encourages his ideas of etiquette when he writes, “Everyone should have good manners. Do you? I hope so.” (9).   Other examples of the educational goals appear in sections labeled “Count to Ten”, “Opposites”, “Shapes and Sizes”, “Things We Can Do”, and “Colors” (12, 3, 1, 21, 23).   The book didactically impresses children with adult view of essential knowledge and encourages the stereotypical natures Nodelman mentioned.  

In the 2003 Universal Pictures version of “Peter Pan,” the children are depicted as strong, independent individuals with their own agency throughout a great portion of the film.   However, there are numerous examples of interpellation, during which the children fight against and conform to the interpellation of family and society.   In the following paragraphs, I will explain how “Peter Pan” is a movie with both interpellation and agency.   Also, I will explain how the film is adult-centered in spite of the agency the child characters possess.

The movie “Peter Pan” begins with three children living in a nursery all together.   One day, the children overhear the adults talking about Wendy, the oldest child in the nursery.   They are saying that it is time for her to grow up and spend more time with adults.   Wendy does not like the idea of growing up, and the children go on a magical adventure where children never grow up, where there are pirates, fairies, and countless adventures.   However, soon Wendy realizes that she truly does wish to grow up and decides to return to her home with her parents.   In the end, Wendy, her brothers, and the lost boys all end up home with parents.   However, Peter Pan still refuses to give up his childhood fantasies and flies away forever.  

The adult characters in “Peter Pan” are highly interpellated into their roles in society.   For example, the mother and father are wealthy socialites who attend grand parties, wear grand clothing, and (attempt to) conduct themselves in a dignified, proper manner.   At one point, the father is seen practicing his small talk because Aunt Millicent has told him that “wit is very fashionable at the moment.”   They are very much concerned with what the neighbors will think of them and their proper place in society.   Wendy’s adult family has been interpellated into their roles in society.   However, the children are still concerned with fun, games, and adventures.   The thought of growing up is not an appealing one for them at this point.   It simply does not look like it is any fun.

            In one scene, the entire family is gathered together in a family room.   The children are telling stories and being generally silly.   When Wendy begins to talk of her dreams of adventure, her Aunt Millicent puts a stop to it.   After all, a young lady should not think of adventure, but marriage according to the interpellation in this film.   During this scene, Wendy talks with her Aunt Millicent about her future plans.   “My unfulfilled ambition is to write a great novel, in three parts, about my adventures,” Wendy says.   Aunt Millicent replies, “What adventures?”   “I’m going to have them,” Wendy says, “they’ll be perfectly thrilling.”   Aunt Millicent clearly indicates what role she believes Wendy should possess in society with her reply, “But child, novelists are not highly thought of in good society, and there is nothing so difficult to marry as a novelist.”   In this same scene, Aunt Millicent asks Wendy to walk toward her and turn around so that she might appraise her.   Afterward, she declares Wendy as having possession of a “woman’s chin” and a “hidden kiss” on the corner of her mouth.   She declares the kiss as the “greatest adventure of all” and states that it “belongs to” someone else.   Aunt Millicent clearly thinks that Wendy will believe that possessing woman-like qualities will make her want to act more grown up and that possessing a hidden kiss that belongs to someone else will begin Wendy’s search for a respectable husband.   Aunt Millicent is attempting to convince Wendy that her proper place in society will be an adventure if only she lives up to the expectations of her family.   Aunt Millicent is attempting to interpellate Wendy into a certain role.   She addresses the “problems” of Wendy’s need for adventure and desire to become a novelist, neither of which will do for a young lady in high society.

By watching the whole first half of the film, one might believe that Wendy has not been interpellated into the role her Aunt Millicent wishes for her.   She is clearly against the idea of giving up her adventures to become a wife.   Soon after, she meets a magical boy and runs away with him, along with her brothers to a world where children have their own agency.   In Neverland , children live with no parents, do as they please, and fight their own battles.   There are Indians, mermaids, and pirates.   It is a great adventurous place for children to live when they do not wish to be interpellated into a role in society by their parents.  

During one Neverland scene, Hook has captured Wendy’s brothers and taken them to the Black Castle .   There, the adult pirates treat the children as worthy adversaries.   This indicates that the adult pirates believe that the children do, indeed, have their own agency.   The pirates do not indicate for a moment that these are only children and easily defeated.   Rather, they wait in ambush for Peter Pan and Wendy to attempt to rescue the boys.   Wendy shows Peter that she is entirely capable of brandishing a sword against the pirates.   Here, Wendy is displaying her own agency and letting him know that she will not need protection any more than the boys.   Then, Peter tricks the pirates into releasing the other children.   This shows that the children in the scene are much more cleaver than the adults.   Afterward, a great fight scene ensues between the children and the pirates.   The pirates sword fight with them as if they were adults.   In fact, the children manage to defeat the pirates and escape unharmed, once again indicating that they have their own agency in that they are clever and able to take care of themselves.   When there is a problem, they figure out a way to get out of it on their own.   They do not rely on adults to solve their problems.  

            In spite of all of the agency the children display during the Neverland scenes, I would argue that this film is adult centered.   After being in the Neverland for a while, Wendy realizes that she does not belong there and chooses to return to the safety of her family.   Even the Lost Boys desperately want a parental figure in their lives, and they end up returning home with Wendy and her brothers to live with their parents.   Wendy has been interpellated by her parents after all.   She realizes that she wants her life that she left behind.   The power that Wendy felt at the beginning of the film seemed repressive to her; however, it has become ideological.   In other words, the ideological power that Wendy’s family has over her has worked.   She now sees that her happiness lies in the role that her family has been trying to establish for her.   Furthermore, Wendy’s brothers and the Lost Boys all realize that they want to have parents who will care for them and that growing up is not all that bad.   In the end, all of the children have parents except one.   And, all of the children seem happy except one – Peter Pan.

            While it is odd to think of a film having both interpellation and agency, I am suggesting just that.   However, I am also suggesting that there are two separate worlds in this film in which the two issues occur.   Interpellation clearly occurs in the beginning of the film while the children are with their parents and Aunt Millicent.   They are taught how life should be and who they should be when they grow up.   The Neverland world is a place where children have agency.   It is clear to the adults and children in Neverland that children are to be taken seriously and treated as equals.   However, in the end, the children choose interpellation over agency and return to the nursery and their home with their parents.   In this film, the children have been interpellated to believe that their role at home will be much more fulfilling and rewarding than the agency available to them by remaining children forever in Neverland .

            In closing, Peter Pan is a complicated film that displays agency and interpellation.   While it displays both, the film is adult centered, as the children end up interpellated into the roles their families wished for them.  

Resisting Interpellation: Beauty and the Beast

            As a little girl, I pretended I was Belle from Beauty and the Beast . I wanted desperately to find my prince charming. I danced around to the songs, and I would have loved a castle filled with enchanted creatures, or a library filled with books up to the ceiling. Years later, after watching the same story unfold, I can honestly say that Belle could be a role model for me in the way she lived her life. Her personality is one of strength, open-mindedness, and abundant love. Throughout her story, Belle is faced with opposition and obstacles that push her to define and think about who she is. Gaston and the rest of the townspeople try to push and mold Belle into the type of person that they feel is “normal.” The story of Beauty and the Beast is one of Belle defying the idea of what is normal, what is right, and what is supposed to be.

A major way of society interpellating a person is by shunning the marriage or union between people with huge differences. Society applauds when the normal path is taken, whether it is a marriage between a man and woman, or the relationship between two people of the same race. The main motif or theme of Beauty and the Beast , which occurs in many children’s stories, is that of two people of different species falling in love and overcoming their obstacles. Belle, a human, and the Beast, a human enslaved in a beast-like body, are blinded to reality by their love. They do not look at each other with eyes focused on appearances, but look through the skin into each other’s souls. In the garden playing with birds, the Beast and Belle come to realize that they care for each other, despite the hesitations that first accompanied their situation. The beast is surprised that “when we touched she didn't shudder at my paw,” and Belle is taken aback “ that he's no Prince Charming but there's something in him that I simply didn't see.” Though surprised, Belle resisted the temptation to fall in love and marry a human, thus not giving in to interpellation. This movie also expresses distaste for interpellation in the sense that it expresses the acceptance of things not of the norm. It basically says that you do not have to settle for the town football hero, just because you are the cheerleader. Instead, you can hold out, find a person with whom your souls connect, and live happily ever after. There is also a trace of the “if you truly love them, let them go, and if they love you too, they will come back” theme present in this movie. For example, when the Beast releases Belle as his prisoner, he gives her the freedom to truly love him. It is only through this relinquishing, that Belle can understand her true feelings.

A different way society tries to interpellate a person or a person’s life is by giving them a name. By naming a person, the parent is predetermining their child to answer and identify with that name. The name Belle translates to beautiful or beauty from the French language. Yet while Belle is beautiful, she does not let her name, or it’s meaning, get in the way of her personality. Traditionally, an interpellated “Belle” would be flirtatious, using her good looks to gain social standing. This type of behavior would be accepted in Belle’s community, as other seemingly beautiful women gush and moon over Gaston, throwing themselves at him in the hopes he will throw them a bone. Bell though, almost seems unaware of her good looks. For example, while Belle walks through town, her head buried in a story, she is oblivious to all the commotion she is bringing about. One man even goes as far as to say, “Now it's no wonder that her name means 'beauty' Her looks have got no parallel!” As the story unfolds, she does not dress to impress anyone, and never gives the impression of caring what others think of her appearance. I believe the rose in Beauty and the Beast is a reminder of Belle’s inconsistence with the typical towns lady. The rose, while beautiful and seemingly fragile, has managed to live for ten years. While it is enchanted, the rose must still be protected, and is held in high regard. Belle, similarly, is beautiful and dainty, but strong. She earns respect through her decisions, and does not need to be taken care of. She is strong enough to find her father, strong enough to give her life for his, and strong enough to stand up to the Beast.

Belle also questions the interpellated messages she receives from the general public. The people of Belle’s town believe that, as a young lady, you should live up to specific social standards. Belle breaks these traditions in numerous ways. To begin, even as Belle walks through the “quiet village,” the townspeople talk about how she is so strange and unusual; how she does not quite fit the mold. They shake their heads and cannot understand why she is “Never part of any crowd.” She “doesn't quite fit in” with the ladies trying to find a husband, or with the ladies who sit around doing what it is the conventional ladies do. Instead, she is described as “Dazed and distracted” because she always has “her nose stuck in a book!” It is evident that Belle is resisting interpellation by continuing to read, and to read often. Instead of succumbing to the ideals and values of the townspeople who feel “It's not right for a woman to read--soon she starts getting ideas...and thinking,” she relishes her stories, and continues to be excited about new possibilities. She also does not try to hide the fact that she loves to read. She sat on a fountain, in the middle of the town, and sang about her love of books. People like Gaston, who try to force their ideas on society, feel that all a woman should be is a “little wife, massaging [her husband’s] feet, while the little ones play with the dogs.” When Belle flat out refuses Gaston’s attempts at wooing her, the other ladies of the town, who have fallen into the common way of thinking, say, “What's wrong with her?” Yet Belle knows that “There must be more than this provincial life!”

Indeed, there is a different way to live life, at least for Belle. Unlike many women, Belle is not one to be influenced by appearances, good or bad. She is not impressed with Gaston’s impressive looks or rippled muscles (because he is, after all, “Perfect, a pure paragon”). Instead of dreaming about being Gaston’s wife, Belle is more interested in enjoying life, taking care of her father, and being true to herself. She does not fall into the trap of liking the cool guy, just because everyone else does. She knows that Gaston is “handsome all right, and rude and conceited and” not for her. Another example of Belle’s passiveness towards appearance occurs with the Beast. While her first reaction to the Beast is terror, she does not actually fear him. If she feared him, she would not have spoken out to the Beast like she did. Not intimidated by his looks, she talks to him like the mean-spirited person he is. This showcases the amount of agency Belle has determined is rightfully hers. In many instances, she does not give in to the Beast’s demands, even though, technically, she is his prisoner. For instance, she does not give in to the Beast’s demand that she come to dinner, instead, she tells him, “I'm not hungry” and refuses to eat with him.

Some may feel that Belle is the typical young lady, looking to find her prince. After all, her favorite part of the book she reads by the fountain is when the girl meets her prince, but does not know it yet. I would argue that the books she finds so intriguing are an escape. While the particular storyline read by the fountain does predict the outcome of the movie, it also illustrates and shows how Belle is feeling. She feels trapped, like the only way she can escape her suffocating world is to read about others where there is adventure and romance. She may want the romance and the white knight on the horse, but she is not willing to compromise who she is inherently, for the gain of something she does not deem true and worthy. Belle turns to her books because, as she puts it, “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere/ I want it more than I can tell/ And for once it might be grand/ To have someone understand/ I want so much more than they've got planned.” So she is not dreaming of her prince, or a life as a princess. She wants to be a person, first and foremost, and have someone understand what she feels. Before meeting and falling in love with the beast, the only “people” who understand her, are the people in the books she reads, because they have the same desires as she.

Belle avoids the interpellation of her peers and society through staying true to herself, and, in the end, she gets her prince. She does not succumb to the prodding of Gaston, and even her father in the beginning, to marry and become a mainstream household wife. Instead, she uses her ability to love truly to find the man, or beast, with which she is meant to be. It is through this rebellion of society’s norm that Belle uses her agency in life to stand firm against interpellation.

“ South Park : Bigger, Longer and Uncut” is a true depiction of carnivalesque imagery. The entire film is centered on a movie the children go see, called “Asses of Fire.”   This movie causes great controversy between the children and parents, because its only purpose is to, make fun of bodily functions, and curse as much as possible.   The children in “ South Park ” love this movie, and even claim that it will make their lives “complete.” The idea of carnivalesque is that is mocks and humiliates what is supposed to be official, and customary by focusing on humorous and grotesque bodily functions.   These children who praise a movie that is clearly derogatory, and gross degrades the ethical teachings they should be learning.   The stereotype for children is that they should learn valuable, and critical lessons that will help them in life.   “ South Park ” greatly destroys these lessons, as the children perpetually get more offensive and silly as the mimic the actors in “Asses of Fire.”

The movie also demeans authority figures such as, the government, the president, teachers, principles, parents etc.   One of the best examples of this idea of carnivalesque is when Cartman defies his authority figures.   While sitting in class Mr. Garrison (the boy’s teacher) demands Cartman to answer a question.   Unwilling to cooperate, Cartman instead curses at the teacher and is sent to the office.   In the office, he again curses at the principle. Both authority figures are surprised by these acts of defiance; they do not know how to punish this behavior.   Instead, Cartman is free to say and do what he pleases, to whomever. This scene depicts the role reversal of authority.   It is Cartman who holds the power, and not the typical adult authority figure.   Throughout the movie the adults struggle to gain power over their children’s tainted behavior.   They are repeatedly unsuccessful.   This is the essence of carnivalesque , as it uses absurdity and humor to undermine what is normally revered.

            South Park proves to be a progressive movie for a number of reasons.   Although, it is seemingly playful, silly and gross, it explores new grounds by mocking norms for children’s movies.   Much like a traditional Disney musical, “ South Park : Bigger, Longer, and Uncut” begins with the character Stan singing a song.   In this scene, Stan is walking down a snow-covered street as he sings about his “quiet mountain town.”   Deer cross his path, and beautiful Pine trees line the road.   As Stan approaches his town he is singing about how wonderful it is, and how people treat each other well.   However, it is obvious, that the people are actually pushy, rude and hateful towards one another.   By no means is this place the “quiet mountain town” Stan describes.   In fact, by the end of the song the entire town joins in on the chorus and adds that they live in a “quiet little white trash redneck mountain town.”   This is an ironic twist to how the film first began.   In the beginning “ South Park ” seems to be a normal children’s movie.   It depicts the innocence of nature, and a song about love, happiness, and people getting along. As the song continues, it drastically changes from pleasant, to disturbing and silly. People are cursing one another, babies are being thrown through windows, and homeless men are drinking on the side of the road.   These images mock and criticize the normal innocence in children’s film.   Therefore, with its mocking nature “ South Park ” challenges what we deem as a stereotypical normal children’s film and proves to be progressive.   In addition, “ South Park ” is progressive as it gives power to those that would not normally have it.   Kyle, Stan, Cartman and Kenny all have a great amount of power within this movie, as they defy their parents and curse at authority figures.

However, this movie also gives a great amount of power to a woman.   Kyle’s mother consistently gains command as she speaks out against the two Canadian actors in “Asses of Fire” that have contaminated the children’s minds.   In one seen Kyle’s mom pushes President Clinton out of the way of a camera interview and provides a speech on ending the actor’s lives to save the children. Her forceful behavior of pushing the President out of the way shows how “ South Park ” truly defies the norm.   In a normal situation the President would be seen as the highest authority, but here a mother from a “redneck town” is depicted as stronger. By giving power to both the children and the mother, “ South Park ” is extremely progressive by challenging and defying the ideas of a stereotypical normal children’s movie.

            Much like the “ South Park ” movie, the TV series “Family Guy” also portrays carnivalesque imagery.   One of the main characters in “Family Guy” is Stewie , a baby who has an adult British male’s accent.   His hilarious, uncommon voice greatly shows carnivalesque .   Unlike a normal baby, Stewie not only can speak his mind, but he also can do it articulately, like an adult.   In fact, he is smarter, more talkative and wiser than the stupid immature dad, Peter, in the show.   Specifically, the episode “Emission Impossible” shows how Stewie is more competent than his parents.   Repeatedly, he disrupts his parents from making love in order to stop them from creating another baby. In one scene Stewie walks into his room, hits a button on the wall, which collapses and shows a hidden spaceship behind it.   He uses the spaceship (which shrinks to a microscopic level) to go in Peter’s body and terminate all his sperm.   Stewie succeeds and the parents never end up having a baby. Symbolically, the spaceship represents all the power Stewie has in his life. Such a complicated, high-tech machine for a baby to control signifies how he has the command to manipulate what he pleases. By inhibiting their chances of creating a baby, Stewie clearly portrays the carnivalesque idea of role reversal.   It is not coincidental that Stewie’s strong character is that of a baby.   “Family Guy” is using this role reversal of giving a baby power over it’s parents to, like “South Park”, mock what is supposed to be authoritative.   Parents are normally the ones that direct the life of their baby.   However, Stewie diminishes this norm, which is an apparent depiction of carnivalesque ideas.

            “The Simpsons ” is another great example of carnivalesque .   In the episode “ Tis the Fifteenth Season,” Homer realizes he is a selfish person and thereby declares he will become “the nicest guy in town.”   However, Flanders already holds that title. In result, a battle breaks out between them, as they struggle to gain the title of the “nicest guy in town”.   In one scene Homer becomes jealous when he hears Flanders has given everyone a Christmas gift.   He therefore begins to plan on how he will buy everyone a car to exceed Flanders act of generosity.   However, Lisa stops her dad and explains, “Dad you don’t have to out-do Flanders .   Just remember the spirit of the season.”   She then declares that Christmas is not about presents or competitions, but about family and love.   Once again, the roles are being reversed.   Lisa, a little girl, has to explain an extremely important concept to her father.   Parents are usually the ones to teach these lessons to children; however, Lisa is the true “parent” in this scene.    In addition, this episode depicts Homer to be as dumb as a cat or dog.   All three (Homer, the cat and the dog) are wearing Christmas sweaters. As the dog and cat roll on the ground biting at theirs, so does Homer.   Carnivalesque often portrays these types of role reversals, and undermining of authority.   Stereotypically, the male adult figure is one that carries the most knowledge, power and authority.   However, Homer truly acts like a child.   He is selfish, silly and immature.   Instead this intelligent and powerful status is given to a seven or either year old girl.   Carnivalesque is depicted, as a complete opposite role reversal is apparent.   Without Lisa’s insight and awareness, Homer would have succeeded in ruining the concepts of Christmas.  

            Both “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons ” are progressive as well.   The strong characters in these two shows are the children, Stewie and Lisa.   These shows dramatically change what is normally viewed as traditional.   Parents no longer teach their kids, rather the children teach them.   In addition, the parents do not have the ability to direct their children’s lives; instead their children are directing their lives. Much like “ South Park ,” “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons ” depict families as if they are on the other side of the mirror.   They are merely reversed.   These thoughts encourage us, as the audience, to rethink what we consider as normal.   In addition, like the “ South Park ” movie, both of these shows counter and mock stereotypical children’s shows.   Conservatively children’s shows are supposed to protect innocence, show adults as authority figures and teach what is typically right. “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons ” obviously bend these rules and are therefore extremely progressive.

            “ South Park ,” “Family Guy,” and “The Simpsons ,” are only a few of the shows that possess these ideas of carnivalesque and progressiveness.   However, all three portray these concepts beautifully.   From role reversal, to degrading authority, and to using humorous situations, voices, and bodily functions to mock the revered, these shows are carnivalesque .   In addition, they break the stereotype that creates a conservative work.   Instead they are progressive as they challenge us to rethink what should be, and uniquely see the ideas that contradict our norms.  

The fairy tale Snow-white and Rose-red , by the Grimm brothers, is an excellent example of a conservative, adult-centered text.   In this text, the agency is with the adults and the children are seen as nostalgic images of childhood.   Snow-white and Rose-red prove that children are good and follow the direction of adult figures even when the adult may not be present.  

            The conservative nature of this text is overwhelming.   The author is not challenging children to do anything; but rather teaching them that if they are obedient then they will be happy.   For example, Snow-white and Rose-red are described in various ways throughout the story: “ . . . the sweetest and best children in the world, always diligent and always cheerful . . . they always walked about hand in hand whenever they went out together . . . they drew round the fire, while the mother put on her spectacles and read aloud from a big book and the two girls listened and sat and span . . . the tender-hearted children . . .”   The children are described as wonderful and obedient children who help anyone in need.   They are seen as a quaint family that never argues, listens to their mother read stories around a fire, and did traditional “girl” things like spinning.   The ending shows that because of their good hearts they were rewarded: “Snow-white married him, and Rose-red his brother, and they divided the great treasure the dwarf had collected in his cave between them.   The old mother lived for many years peacefully with her children . . . ”   This “fairy tale” ending shows that if you are a good child then good things will happen to you.   The text does not wish for children to challenge the things that their mother tells them to do.   The text reinforces a sense of good behavior and family closeness.  

            In this family, the mother is the one with the authority and all of the agency.   The girls are attentive to the instructions of their mother and follow them with haste.   There are several things that the girls did to help their mother around the house and around the woods: “Show-white sat at home with her mother and helped her in the household …[ they] kept their mother’s cottage so beautifully clean and neat that it was a pleasure to go into it…the mother sent the children into the wood to collect fagots…the mother sent the two girls to the town to buy needles, thread, laces, and ribbons.”   This shows their obedience because the children did what their mother told them without hesitation or argument.   In an adult-centered text, children understand that adults know better than children so they must follow what adults say.   Another example when the children listen to the knowledge from their mother is when the mother tells them, “‘Rose-red, open the door quickly; it must be some traveler seeking shelter.’ Rose-red hastened to unbar the door… ‘Snow-white and Rose- red, come out; the bear will do you no harm; he is a good, honest creature.’”   The text ends with the mother being correct when the bear’s “skin suddenly fell off, and a beautiful man stood beside them, all dressed in gold.”   By listening to the mother and her knowledge, the story had a happy ending.   This shows the readers that children should listen to their mothers or other adult figures because, of course, they know more than a child.   This adult-centered trait is highly visible throughout the text.  

            Yet another image of the children, in this adult-centered text, is when they follow the directions of their mother even when she is not there.   The mother has engrained the children with the importance of being kind to everyone.   They show kindness to the dwarf throughout the story even though he was not nice to them.   Some of the rude comments that the dwarf makes about the girls are: “ ‘You stupid, inquisitive goose!’… ‘Crazy blockheads!’ … ‘Curse these rude wretches, cutting off a piece of my splendid beard!’… ‘ you toadstools’… ‘Couldn’t you have treated me more carefully?   You have torn my thin little coat all to shreds, useless, awkward hussies that you are!’” The girls have saved his life three times and yet the dwarf can only be ungrateful and mean to them.   This does not deter the girls from their kind-heartedness and helping anyone in need.   “The girls were accustomed to his ingratitude, and went on their way and did their business in town.”   This shows that, without their mother’s advice, the girls continued to rescue the dwarf and treat him with kindness.   This is an excellent example of an adult-centered trait.  

            Snow-white and Rose-red are perfect symbols of the nostalgic childhood images who end up being rewarded for their good nature and kind hearts.   The authors are showing that if a child is obedient and good then they will surely receive a reward in the end.   There are many attributes of an adult-centered text that this story has which contributes to the conservative nature of the text. This text is extremely conservative and adult-centered in various ways.

“Hard by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his wife and his two children,” begins Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s famous fairy tale, “Hansel and Grethel .”   “Hansel and Grethel ” is a magical tail about two children who cleverly outsmart their evil stepmother, and a wicked witch to stay alive.   This fairytale encompasses some of the topics we have discussed in class.   It not only is incredibly child centered, but it also is progressive.  

            “Hansel and Grethel ” is extremely child centered. The Grimm brothers depicted both Hansel and Grethel as smart, capable people.   After she told her plan of leaving the children off in the woods alone to the father, the wife maliciously stated, “They will not find their way home again, and we shall be rid of them.”   Fortunately, Hansel and Grethel both heard this speech, and decided something must be done to outsmart her evil plot. As Hansel dropped pebble after pebble on the road to help them find their way home, the wife noticed that he consistently looked back at the house.   “Hansel what art thou looking at there and staying behind for,” the wife demanded.   He replied, “I am looking at my little white cat, which is sitting up on the roof and wants to say goodbye to me.”   “Fool, that is not thy little cat, that is the morning sun which is shining on the chimney,” explained the wife.   Although Hansel’s answer is silly, the wife and father did not suspect his pebble trail.   Therefore, his plan worked and he and his sister are able to find their way home after being left in the woods.   By, having the ability to outsmart the adults, Hansel proved to have a great amount of agency.   He not only had the courage to secretly plot against them, but also managed to trick them into believing he was just a childish boy fantasizing about his cat.   His lie about the cat is significant because it shows that he understands adults have these assumptions that children are childlike in their thinking.   He is able to use this stereotype about children against his parents, ultimately tricking them into thinking he is incapable of “adult like” complex thinking and planning.  

Grethel also had her moment of greatness when she tricked the witch.   Smartly, Grethel told the old witch she did not understand how to get in the oven.   The witched replied haughtily, “Silly goose, the door is big enough; just look, I can get in myself!”   As the evil hag climbed into the oven, Grethel courageously shoved her inside and locked the door.   Ultimately, the witch was engulfed in flames resulting in her ruin. Like Hansel, Grethel is depicted as a stronger, smarter character than the adults, especially the witch, within this fairytale.   Since, child-centered texts always portray the children as the most powerful, capable, independent characters, it is fitting that “Hansel and Grethel ” would fall under this category.   Both children easily trick the adults.   In addition, they have the power to find their way through the woods at the end of the story with no pebbles or bread to guide them.   The two children truly have an enormous amount of agency as they not only can outsmart the adults, but also can manipulate nature to help them.   As they came to a “great piece of water” on their journey home from the gingerbread house, they realized they had no means to cross it.   However, Grethel noted, “a white duck is swimming there; if I ask her, she will help us over.”    Indeed, the duck does help them, and they return home safely.   It is as if Hansel and Grethel gain more confidence, and agency as they manipulate and conquer every obstacle crossing their path.   

Another example of why this text is child-centered is how the adults are depicted.   First, it is important to note that it is only the children who have names.   All of the adults in this text are referred to as, the “father,” the “wife” and the “old witch.”   This is a very child-centered quality, as it gives no individuality to the adults, thus exemplifying their lack of importance.   In addition, the adults are all portrayed as selfish, weak, and evil.   The wife was clearly selfish and evil, as she wanted to “be rid” of her children so she could have more food to eat.   In complaint to his wife’s wishes the father replied, “How can I bear to leave my children alone in the forest? The wild animals would soon come and tear them to pieces!”   Selfishly and uncaringly the wife cried, “O, thou fool! Then we must all four die of hunger, thou mayest as well plane the planks for our coffins.”   She would rather her children be torn to pieces by “wild animals” than have to share her food, and sacrifice her own hunger.

Also, although, the father was undoubtedly seen as the “good” parent of the two, he was plainly a weak character.   The father barely stood up for his children, and let his wife send them to their deaths. After agreeing to go along with her plan he sadly said, “But I feel very sorry for the poor children, all the same.”   Not once, was the father threatened by his wife. He merely gave into her, even though it was clear that he loved his children dearly.   This lack of confidence completely undermines the father’s authority as an adult.   Although he is a good character, he has no power to stand up for what he believed and felt strongly for. In addition, describing the old woman with the candy covered house, the Grimm’s wrote, “she only pretended to be so kind; she was in reality a wicked witch, who lay in wait for children, and had only built the house of bread in order to entice them there.” She, like the stepmother is evil. Therefore, it is apparent, that all three adults in this story are perceived as evil or weak, making this a truly child-centered text.

In addition to child-centered, “Hansel and Grethel ” also is significantly progressive.   In the beginning of the story, when the stepmother described her plan to leave the children, she stated, “They will not find their way home again.”   The stepmother assumed that the children were naïve and incapable of taking care of themselves.   She believed that they could never locate their way out of the woods because they were mere children, and would have no adult to guide them.   However, they break these assumptions by finding their way through the forest not once, but twice. This is extremely progressive, because it challenges some of the stereotypical assumptions about childhood.   Children are often thought of as very dependent on their parents and innocent; however, Hansel and Grethel clearly do not need their parents to find their way.   They are also far from naïve.   They are well aware of the stepmother’s wicked intentions.

In fact, the children not only found their way through the confusing woods and saved themselves from the horrid witch, but they also saved their father. The Grimm brothers wrote, “ Grethel emptied her pinafore until pearls and precious stones ran about the room, and Hansel threw one handful after another out of his pocket to add to them.”   This shows how much agency the children had, as they saved themselves and then came home with enough diamonds and jewels to support their father as well. The story ends, “Then all the anxiety was at an end, and they lived together in perfect happiness.”   This fairytale is truly progressive as gives the power over to the children. In a more conservative text the father would have been the savior; however, it is Hansel and Grethel who hold all the power and save the day.

  “Hansel and Grethel ” is an excellent example of a progressive, child-centered text. It challenges assumptions about children, and gives children a great amount of agency.   Hansel and Grethel are depicted as capable strong characters, whereas the adults are seen as evil and weak.   The children also reject the norms of childhood that suggest life for a child is simple and fun, as they understand their lives are complex, and they work hard to control the situations around them. In total, “Hansel and Grethel ” challenges us as readers to truly see how powerful children can be.

8.   ( from Final Exam)

~Interpellation is the idea that we are “bred” to think, act and react in certain ways.

~We are interpellated from the day that we are born into specific roles that society has created for us

~Girls being portrayed in magazines playing with dolls and loving the color pink is an example of gender role interpellation

~Interpellation is subtle—the point of interpellation is for a person to feed into something without even realizing that they are doing so.

~ Interpellation is used in almost every aspect of our society, especially in the marketing of merchandise

~Interpellation can be found in many situations, but the most prominent example of interpellation that I always think of is the typical male and female roles that we are “assigned” from a very early age. There are certain things that are “normal”, if not expected of a boy, simply because he is a boy. By there same token, there are certain things that are expected of a girl to maintain her societal femininity. From a young age, we are lead to believe that boys are the dominant, more powerful sex. Females are portrayed as care takers and are often seen as being more compassionate and caring then males are. Men are expected to rougher and less sensitive. The men are expected to work hard to bring home money to support their families. Females are often portrayed as being more in touch with their emotions. None of these ideas applies to any one person any more so then do personality traits, but our society interpellates these ideas into our minds every minute of every day. The following passage is from my paper on the Goonies , in which I highlight some examples of the interpellation typical female and male roles in this movie.

“The interpellation of society’s view of typical female and male roles is very obvious in this movie. The boys seem to be portrayed in the usual ways, as being mischievous and thrill seeking, while the girls are shown as weak and scared. The oldest girl, Andy, seems more concerned with her crush throughout the movie then she does with finding the gold and taking an active role in the adventure. There is a point in the movie where Mikey tells Andy that she may want to hold his hand because it was dark up ahead and it may be dangerous. This is another example of the girls and the guys being put into common roles that society has created for them. As we have been told since we were young children through fairy tales and everyday life, men are supposed to take care of females and be there to protect them. Another example of interpellation is when Brent, Mikey’s older brother, makes a comment in the movie asking why he couldn’t have had a little sister instead of a little brother, as if to say that only a boy is daring enough to start the trouble that they are in.   This statement reaffirms the idea of interpellation of typical male and female roles in this film.”

~ The following excerpts looks at an example of interpellation from the 1980’s classic, The Goonies :

“Something that is interesting in this movie is that the Goonies all seem to be misfits. There is a scene where the developer’s son drives past Mikey’s older brother, Brent. The developers son is driving a convertible and wearing his letter jacket and has two girls in his car, while Brent is wearing ratty old sweats and is riding his little brothers bike. Interpellation is shown in the idea that the rich kids are cool and popular, while the poor kids are unpopular and outcasts.”

“ Mikey’s family seems to be having some emotional problems. Mikey’s older brother, Brent, always makes fun of their father and doesn’t seem to have a lot of respect for him. This shows the idea that families who don’t have a lot of money are less stable and ultimately less happy.   At the end of the movie, when the family realizes they have enough money to save their home, they come together and hug each other and really show affection towards each other for the first time in the movie. Again, interpellation is shown in that money and material things bring happiness. “

~We seem to idealize wealthy families in our society because we are under the warped impression that they are happier then ourselves because they have everything that they want. Children who are born into wealth and privilege are showcased in reality television and documentaries, further rubbing our noses in the fact that there are parents who can provide for their children in ways that you or I could never imagine (from a material standpoint). Our culture seems to go out of its way to display this quality, to make those who have more feel better about themselves and those who have less feel worse. We are interpellated be jealous of other peoples luck and fortune, when we should be thankful for the opportunities that we have instead of being angry about the opportunities that we don’t. I think this reoccurring theme is strong in the Goonies . As described in the excerpt Mikeys family is portrayed as poor and unhappy. Nothing seems to go right for them, mainly because of the fact that they don’t have any material wealth. The rich family holds the happiness of the poor family in its hands. The rich family has all of the agency while the poor family has none. Like in our society, the poor are at the mercy of the rich.

~We are interpellated to believe that the main centers of power and authority in our society, i.e. the government, our parents, the president, are inherently good and always right—they(the powers that be) do this to try and keep us in our place. They want to keep power in the hands of those who have always had it, and usually on of the only ways to do that is to interpellate society to believe that that is where the power and authority belong in the first place.

~Like the magazine add that you showed us that said “All girls love princesses, pink and parties” (or something to that effect), we are spoon feeding interpellated gender roles to our children. Certainly, all girls DON’T love princesses and all girls don’t love pink. In fact, I always hated princesses and pink for that matter. By saying “All girls”, marketing agencies are really embracing interpellated gender roles and using them to try and sell their product, which often works (unfortunately).

~I wrote about the role of interpellation in Jack and the Bean Stalk. Below are some detailed examples of interpellation that I found in this particular version of the story:

“Jack goes into town to sell Milky-White to try and get money for he and his mom. He is stopped along the way by a strange old man. The picture of the old man in this story is interesting because the old man is dressed rather uniquely. I think that this shows interpellation because it shows that strange people dress differently from normal people. The illustration provides the reader with a distinction between “strange” and “normal” based solely on appearance. It reaffirms the idea that one can determine who is normal and who isn’t, simply by looking at them.”

~I think that this is a common idea in our society. In the United States , we assert ourselves and are identity at first impression, based solely on our clothing. We have been interpellated to look critically on those who dress strange or different then ourselves and are often interpellated from a young age to be weary of those who “look” different from us. Like I said in the paper, distinctions between strange and normal are made all of the time based on clothing. If I were to dread lock my hair, someone might look at me and think I was perhaps dirty or unprofessional, when my goal is doing so was only to embrace a low maintenance lifestyle. We make assumptions like the previous constantly, based on appearance alone. First impressions, based almost entirely on looks, determine who we do and don’t interact with. We are interpellated to believe that we must dress certain ways for certain occasions. Different outfits are appropriate for different events and not knowing what is appropriate when can prove to be a very big problem in some people’s eyes.

~Below is another part of my Jack and the Bean Stalk paper which highlights an example of interpellation through male and female roles within the text:

            “The depiction of typical male and female roles in this story are almost overwhelming. After Jack climbs the beanstalk, he finds the giants wife, who just returned from picking flowers. He asks her for something to eat and she says that she will make him something to eat, but that they must be fast because her husband gets home soon. The female giant is portrayed as the common “homemaker” type. She is patiently waiting for her husband to get home and is picking flowers to pass the time and she is the one who does all of the cooking for her husband. The wife also seems to be at the mercy of her husband. In the story she invites Jack inside but warns him that her husband likes to eat little boys. Interpellation is shown in the idea that the giant has the control over his wife and her opinion on the welfare of Jack is irrelevant to him. As soon as the giant gets home, he demands dinner and his wife, who has already had it prepared, brings it to him right away. Again, this is reaffirming typical male and female gender roles in that it is the female’s responsibility to wait on her husband. Another good example of interpellation is when the male giant says “wife, bring me my bags of gold, and I will count my money before I take a nap” (11). The female giant seems to act like a servant to her husband; throughout the story he demands things and she brings them for him right away. It is also interesting that the husband is only concerned with eating, sleeping and money, which is a very typical depiction of males.

~ We are interpellated through religion, politics and the school systems.

Kingdom Hearts as a Child-Centered Text

            In the Playstation 2 game Kingdom Hearts , players are introduced to a young boy named Sora who is thrown into a struggle to save not one, but multiple worlds from a mysterious force known as the Heartless. Sora finds himself suddenly wielding a magical weapon called the Keyblade , which just happens to be the only thing that can fight the Heartless, and an artifact that Donald Duck and Goofy have been ordered by Mickey Mouse to find. Sora has a different mission- he is looking for his two best friends, Riku and Kairi , who disappeared when his world was destroyed by the Heartless. Together, Sora , Donald and Goofy venture to different worlds, meet many other Disney characters, and battle the Heartless in hopes of restoring balance to the worlds. However, their quest is much more complicated than saving the world from evil- the line between good and bad becomes blurred as the corrupting power of the Heartless affects Sora’s friends, and Sora himself must learn where his strength lies and decide whether or not to use it. At first, Kingdom Hearts appears to be a light fairy-tale about good fighting evil, but it soon becomes apparent that Sora and childlike characters like Donald and Goofy are dealing with issues not typically found in adult-centered texts, and more importantly, they are doing it without the aid of just, authoritative adults.

            The adults in Kingdom Hearts are a far cry from the knowledgeable, caring, strong individuals typically found in adult-centered texts. The first major group of adults consists of the villains from various Disney movies who are working together with the Heartless to take over their worlds. This group includes such characters as Jafar , Captain Hook and Maleficent, all of which are most likely already infamous to the player for their deeds in their respective films. The game presents them as completely irredeemable- they are evil, corrupt, and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, even if it means dealing with the mysterious Heartless. Of course, one by one their plans backfire and they are either defeated by Sora or betrayed by the Heartless, which is a rather adult-centered way of dealing with bad adults. However, the second major group of adults makes up for this. These characters are the heroes that the villains originally battled- Aladdin, Tarzan and Jack Skellington , for example. While they are on Sora’s side, these characters are still far from all knowing and perfect, and can even act more like children than Sora does. Upon arriving in Halloween Town , for example, Sora , Donald and Goofy are shocked to see that Jack has recruited the Heartless in the annual Halloween festival. Fortunately, they soon learn that Jack doesn’t actually realize how dangerous they are- he just thinks they’re really scary-looking and would be a great addition to the celebration. In addition to these two groups of adults, Kingdom Hearts features adults that appear to be in positions of authority, but in reality have little or no power over children. In the world of The Little Mermaid , King Triton has lost much of his control over Ariel- the scene where he originally destroys all of her treasures becomes much less devastating in the game, where he only destroys an item that is later revealed to be useless anyway. In fact, Triton’s power as an authoritative figure is decreased so much that Ariel and Sora have to save him from Ursula. The game makes brief mention of Sora’s own family, but it is clear that like King Triton, they have very little control over Sora . His mother is heard once at the beginning of the game, where she calls him for dinner, but the same exact scene shows Sora sneaking out of the house through his bedroom window. After that, there is no mention at all of his parents- Sora doesn’t even appear to miss them. Mickey Mouse is the closest thing to a central authority figure the game has because he is the main reason why Donald and Goofy are exploring the worlds, and thus, the reason why Sora is brought along. He also knows much more about the invading Heartless and the Keyblade’s powers than anyone else. However, it is interesting to note that Mickey is more of a childlike character than an adult, due to his being an animal.  

            In addition to Mickey Mouse, Donald and Goofy are also very childlike. Donald still has a short temper and is very annoyed at the idea of the legendary Keyblade Master being a kid. He and Sora do not get along very well, but their arguments are small and childish, and they usually make amends shortly after. Goofy tries hard to be the mediator between the two, but he usually ends up doing what Donald tells him to avoid causing more trouble. Both characters display a large amount of agency late in the game when they are forced to make a difficult decision regarding being with Sora or following Mickey’s orders- Sora loses the Keyblade for a short time, during which Donald and Goofy leave him because they can’t let it out of their sight. However, Goofy soon realizes that Sora is too good a friend to just abandon and has a change of heart. Donald is a bit more stubborn, but sees Goofy’s point and rejoins them. Sora himself also has a huge amount of agency, possibly more than anyone else in the game. His agency is represented by the Keyblade , which is regarded as a symbol of great power in every world he visits. When he loses it, he can only get it back by realizing that its strength comes from his heart. Sora receives the Keyblade by resisting the Heartless when his world is destroyed- it recognizes that he is strong and good-hearted. When he learns of his destiny as the Keyblade Master, he embraces it rather than running from such a huge responsibility, if only because he hopes that it will lead him to his missing friends. One of Sora’s friends, Riku , also displays agency, but it comes at a price- instead of resisting the darkness that destroyed his and Sora’s world, Riku joins it and ends up being possessed by the leader of the Heartless. However, he realizes that he is being used to hurt his friends and fights back. In an attempt to atone for the things he did while working for the villains, Riku offers to help Sora seal off the Heartless, but this act will leave him trapped with the Heartless as a result. Sora is distressed at the thought of being separated again, but Riku insists, and his confidence in Sora allows them to seal away the Heartless.

            Kingdom Hearts still has some elements common to adult-centered texts, one of which is the mostly conservative plot. Sora is trying to restore the norm instead of change it, and the forces trying to cause change and disrupt the balance are the Heartless and the Disney villains. Even so, bringing order back to the worlds is not Sora’s main concern- to him it is just a means of finding his friends and repairing his own world. Sora also learns lessons throughout the game by interacting with the various characters within the Disney worlds. These morals typically connect back to Sora’s search for his friends- for example, Hercules and other competitors in the Olympus Coliseum teach him that true strength comes from friendship, and Tarzan teaches Sora that his friends are always with him if he keeps their thoughts in his heart. The lessons are highly didactic and Sora ultimately accepts them, but at the end of the game, it is clear to the player that he is still given the choice of acknowledging them or not. Finally, there is the question of what the Heartless truly represent. There is no doubt that the Heartless are pure evil- they corrupt everything they touch and bring out the very worst in anyone who deals with them. By looking at the Heartless as an adult- centeric theme, this could be a way of enforcing a common assumption about childhood- that they symbolize “adult” issues that children should not have to deal with. They could also represent the antithesis of an adult in an adult-centered text- they are called “heartless” because they are not capable of being caring, just, or anything that an adult is supposed to be. Then again, the Heartless could also represent a more child-centered view- that children have the ability to resist evil. Sora wields the Keyblade , which is the only weapon that can truly stop the Heartless, and he gains it by resisting the darkness. Meanwhile, Riku , who is a few years older than Sora and therefore less childlike, willingly joins the Heartless. Also, the adults who indulge in the evil perpetrated by the Heartless end up being defeated, or worse, completely swallowed by the darkness. However, the game makes it clear that it is not childlike innocence that allows Sora , Donald and Goofy to effectively fight the Heartless- as a child-centered theme, the Heartless represent a false sense of maturity and power that can only be overcome by a strong sense of right and wrong, friendship, and courageousness, which the trio have gained by working together. Riku also realizes this after being used by the Heartless, and therefore he also gains the ability to fight them.

            While Kingdom Hearts features didactic lessons and a conservative storyline, the focus of the game lies with the childlike characters. Sora has only enlisted himself in the fight against the Heartless because he hopes it will lead him to his friends. The Disney characters he meets throughout his journey act more childlike than he does, and even Mickey Mouse, the central authority figure of the game, is childlike. While there are some adult-centric ideas present in Kingdom Hearts , the game is mostly a child-centered text because the children and childlike characters act with a great amount of agency and deal with things that are typically not associated with common assumptions about childhood, while adult figures are either powerless, bad, or flawed and complicated themselves.

Assumptions of Children’s Literature as Seen in Tumble Tower

            Anne Tyler’s first children’s book, Tumble Tower , fits several classic assumptions about children’s literature while it breaks down others.   The simple story relates an incident of a flood that enables Princess Molly the Messy, a member of a tidy and neat royal family, to rescue her them through her messiness, and ultimately shows the value of her individuality.   With its bright, quirky pictures by Mitra Modarressi , the story’s look and length fit the typical case prototype of a children’s book easily. However, examining Tumble Tower using Perry Nodelman’s findings on typical expectations of children’s literature reveals that the story bucks several norms.  

            The main area where Tyler strays from classic patterns involves the message of the story.   Molly’s messiness ends up being a comfort to her fastidiously clean family when a flood forces them up to her “ Tumble Tower ” ( Tyler 15), seeking a dry refuge.   By the end of tale, Molly’s room is neither condemned nor cleaned; Molly is also never directly praised for her messiness, but the other family members loosen up their own neatness standards by the book’s close.   Nodelman’s compilation of classic expectations for children’s literature reveals that most people feel stories “should teach valuable lessons about life” ( Nodelman 73), yet Tyler ’s message of messiness is hardly valued in our culture.  

Through Tyler ’s text and Modarressi’s artwork, Molly is presented as an able individual because of her untidy ways, a huge difference between herself and the other family members.   In fact, Tyler even suggests that messiness may not only come in handy, but it could also be a means of rescue.   Tyler ’s portrayal of messiness hardly establishes an example of generally “acceptable behavior” ( Nodelman 73), and instead, shows negative behavior “that…children might choose to imitate” ( Nodelman 73).   Clearly Nodelman’s research argues that most people associate positive values and behaviors with children’s literature. Unkempt behavior is certainly not an upheld value in our society, thus Tyler shows a turning-away from the format of a typically didactic child’s book.  

            However, parts of the story do embody typical ideas about children’s literature (though sometimes with a twist).   One such twist relates to the belief that “children are innocent by nature, blissfully naïve and inherently good” ( Nodelman 73).   In Tumble Tower , Molly’s parents and brother refer to her messy behavior in a way that shows their personal disapproval of it, but they never ask her to make a change or clean her room.   Thus, Molly never disobeys her parents because a specific request, which she could obey, is never present.   Furthermore, as the book progresses, each manifestation of Molly’s clutter finds glorification in the eyes of friends and her family.   Molly’s playmate considers the jumble a treasure-trove of riches.   Her old, outgrown clothes on the floor warm her little brother, her dirty dishes and leftovers feed her hungry parents and the books in bed are at arm’s reach for story time (14, 21-24).   In essence, Tyler portrays Molly as innocent and kindhearted, sharing her space and using all she has for good, even though her disorderly ways would typically be naughty behavior.   Tyler spins a web of opposites, showing innocence in a slovenly room.

            Tyler ’s story also fits the mold of a typical children’s book when she plots a tale that “children […] can relate to: [a story] about typical childhood experiences” ( Nodelman 72).   Clearly, a messy room relates almost universally to all children who might enjoy a tale about this quality.   However, Tyler treats messiness much differently than many parents would by showing its benefits, not its repulsiveness.   Also, Nodelman supposes that most adults think of   “ children [as] egocentric…and they aren’t interested in matters outside their own immediate experience” (73), a thought which Tyler follows, too.   Most children posses messiness seemingly inherently and would revel in a book about their way of life.   On the other hand, some children are especially clean and neat and may relate to Molly’s brother or parents, neat-nicks by nature.   Tyler provides a character to identify with, no matter who the young reader is.  

            Tumble Tower represents an interesting blend of standard formats and counter-culture messages.   Though the story is didactic, its message teaches the individuality of personality in children.   By the book’s close, the parents and uptight brother learn from Molly’s example and laid-back attitude, a quality of a child-centered text, used to show Molly’s agency.   The book is simple, and it seems to fit a typical-case prototype’s mold at first glance.   However, though the point Tyler communicates is hidden amidst silliness, the plotline ultimately retains its own individuality in the realm of children’s literature and sets the story apart from common assumptions about children’s literature.      

A Closer Look into “Mary Poppins ”

            The classic Disney movie “Mary Poppins ” is a wonderful story of how a stereotypical, upper class family in London has their world turned upside down by their new nanny.   Even though the movie is one of the most popular Disney films it shows some underlying examples of interpellation.   There are also some issues of agency that display the intricate way that Mary Poppins changes the degree of agency in the household.

            When watching the film and trying to figure out who has agency over whom it seemed difficult because of the fact that there are several characters that are involved.   When the film begins everything seems to be typical when it comes to agency.   Mr. Banks is the man of the house and tells everyone what to do and everyone in return obeys him.   The first song Mr. Banks sings is about how proud he was of how orderly his life was.   He felt that it was his duty to give commands and do everything in the exact order that they were supposed to be done in a stereotypical sense.   It seemed that all was in order and that order was given by Mr. Banks alone.   The minute that Mary Poppins comes into their door the agency is taken away from Mr. Banks immediately.   Even though he has no idea that he no longer has power because of the fact that Mary Poppins is wise enough to know that if she lets him think that he tells her what to do and that he comes up with all of the ideas then he will never know.   This does create a slight fight for power between Mr. Banks and Mary Poppins because Mary always has to stay one step ahead of Mr. Banks and he is always a very close step behind her.   When the dynamics of the household become so happy and seemingly perfect Mr. Banks is angry because he can almost feel himself losing his power which is what causes him to become so bossy.   When things involve Jane and Michael they are not directly given any agency but seems to be able to take some of the agency away in certain circumstances.   Anytime they seemed to disobey an adult it was either a misunderstanding or they were quickly turned around.   The only obvious time that agency was displayed by the children was when Michael was at the bank and he was adamant that his money go to feeding the birds instead of in the bank.   When Mary, Bert and the children jumped into the picture they were able to go out on their own for awhile without supervision but that would be the person with the agency allowing them to have a little leeway.   Mary gave them chances to be their own judge but she was always there to pull them back and take over when things were out of hand.   She allowed agency to be taken when there was a lesson to be taught in letting them go.   After Mary has accomplished what she came to do, which would be to show the family how to be a family and how to have fun and take the time they have and cherish it, she allowed the agency to be taken back by Mr. Banks.   It was very interesting to see how manipulative Mary could be when dealing with people and getting her way; it was apparent that she was an expert at stealing agency from others.  

            This film drips with interpellation even though it is not always obvious.   The first example that comes up is the fact that Mr. Banks has the final say in everything and that is played out as if it should be that way.   I found it ironic that the spunk Mrs. Banks had when Mr. Banks was not around was astounding but that changed as soon as he enters the picture.   She is introduced in the film as a women’s rights activist and how she protests all the time and is incredibly active in things that could easily get her arrested; when Mr. Banks is home she is extremely submissive.   For example when she is leaving the house to go to a protest Mr. Banks runs into her at the door and tells her to sit down and start taking notes and immediately she then replies “yes dear” with a smile and obeys.   Though there may be some sarcasm meant by the writers of the film it still says to society that it is okay to have your own opinions as a women but when it comes to her husband she better be obedient and believe what he says.   Mrs. Banks opinions are totally contradictory to things that Mr. Banks says but when she talks to him she agrees with everything he says.   Something else that was interesting is that Mary Poppins is continuously viewed as being “practically perfect in every way” which makes people believe that she is the ideal women.   Her description is rosy cheeks, never cross or cheery disposition, she is thin, and this is what most would consider very ladylike as well; this all points to what women are continuously told to be.   When Mary, Bert and the children are in the painting and they get on Merry-go-round horses Mary rode the lavender one with a smug ladylike look on its face, Jane rode the pink one with long eyelashes, Michael rode the blue one with slit eyes and Bert rode the orange one.   Even though this was a small detail of the movie it still displays what girls and boys should be like and what colors they should wear.   When the children went to the bank with their father the whole trip was centered on Michael, even though Jane went along he was the one that was supposed to invest his money and see what his dad does.   The thought of Jane investing her money in the bank was never even thought of or even the idea that she had any money.   Men are supposed to take care of all the money and be the ones that earn it and that is what the whole bank trip reinforced.   Michael always seems to be the one taking the action, in the end when they go fly a kite Michael is the one flying it with his father and Jane and Mrs. Banks are in the background watching.   And when the children run from the bank and Bert grabs Jane she is the one that’s helpless and Michael is trying to get him off.   The film interpellates us to think that the men are supposed to be the ones acting on their feelings and saving people and even thinking.   The only dominant role that a women plays in the film are the cook, maid and nanny; Mary Poppins is a controversial character because of her ability to do as she pleases even around men but she still plays right into the stereotype that the male should be in the dominant seat. The film does seem to have a hint of sarcasm about the role of the women as stated earlier but in the end it seems to be just a bit of humor that does not disprove the interpellation.  

            In the end everything is “as is should be” says Mary Poppins as she leaves.   Apparently “as it should be” means that the father is back in a domineering role although he is a bit more relaxed and the mother is still beneath him.   Things seem to all fall into the stereotypical place that society likes for them to be in both in terms of agency and interpellation.   It seems as if in this case interpellation coincides with agency which seems to put the happy ending to the movie.

In Disney and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life , there are many characters that attempt to gain agency by resisting interpellation—in both its ideological and repressive forms.   The movie is about a colony of ants that spends most of its time gathering grain for the grasshoppers, who intimidate and frighten them into doing it.   It leaves the ants little time to gather food for themselves before the rainy season begins, but it is a part of their culture, and so they continue to repeat the tradition year after year.   In the beginning of the movie, the ants are preparing their yearly offering when it is ruined by Flik , an ant in the colony.   The grasshoppers are very angry and demand that they gather twice the amount of food before the last leaf falls.   Flik decides to travel to the “city” to find “warrior” bugs to help fight off the grasshoppers.   He finds what he thinks are warrior bugs, but are actually circus bugs, who in turn think that Flik is a talent scout.   They travel back with him to the colony, impress everyone, and then discover their real purpose for being there.   They end up staying however, and the ants come up with a plan to keep away the grasshoppers—they make a bird to scare them.   They all work together, but in the end their plan is foiled.   Flik , however, stands up for the colony, the grasshoppers are scared away, and the head grasshopper, Hopper, gets eaten by a bird.   In the end the ants no longer have to gather food for the grasshoppers—only themselves.  

The first character I wanted to talk about that demonstrates resistance of interpellation is Flik .   Flik is like the black sheep of the ants, but only because he’s trying to help out but ends up making things worse.   The main problem is that through trying to make things better for the colony, he brings in new ideas that the colony is not willing to accept.   They are so stuck in their old ways/traditions, that anything new seems threatening or bad.   For example, at the beginning of the movie, Flik comes up with an invention that will cut down grain stalks, so that it’s easier to gather the grain, instead of having to crawl up the stalk and get each grain piece by piece.   The problem is, the invention isn’t perfect at first and almost injures Princess Atta .   One of Atta’s advisors gets angry with Flik and says to him, “. . . You wanna help us build this thing, then get rid of that machine, get back in line, and pick grain like everyone else!”   The advisor is essentially telling Flik that he needs to fit in with the rest of the colony—be interpellated —in order to help the colony.   He is almost repressively interpellated , in that the other ants try to force him to act like everyone else.   Another advisor (a bit older than the first) even says, “We’ve harvested the same way since I was a pupae .”   This provides the viewer with the information that almost every ant but Flik is dedicated to preserving their culture and traditions—everyone else is ideologically interpellated —they all want to work hard just like they feel they are supposed to.   An example of this is while the ants are in line to deposit their grains onto the pile; a leaf falls on the path of the line, and the ant it falls in front of freaks out.   All of the other ants know so firmly what is expected of them that when anything different is expected, they can’t handle it—they are interpellated to do exactly as every other ant does .   When that is impossible, they flip out.  

Flik resists interpellation, which also provides him with agency.   There are several examples of this throughout the movie, one of which is the way that he stands up to Hopper.   In the beginning of the movie, he tells Hopper to leave Dot (Princess Atta’s sister) alone, and then at the end of the movie he gets beaten up by Hopper because he admits that the making of the bird was his idea.   He tells Hopper that ants aren’t meant to serve grasshoppers and are a lot stronger because they are so numerous.   In this way, Flik gains agency because he acts on behalf of himself and admits that he resisted interpellation purposefully.

Another example of Flik gaining agency is when he left the colony.   He thinks that he’s leaving of his own will, but in actuality the princess and her counsel were going to probably kick him out, due to his resistance of interpellation.   The colony did not like that someone tried to be different than what was expected of them, and were willing to punish Flik because of it—another example of how their interpellation is repressive.   Flik , however, decides to go off on his own to try (again) to help his colony.   He acts as a free agent in that sense—it was his idea to leave, although he did have to get permission.

Another resister of interpellation is the ladybug.   The ladybug is actually a male, but is constantly being hit on by males and assumed to be den mother to the Blueberries (Dot’s scout group).   He usually gets pretty angry when this happens, and tries to inform the other bugs that he is a male and being a ladybug does not necessarily make him a lady.   In the end, however, he becomes more feminine, due to his affiliation with the Blueberries.   In contrast is Heimlich, the caterpillar who desperately wants to fit in with his species by growing wings and becoming a butterfly.   He mentions this several times during the movie, and finally at the end we see him fall out of his cocoon with teeny wings on his back, which, because he is so fat, can’t help him to fly.   However, he is incredibly happy because as a caterpillar, he wanted so badly to go through the same transformation that other caterpillars go through—due to ideological interpellation.   In this way, Heimlich is a foil for the ladybug—they represent opposing desires and goals.

Additionally, Dot is a marked contrast to her sister, Atta .   Dot is younger and likes Flik because he is different, while Atta is older and more worrisome, and she doesn’t like Flik because he makes her look bad.   As leader of the colony, everything is Atta’s responsibility, including things that go wrong (Hopper informs her of this).   Dot is very rebellious and attempts to gain agency in a few ways, the first of which is trying to use her wings to fly before they were fully grown.   She knows that she’s not supposed to, but she tries anyways because she is a free-spirit.   However, her desire to fly could also be attributed to interpellation—she wants to be able to do what everyone else is able to.   But Dot also demonstrates agency by leading the Blueberries into hiding from the grasshoppers when they come to collect their grain at the end of the season.   She goes on her own to find Flik to bring him back and help the rest of the colony—and this time she is able to fly.   Her ability to fly and the complete growth of her wings can be interpreted as a symbol of her independence and power.   When she finds Flik , she gives him a rock (to represent a seed) to remind him of what he told her in the beginning of the movie: she may be just a small seed, but she will one day grow into a big, strong tree and be able to do anything.   So Dot, the little girl, teaches Flik , the young man, a lesson, which helps her to gain agency.  

In contrast is Princess Atta , who tries throughout the movie to follow successfully in her mother’s footsteps.   Atta is ideologically interpellated to believe that she must be infallible in order to govern the colony.   She seems very rule-oriented and unable to function unless she knows what it is she is expected to do.   She seems to be unable to simply observe a situation and come up with an answer—she has to know what was done in the past, what her mother did, etc.   In this way, Princess Atta is deeply interpellated ; she can’t even think outside of what is expected of her.   However, by the end of the movie, Atta gains agency, in that she is crowned as Queen by her mother, who apparently decides that she is ready.   Atta also resists interpellation—she saves Flik by grabbing him and flying off with him.   He tells her to fly away from the ant hill while it is raining (which is very dangerous for the ants), and she responds that the ant hill is the other way.   It would be in her nature to return to the ant hill in a time of danger, but she resists and listens to Flik , who leads her and Hopper (who is following them) to a bird’s nest, and the bird eats Hopper.  

Some of the characters in the movie resisted interpellation in a healthy way, and some were interpellated in a healthy way, but some were also interpellated in an unhealthy way.   Heimlich’s following was healthy because it made him very happy to become a butterfly; Dot, Atta , and Flik were all happier after representing their individualism and gaining agency; and the colony were interpellated to such an extent that they could not function if anything changed.   In the end, however, everyone recognized that change was good, because everyone started using Flik’s invention and relaxing a bit more—they had no more grasshoppers to gather for, only themselves, and they had plenty of time, as Flik’s invention sped up the process.

Meta-textual sources call attention to themselves as a created thing by being self-referential, breaking the fourth wall or defamiliarizing their audience.   This causes the source, whether it is television, movies or books to recognize itself as what it is, and for the audience to also realize that they are indeed only an audience and are not actually a part of what they are witnessing.   Meta-textual sources do not offer the experience in which one gets lost in what they are watching or reading, instead it causes the audience to do the opposite and remember exactly what it is that they are doing.   This paper will reflect some of these meta-textual ideas by giving examples of ways these ideas can be portrayed.

            When watching Full House as a kid I felt as if I was right there on stage with DJ, Stephanie and Michelle.   I loved the close nit family that they shared and when watching it nearly every night on television after school, I began to feel a part of it as well.   Those girls were my sisters and the experiences they went through seemed to always be exactly what I was feeling as well.   Sitting in the middle of my living room floor I would be completely engrossed in what was happening on TV that I would not even remember where I actually was.   The final episode was tragic because it seemed like my family was leaving me forever; however, that alone was not enough but the editor of the series probably made the biggest mistake it ever could.   Once the episode was over, without any commercial interruptions, the cast lined up across the kitchen floor and took a bow and I heard the roar of an audience.   The camera paneled up, through the fourth wall of the set and showed me what I never knew had existed, because there, giving a standing ovation, were tons of fans of the show watching as the cast took their final bow.   Not once in any episode had I ever wondered why I had never seen that fourth wall of the kitchen, bedroom, living room or garage, instead it seemed like I was actually there in the midst of it all with the fourth wall behind me.   Finding out that Full House was actually a television show and that Michelle, Stephanie and DJ were all actors and were not related to each other or me in any way completely broke my heart, and I still have not forgotten that feeling to this day.   Breaking the fourth wall completely ruins the feeling of getting lost in the episode, and takes away all closeness the audience ever shared with the cast.

            In the movie Monty-Python and the Holy Grail, the cast chooses to act without the use of many props, or the ones that you would typically expect, and also the plot and scene location is oddly chosen; yet, the movie gives off the appearance that all of this is taking place during medieval times.   The main character is acting as if he is the King, and goes throughout the countryside, not on horseback but followed by his sidekick with clinking coconuts, claiming that he needs to find the Holy Grail.   Watching throughout the entire movie the audience is thinking that they have been taken back in time, until the very end when cop cars pull up to the actors, get out and start arresting them.   The director closes the scene and all of the extra characters in the background take a knee and rest while the cops are asking what is going on.   The main character claims that they are just filming a movie, however the cops still shut down their attempts anyway.   This is a prime example of a movie being self-referential because it dedicated an entire scene to show the audience that they are not back in medieval times, but are actually in the rural countryside of modern day Europe .  

            The first scary movie that I ever saw was Scream when I was about eleven years old.   I had never been more terrified in my life, and the first time I saw little through cracked fingers over my face.   But as I continued to watch it, literally over ten times, and as the sequels came out they became my favorite and always promised a good scare.   Then during the first few years of high school, stupid comedies began to be the biggest blockbuster hits and with these came the release of Scary Movie.   At first it did not seem appealing to me, but eventually I was dragged by one of my friends and this comedy brought about an entire new meaning to my favorite scary movie series.   Seeing that goofy looking scream mask with the tongue sticking out, and watching the horrible acting of a girl running from the killer completely defamiliarized me to the movies that I loved most.   After seeing this new series of “scary movies” I got together with a group of friends to actually watch the real Scream series, and we could barely make it through the first half of the first movie before we were laughing our heads off.   I wish I had never seen those movies because then I would still be able to sit down and watch them and get a good scare every now and then.

            In conclusion, I feel as though meta-textual texts are an entity of their own and are capable of providing entertainment if that is what the audience is in the mood for; however, if the audience is not expecting it and it is not planned properly, as I feel in the Full House situation, it can ruin the audience’s experience and their connection that they once shared with the show.   If one knows that what they are going to be seeing is funny, fictional and is established in order to provide them with a good laugh, then I feel that meta-textual sources are capable of providing great entertainment for the people that experience it.

            In Shel Silverstein’s picture book, The Giving Tree , many of Nodelman’s common assumptions are reinforced and challenged throughout.   The book does have an emotionally powerful story that shows a tree sacrificing itself over the years to make the boy happy. In many ways the tree is like the boys mother, who would sacrifice anything for their child just to bring them happiness.   The tree having human qualities, such as speech and the ability to feel emotions, gives the book a fantasy aspect which is one of the common assumptions found by Nodelman .   This factor does make the book more appealing to children by appealing to the imagination but uses this to bring about more serious themes which many wouldn’t assume to be in a children’s book.

            The tree being represented as a mother figure is used to challenge many of the common assumptions.   The tree starts out loving the boy for no apparent reason besides he is there like a mother would love a newborn baby. As a child the boy plays all the time with the tree and as he grows up he begins to only come to the tree when he wants something.   The tree acts as an old woman being visited by her son in a retirement home, asking the boy to spend time with it by climbing up the trunk and swinging from the vines, only to have him wanting material objects.   Instead of money and the old family house, the boy takes the trees precious apples and the majority of the trees body to build a house and a boat.   The ending is bittersweet for the tree which gets what it wanted all along, to just be with the boy, but the tree has been reduced to an old stump because of him.   The tree is like an old woman who sacrificed her medication money for their son and is dying because of it, but still feels happiness to have that same son come and visit them.   Such an ending does go against the common assumption of having a happy ending, because the mother figure in the story is taken advantage of and the son of the story doesn’t learn a lesson at the end which leaves the reader with an ambiguous ending.

            The ambiguous ending does challenge the assumption of teaching valuable lessons about life in a fun way.   It is true that the valuable lesson in this book could be interpreted as to never take advantage of a mothers love, but there is nothing funny about the mother figure in the book being used up at the end and the so called “boy” as an old man near death. It could be seen that the old man came to the tree to die; he says that he needs “just a quiet place to sit and rest.   I am very tired.”   The boys’ tiredness would probably not be seen as being near death in most children’s minds, but parents should notice the subtleties.   The image of the only human character in the book being shown right before death is definitely not a typical happily ever after ending.  

            The two characters in The Giving Tree rely on each for different things.   The Tree relies on the boy for his happiness and company, while the Boy relies on the Tree for the different objects it can provide him.   The two are on common grounds at the end when the only thing the Tree can offer the boy is a seat and its company, and all the boy wants is a place to sit.   But throughout the story the Boy and the Tree aren’t the most positive of role models which challenges one of the common assumptions about children’s literature.   The Boy doesn’t realize that he is hurting the Tree and cares only about himself, asking it to sacrifice itself for his own good.   The Boy does love the tree, but smiles while carving his name into the tree which would hurt a living emotional creature such as the tree.   The trees desperation for love seems rather pathetic as it willing gives up its body to him, also the fact that everything it gives up was its own idea and not the Boys adds to her desperation.   A positive role model would be confident and show dignity, which are two qualities that neither of these characters posses.

            At the start of the story when the Boy is actually a boy, he seems like more of a role model possessing innocent qualities much like the children reading the book would contain.   As the story the progresses the boy’s age drastically changes from child to teenager to adult to elder to a frail dying old man.   Such a variety of ages couldn’t possibly be related to by a child of any age and thus goes against the common assumption that children only like books they can relate to.   The child innocence the boy possessed is the only stage of the Boys life any child could truly understand.   The desires for a wife and a home are things which children never desire.    But they are aware of these things from interacting with the adults in their life, just not able to fully comprehend the need for such grown up things. A child could most likely understand the Tree and its need to make the Boy happy since many children would do anything to make their parents happy.

            One of the most disturbing ways that the Tree tries to make the boy happy is when it tells him to cut it down so he can make a boat out of it.    This leaves the tree as nothing more but a stump, which is what is left of a tree after it was chopped down and killed.   But the tree remains alive and says how it isn’t really happy when in the past it has been happy to sacrifice itself for the Boy.   This makes the image of the Boy carrying away the tree seem frightening because its true that the branches and the apples could be seen as part of its body but taking away its trunk seems like taking away its whole body, leaving its soul in the stump.   This challenges the common assumption that frightening images can’t be shown in children’s stories.   It’s true that the cutting down of the tree is not nearly as grotesque as cutting an actual person in half, but the tree is a character in the book with emotional resonance with the reader.   So, cutting the tree down is the emotional equivalent of cutting a character in half and could be a frightening image to many children.   

            In Shel Silverstein’s picture book, The Giving Tree , many of Nodelman’s common assumptions are reinforced and challenged throughout.   The book does challenge more than reinforce many of Nodelman’s listed common assumption or typical case prototypes.   The story starts out more accustomed to children’s common assumptions, but drifts into more of an emotion heavy story that challenges many of the prototypes in order to get the theme across.   The story maintains its status as a children’s book because of the human qualities associated with the tree and the pictures, even though they are not bright.   The theme is evident in the story and should be realized by most children after multiple readings and talks with their parents.

            When I was little, there was no public library where I lived. A service was started when I was five years old called The Bookmobile that would come to our county every three weeks. It would park at specific sights and people could come and check out books or read magazines. To this day, I vividly remember the first book I ever checked out—Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham . I was absolutely fascinated by the book. I remember how shiny and new it was compared to the Bible story books and fairy tale books that I had, and how it was filled with wild and wacky looking creatures. I read it over and over and tried my best to see how fast and far I could read the different sections without taking a breath. If I could read the last section starting with, “Say! I like green eggs and ham!” all the way to the end where it said “Thank you Sam-I-Am” (59-62) without taking a breath, I considered it a victory worthy of the title “World Rhyme Reading Without Taking a Breath Distance Champ.”

            Of course at that time I wasn’t concerned with whether anyone thought this was an appropriate book for children, I just knew that I liked reading it. However, if you were searching for a book that reinforced the typical case prototype which Perry Nodelman wrote about, then this book could be the poster child for this type of book. For example, one of the assumptions Nodelman points out is the belief that children’s books should have simple texts. In this book, if you count the hyphenated name of the character Sam-I-Am, there are only two words in the entire book that are larger than five letters long. The other word is anywhere, which like Sam-I-Am, can be separated into words of less than five letters. It’s almost as if the goal from the start was, “Let me see if I can write a book for kids with words no bigger than five letters so I know they can understand and read it. I’ll make an exception for anywhere because it stresses the importance of the idea of eating what we’re given, and it can be broken down into words a child can understand.”

            Not only the words are simple, but the illustrations are simple, being a few steps above a line drawing. There are only six different colors used in the entire book, which makes it visually simple—almost like a children’s carton of the 1950’s and 60’s, which is when the book was written. The creatures are extremely imaginative, but even though they are fantastic, they are not in any way threatening, for threatening and scary creatures are a no-no in the typical case prototype.  

The very nature of the rhyming, as in, “I would not, could not, in a box. I could not, would not, with a fox.” (34), is also indicative of the assumption that is sometimes made that children’s poetry should rhyme or they will not understand or enjoy it. It also reinforces the assumptions that children have short attention spans and learning must be made fun. For instance, while the book itself is fairly long for a picture book, most of the pages contain little text. Also the rhyming, rhythmic nature of the words encourages young readers to make a game of the rhymes, just as I did as a child. The premise is that this will keep the children from being bored and will “trick” them into continuing to read even when the pages contain more text.  

            Green Eggs and Ham also supports the contention that books should teach a lesson or moral. While it is not didactic to the point that it specifically says, “Eat whatever your parents tell you to eat or whatever they give you,” that lesson is made perfectly clear when the unnamed main character eats the green eggs and ham and is rewarded by having something new that is good to eat. This lesson is also not given as a directive that should be obeyed without question. Rather the lesson is you shouldn’t be stubborn. You should be reasonable—“Try them! And you may (like them).” (53) I think this aspect of the book, despite the simple words and pictures, makes the book very adult centered. It is also very adult centered in that the book has a happy ending. In the beginning of the book, the unnamed character very specifically states, “I do not like that Sam-I-Am” ( 9 ) and “I do not like green eggs and ham.” However, by the end of the book he has tried them and discovered that green eggs and ham “are so good, so good, you see!”, and he and Sam-I-Am are now friends. This friendship is evidenced by a change in attitude and body language, and most obviously by his putting his arm around Sam-I-Am at the end of the book (62).

It does deviate, however, from the traditional child and adult roles in some ways. One way it does this is in the characteristics of the two main characters. Although the smaller, child-sized character of Sam-I-Am keeps asking “Would you…?” much like a child tends to ask “Why?,” he is obviously in the role of the nagging adult who keeps trying to get the larger, newspaper reading character to eat the green eggs and ham. The larger character is also childlike because of his very stubbornness, which in the assumptions Nodelman wrote about could be considered the opposite of maturity and adulthood. It is possible this role reversal was done as a devise to stress how unreasonable it is to act in this way. Being stubborn and unreasonable is the opposite of how an adult would act, so therefore this type of behavior is shown to be even more undesirable and incorrect and children should strive to behave like Sam-I-Am.

While this book is in most ways a typical case prototype, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Every child is different, with different reading levels, interests, and levels of maturity. To say that only one style of book is good for children and should be read by children is to limit them and possibly foster bad connotations with reading. I know that this is not what Nodelman is advocating; rather he is attempting to point out that there is a lack of logic and consistency in these assumptions. I loved this book as a child and still love it now. Green Eggs and Ham gave me an opportunity to play with and enjoy reading at a level I was comfortable with at that time. It also encouraged me to try and make up my own rhymes and fantastic creatures.   There is a very important place for this type of children’s book, just as there is an important place for books which challenge children and make them think about sometimes difficult subjects. I know that I loved this book as a child and I still love it now. All of my boys loved it and my ten year old still takes it out sometimes just to have the fun of reading, listening, or playing with the rhymes. I’m sure they will probably read it to their children one day, but I know I’m still the “World Rhyme Reading Without Taking a Breath Distance Champ,” –at least in my family.

         Of all the books we will read in class this semester, perhaps none challenge the typical case prototype quite like The Bad Beginning from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.  It practically spits in the face of nearly all common assumptions what children’s books and childhood in general should be.   Many, certainly most, children’s books are based upon at least some of the notions of childhood that we’ve discussed: children’s books should be colorful, simple, and cheery to keep the attention of the simple-minded, easily distracted child.  They should not tell of death, violence, or evil, nor should they present scary or threatening situations because children do not really understand what “evil” is, and they may try to imitate the bad behavior which they encounter.  Kids need to have good examples set for them so that they will grow into good, clear-thinking adults, and they need to have these lessons taught to them in a fun way because children, as a rule, don’t like to learn or be taught. But the Lemony Snicket books clearly do not hold the listed assumptions as truth, instead presenting the strong, smart Baudelaire children to prove each generalization false.  Right from the first line – “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.” – we know that this is not your typical children’s book.  It opens with a death, features the children in uncomfortable and miserable situations, and describes only darkness and pain.  In a more traditional children’s book, few, if any, of these events would take place, and if they did occur then it would be made clear that there is an overwhelming goodness that will eventually provide for a happy ending.          The characters are not what one would expect either.  Violet is a fourteen-year-old inventor, Klaus is twelve and a brilliant reader, and even the infant Sunny is very bright but has trouble saying what she means with only baby-talk.  Adult characters are either evil geniuses or bumbling fools who refuse to take the orphans seriously.  The Baudelaire orphans cannot turn to a trusted adult for help in their hardships; they must rely on their own intellect and cunning to save themselves .  Indeed, it is the adults that they are most often fighting against.  This is also quite uncommon.  Usually, grown-ups are there to help and guide the children; it is still quite controversial for an adult to be portrayed in such a negative light.  Furthermore, children are conventionally shown to need help and guidance, but here the Baudelaires prove themselves to be remarkably self-sufficient.  The children are intelligent, eager to learn, and able to think about and react to the situation at hand.        Another relatively uncommon feature of this book is that it is not didactic in any traditional sense.  The adults in the story are certainly not role models, and they do not display behavior that a parent would wish their child to imitate.  There is no moral, no happy ending, and no clear “good path” to take.  The children succeed because they are different from the adults, not because they have been assimilated into miniature versions of them.  Typically this sort of writing makes some parents nervous that their children will learn to be rebellious, but really the author is depicting these children’s mental autonomy and ability to make their own decisions and forge their own path.        Because it is so vastly different from the typical case prototype of a children’s book, The Bad Beginning helps the reader to question some of the common assumptions about children, mainly that they are simple-minded and cannot understand complex situations.  This is most readily shown when Mr. Poe comes to the shore to tell the Baudelaire children that their parents have died: “‘Your parents,’ Mr. Poe said, ‘have perished in a terrible fire…‘Perished’ means ‘killed.’”  Here we have these brilliant children faced with the horrible death of their parents, and all Mr. Poe can think is that he might be using words that are too big for them.  “‘We know what the word ‘perished’ means,’ Klaus said crossly.”  The children are fully aware of what is happening to them; furthermore they realize that Mr. Poe is being condescending, and they don’t appreciate his looking down on them.          But this is what the children are used to dealing with.  In fact, they are unsure of how to act around the friendly Justice Strauss because they “were not used to kindness from adults, and weren’t sure if they were expected to do anything back.”  Far from being as “childish” as the adults seem to think, the Baudelaire orphans work themselves out of situations that seem way beyond their control, using their wits and superior intellect to rescue each other time and time again from the evil plans of Count Olaf. By challenging the common assumptions about what a children’s book should be and what childhood should be , The Bad Beginning proves itself to be a very progressive text.  It distances itself from the conventional cheery brightness of so many “fluffy” books and actually acknowledges that children aren’t always happy and playful.  Much of children’s literature seems to overlook the fact that kids can hurt and feel pain; the Lemony Snicket books seem to revel in it.  But rather than being the simple creatures that we are used to seeing in so many children’s books, the Baudelaires are fighters and not easily defeated.  And rather than struggling against a dragon or monster, they fight against the adults who try to take advantage of them. The Bad Beginning goes counter to every traditional assumption listed in the beginning of this paper.  It’s dark, dreary, child-centered, and full of dangerous adults – everything that many people think a children’s book should avoid.   And yet, the Series of Unfortunate Events has become one of the most popular and highly-regarded series around.  By producing a body of work so fresh and different, Lemony Snicket has created a world that draws readers in and provides a much broader look at childhood and the children’s book than stories such as The Littlest Elf ™ could ever hope to do .

            “Boy Meets World” episode 1-6 Boys II Mensa , is didactic in the sense that we learn a lesson from the experiences and mistakes of young Cory Matthews. From the opening scene through the end of the show the viewer witnesses Cory’s attempts to please and impress the adults in his life. His admiration of grown-ups, along with his character’s portrayal of the stereotypical “imperfect child,” makes this a very adult-centered text.

The first character displayed in the opening scene is that of Cory’s intelligent teacher, Mr. Feeney. He is passing out book reports, showing his superiority by dressing in a suit and standing tall, requiring the sitting students, whose papers he just evaluated, to look up to him. The viewer then sees Cory putting on a clown nose and making silly faces. His behavior is quite a contradiction to the composed and dignified teacher in the scene, leaving the audience with an impression that adults are more perfect than children. Mr. Feeney does not punish Cory for misbehaving in class, but instead, in a disappointed tone, says, “Mr. Matthews,” which demonstrates his respect for the child and reminds Cory of his adult presence. This presence is intended to correct the child’s fallacy and get him back on track. The “track” is a pathway to a more perfect world, the adult world.

As Mr. Feeney continues to pass out the book reports he congratulates a student, named Rick, for his efforts. He then returns Cory’s paper, saying that the report was not one of his better efforts. This causes a sudden change in Cory’s expression. He is no longer smiling and appears confused. Cory glances at Rick’s paper and discovers that they both received the same grade. Still wearing the clown nose, Cory tells Mr. Feeney, “Hey this isn’t fair. Rick and I both got C’s. How come you tell him he did good work and you tell me it wasn’t one of my better efforts?” With this statement the child is desperately seeking the adult’s approval and praise. He appears frantic and upset that his teacher isn’t satisfied with him, which gives the adult the power role in the story line. Mr. Feeney, who unlike Cory, is very collected in his appearance, thoughts, and behavior informs Cory that Rick worked hard for his C and Mr. Feeney respects him for it. The teacher then looks down at Cory still wearing his large red foam nose and suggests that he not waste his time being the class clown. Cory’s concern with Mr. Feeney’s opinion of him will later cause the child to do anything, even misbehave, in attempt to impress the adults in his life.

In this episode Shawn, Cory’s best friend, finds an IQ test in the trashcan after both boys finish their detention sentence. Then, a janitor walks by the misbehaving boys, bringing an adult presence to the scene which symbolically reminds the boys that they are “doing wrong.” When Shaun sees the adult, he hides the paper behind his back and smiles in attempt to depict “the innocent child.” As though reciting what an adult had once told him, Cory objects to the idea of reading answers to a test that he will soon be taking. He then contradicts himself, by looking at the test, because he wants Mr. Feeney to think that he is a genius. He knows the “right thing” to do, but demonstrates his stereotypical inability to make a wise decision, probably because the choice was not assisted by an adult.

            The scene then changes to Cory’s home. His mom and younger sister, Morgan, are discussing when Morgan can get a Halloween costume. The mom tells Morgan that she is very busy with work but that Eric, the oldest son, will take her shopping. Eric enters the room and asks Morgan, “Want to learn how to be a big girl?” Morgan with great excitement answers, “Yeah!” This sends the message to the children viewing the show that being a “big girl” or grown-up is more desirable than being a child. Eric responds to her excitement by saying, “Because big girls know how to take out the trash so their brothers don’t have to.” Morgan knows better than to fall for this, but the scene exemplifies interpellation in the sense that Eric has been given a typical male job. Morgan becomes impatient and again announces her desire for a Halloween costume. Eric agrees to help but can not do it unassisted. He still needs his mom to take them to the store and his dad, when he gets off from work, to then pick them up.

Morgan returns home with a costume of a Zombie. Because of her interpellations of what little girls should be, Morgan’s mother is somewhat upset that she didn’t choose a princess costume. She looks at Eric, giving blame to her older son, and announces that she wanted Morgan to pick out her own costume. This is giving the child agency and allowing her to express and expand her own imagination. Later in the episode the mother is asked why her daughter’s clothes do not match. She explains that Morgan picks out her own clothes because they like to give her freedom of expression. The question contains illocutionary intent that if an adult had picked out Morgan’s wardrobe then it would be considered more perfect than the child’s attempt. This is another example of interpellation, because whoever decided clothes have to match or what should be considered a match? With Morgan’s costume, the parents are upset that Eric influenced Morgan, though it is never proven that she did not choose the zombie costume herself. It is through the parents’ and our own gender interpellations that we assume that Morgan, if left alone to decide, would have chosen a princess costume, the more typical “girl-costume.” Morgan then announces that she choose the costume because, “The undead are cool.” The audience assumes this is the child parroting what her older brother said in the store showing an inability to create her own ideas, but it is quite possible that she is expressing an early rebellion of social interpellations. Though the parents do not seem to approve of the child having a scary costume, the Dad says, “ Oooh nice hanging eyeball,” while smiling and playing with her. It seems as though they are trying to protect her from the messages of disappointment that they are sending to their older son Eric. The director, in this scene, displays an agreement with the common assumption that children are innocent and need to be protected.

            We then return to Cory’s school, the results from the IQ test have been determined and Cory is, by score, a genius. Mr. Feeney congratulates him verbally but appears doubtful through his facial expressions. Cory is worried that Mr. Feeney knows he cheated and that he will tell his parents. He announces that he does not like lying to his parents. Shawn attempts to reduce Cory’s fear and convince him that they are both “innocent victims.” He concludes that if adults had not have given them detention, then they never would have found the test and everything following that moment would not have occurred. However, they fail to realize that it was their initial mistake that caused the adult to give the detention sentence. Following “We’re innocent victims,” Cory exclaims, “It’s good to be a kid.” Cory is not expected to be perfect. He knows that adults assume that he is fallible and will love and take care of him despite his mistakes.

            The bell then rings and Mr. Feeney announces that he wants to talk to Cory. The student looks nervous and gets out of his seat slowly, as though he is about to meet his death. This is an example of how an adult’s opinion is so highly valued to the child. Cory looks as though he is going to be physically hurt, though he knows Mr. Feeney is only going to talk to him about his high IQ score. He asks Shawn to tell his mom that “He went out like a man.” Cory, through interpellation, considers men as strong and brave in tough or violent situations. This quote also reinforces his admiration of adults because he is associating Mr. Feeney’s poor opinion of him with dying. Cory’s final request before dying is to insure that his mother (again an adult figure) has a positive perception of him.

            Mr. Feeney sits down with Cory and asks if there is anything he wants to share. He explains that Cory will be transferred to an advanced school where the school is committed to giving children all that they deserve. Mr. Feeney then says, “I think you deserve everything you are going to get .” He stresses the word “get” to add an empowering tone and ensure that Cory realizes that the child’s secret is known. Cory is aware that his parents and teacher know that he cheated on the IQ test. The “all-knowing” adults guide the child to tell the truth instead of punishing him by making it evident through their tone, as opposed to diction, that they are aware he cheated. They give him this agency to allow for Cory’s personal growth, feeling that Cory will learn his lesson more thoroughly if he admits to his own mistake.

            Before finally admitting to his parents that he found the answers to the IQ test, Cory takes a second intelligence test. This test reveals that he has the IQ of an average sixth grader. Cory proudly says, “Yep, that’s me. The lights are on but nobody’s home.” By saying “nobody’s home,” the writer indicates that someone of sixth grade intelligence is brainless. It is this common assumption that adds to the adult-centeredness of the episode because adults like Mr. Feeney are portrayed with high intelligence, while the child is not corrected when calling himself a moron.

            At the end of the episode Cory tells his parents and teacher the truth; which gains him the respect he so desired from his teacher. The episode is didactic because Cory has learned that he should tell adults the truth and he should never cheat. He accepts the fact that he is inferior to adults, a point which I do not like about the episode, but a typical adult-centered characteristic. Cory is grounded for his actions, but being the “good parents” that they are, Cory’s grounding begins the day after Halloween and under the condition that he no longer cheats. This positive portrayal of parents makes it impossible for the viewer to be mad at the adults for punishing Cory, especially since Cory realizes that he deserves punishment, and therefore, is not upset. Though Cory makes mistakes, he is a “good child.” Everyone, including the audience, is happy at the end of the episode, all problems were solved through adult guidance, and a lesson was learned, stereotypically making this episode a very adult-centered text.

The fairy tale, The Little Mermaid was story that I could not go to sleep without hearing. I was about six years old when I first heard this story and it allowed my imagination to meander into the world of mermaids. Whether I was at the beach swimming like a mermaid in the ocean or simply reading the story over and over, I was fascinated by the mermaid world under sea. I was nearly obsessed with mermaids and wished I could be one of them. This story created the magic in my imagination; however, as I read the story more and more, I came to see the practicality in it. Maybe I was convinced that there really were mermaids out there so the story became practical to me? Also, maybe I related her death to reality and relating the daughters of the air to the mermaid’s kind of heaven? Most children have seen Disney’s version of The Little Mermaid, and although it is one of my favorites, it does not give the original version of Hans Christian Andersen’s justice.

  Typically, the elements in a fairy tale are similar to the type case prototype of children’s books. When I think of children’s books, the first few things that come to mind are fantasy adventures, good triumphing over evil, and, of course, happy endings. The tale describes the youngest sister as “a curious child, silent and thoughtful” (Andersen 31). To illustrate, The Little Mermaid portrays a young mermaid with these typical characteristics, but Andersen takes it a step further. The mermaids in each version of the story differ greatly, especially the reasons behind each mermaid's wish to go to land with the people. Andersen's mermaid wants to be a human being so she can have an eternal soul after she dies. While I was young reading this story, I thought that the little mermaid was risking her life to gain the prince’s affection; however, my take on this story has changed. After reading it again, I realize that it is a story about the mermaid’s lack of soul, and how by falling in love she was able to gain one. As the story tells, the little mermaid “would give a whole three hundred years I have to live, to become for one day a human being and then share in that heavenly world” (Andersen 53). She is driven to become a human. The little mermaid “longed for their [humans] company. Their world seemed to her to be much larger than her own. There was so much that she would have liked to know” (50). Indeed, the little mermaid’s main purpose of becoming a human was to gain an eternal soul.

Disney made The Little Mermaid a traditional fairy tale, because Andersen's ideas could not be translated into a modern cartoon that was socially accepted for children. So Disney used the classic battle between good and evil, which is typically understood everywhere, instead of the mermaid's battle within herself as Andersen wrote. In my mind, fairy tales represent the good conquering over the evil after a significant challenge. In contrast, Andersen displays the sea witch winning the battle. The little mermaid does not look back on her life under the sea, but looks forward to her chance to attain an eternal soul. Although, for example, I found it odd that the sea witch exclaimed, “How stupid of you! Still, you shall have your way, and it’ll bring into you misfortune, my lovely Princess” (Andersen 58). Why would the sea witch say such a thing that might change the little mermaids mind about becoming a human? I assume that the reasons for this line may be to enforce the adult figure in the story. The sea witch is older; therefore, she is wise and guides the young mermaid. Another large difference between Disney’s version and Andersen’s that is definitely not a typical case prototype of children’s stories is the fact that the sea witch cuts the little mermaid’s tongue out instead of stealing her voice through a shell like in the movie. To illustrate, the sea witch states, “Put out your little tongue and let me cut it off in payment; then you shall be given the potent mixture” (Andersen 59). Moreover, the ending portrays evil winning because of the little mermaid’s death.

  Andersen’s version of The Little Mermaid does not follow the traditional case prototype of children’s books because of its shocking ending of the little mermaid not marrying the Prince. For example, Disney reveals the story to have a happy ending in that the little mermaid and the Prince marry. One could conceive the ending to have different meanings. For instance, the Prince cries about his new Princess to be the one who “rescued me, when I was laying half-dead on the shore. Oh, I’m too happy!” (Andersen 69). For this purpose, the little mermaid “kissed his hand, and already she felt her heart was breaking. The morrow of his wedding would mean death to her to foam on the sea” (69). The little mermaid had failed and evil had won. However, this tale is much deeper and suggests that the main theme is the mermaid’s internal struggle with herself to gain an eternal soul, not to marry the Prince. Although this was not a huge theme in the story, it definitely helps to prove that Andersen’s style is not that of a traditional fairy tale author.

In the original Andersen story, The Little Mermaid , she does not marry the Prince, which is what seems to be what she should do. Still, she learned to love unconditionally, and did not turn into sea foam, as mermaids do. She ascended and obtained a human soul from entering the daughters of air. The daughters of air are portrayed to be a spiritual movement. When I read this story as a child, I can see why I related the daughters of air to heaven. For example, the narrator describes the moment as a “voice of melody, yet so spiritual that no human ear could hear it, just as no earthly eye could see them. They had no wings, but their own lightness bore them up as they floated through the air” (Andersen 74). Finally, by losing her life, she wins the hope of immortality because of her 300 years of good deeds. Specifically, the little mermaid’s decision not to kill the Prince and his new bride was what, I believe, rewarded her with an eternal soul. It is almost like viewing death as a reward in this story because she in fact did win and gain her immortal soul.

In contrast to many fairy tales, Andersen’s tale of The Little Mermaid ended unhappily, as well as presented gruesome events that are also not typical prototypes in a children’s text as discussed in class. After reading the story at age nineteen, what really struck me was how the little mermaid did not get what she thought she wanted, but ended up with something much more important or valuable: her immortality. As a result, I have discovered that this tale is not just about the selfless love of a mermaid who endures every suffering for the sake of her beloved Prince, but more importantly, the little mermaid’s endless desire to obtain an immortal soul.

Many of today’s children’s books fit the typical case prototype of a book.   This means that they fit what we would assign to children (right or not).   Some qualities include being didactic, easily relatable to children, it’s not frightening, and the books are bright and colorful with happy endings. This, among other terms, will be used to weigh through the book Giraffes? Giraffes! By Dr. and Mr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey to assess how it relates to other books.

On absolute first glance, this book is the perfect example of the typical case prototype children’s book.   It fits the look of an educational book.   What I mean by this is that when I think of an educational book, I associate lots of photographs, small amounts of text (simply to explain the background information or captions to pictures), and a particular layout for their pages.   This vision of a particular educational book is founded in the strictly educational, typical case prototype books I used to read as I was younger; the Eyewitness book series used to be my absolute favorite book to read for the very same reasons listed above.   They disguised learning to be fun and painless.   To continue on, this book has a very similar layout to that series.   Part of a series itself, the authors and designers purposely tried to model the visual presentation of an Eyewitness look in this satiric series, as to help create its ambiance. On every single page there is at least one photograph in which the surrounding text pertains.   The diagrams or drawings are all clearly labeled, as well as the photographs, to keep things clear.   Moreover, there is a pocket on the back inside cover of the book where they provide several activities to complete.   These activities are representative of ones that someone might find in a Chick- fil -A kid’s meal (small, educational, and fun activities).   Each diagram has a specific purpose; this purpose is to support the text, and bring it clarity.

More importantly than the pictures or layout of the book, is the actual text.   As mentioned earlier, at first glance the book looks like it set the standards for the typical case prototype book.   When one reads the text, however, they are shocked from the lack of validity, completely crushing any thought of this book fitting the typical case prototype.   I believe this is true, because the text of a book is far more important than the pictures.   The book goes out of its way to make fun of all educational writing.   Every situation presented in the book is presented as fact, no matter how farfetched it is.   It is as if the book is telling joke after joke, and keeping a straight face the whole time.   The text is comprised only fictional scenarios or facts, while the pictures and layout design lead you to believe otherwise.   One of my favorite paragraphs from the whole book is in reference to a giraffe’s legs; I think that this proves it’s absurdity very nicely.   “The legs of a giraffe are filled with various types of fruit juice.   You see, giraffes love drinking fruit juices…but their bodies have no real use for fruit juice, so it all trickles down to their legs where it stays and squishes around.   This should have been obvious to you” (pg 9).   This is only one example of how the book is so unbelievable; on every single page, there are multiple examples of such ridiculous statements.

The mere appearance of the book is shockingly similar to those I have read as a tool to induce learning.   Instead of being completely false, the book Giraffes? Giraffes! Does contain a small amount of educational material in it.   For instance, on page 48, there are two diagrams of fish; one of the colored pictures labels the outside organs of the fish, while the other informatively labels some of the inside organs.   This does not have much to do with that page’s text (it does, however, pertain the slightest bit) but it accurately labels the fish.   The same case occurs on pages 6, 9, 13, 38, and 43. A child reading this book would be able to sort out that this piece of information is correct, compared to the extremely farfetched text of the story.   Because the whole rest of the book is in outfield, learning about the fish is somewhat disguised.   Even if the reader has some negative stigma towards learning, they will not realize what is happening.   The reader is subconsciously focused on not believing anything about the giraffes.   When they see information that is true, they do not remember that they are learning.   These comparatively small diagrams in the book are a very good reference for information.  

For this reason, I feel that the book has both typical and atypical case traits.   The appearance of the book and hidden learning tools are created for children to induce learning.   The ridiculous text, however, completely bashes any hope of it fitting into the typical case mold.   The book is just too progressive and turns how we would normally react to a story from natural to unnatural.   The readers have to be conscious to how they respond to such material, as opposed to a conservative book that reinforces old ideas or beliefs.   For these reasons, the text outweighs the visual presentation, meaning that the book does not fit the typical case prototype of a children’s book.  

Because this book fits so strongly (in a visual sense only) the typical children’s book, but yet so strongly and more importantly disproves itself as one with it’s text, it makes us look at educational books in a different perspective.   This defamiliarization causes us to challenge all that we have known to be true about educational books.   Going back to the example of the Eyewitness books, it made me think of how naïve of a reader I used to be.   When I read those books, I would never give a second thought to whether or not what I was reading was true.   I would completely trust the narrator and authors.   After reading a book that tricks you to believe that it might be true, I will never be able to read an Eyewitness book in the same light.   That is the heart of defamialization ; it permanently causes something to be looked at differently.

One tool that the author uses to defamiliarize the readers is metafiction . To work through the term metafiction , we’ll use the same quote about fruit juice from earlier, it is also a good example of how the narrator does too much of his job.   “This should have been obvious to you”, is not something a narrator typically says.   The irony in this quote, is that what the authors are claiming is so absurd, that there is no way it would be obvious to anyone.   No one would know to think that, because it is not based on any hint of truth.   The narrator defiantly steps over the line of what is considered appropriate for a reader/narrator relationship.   This concept is one of several that help explain the term metafiction .   In metafiction , not only does the narrator do too much or too little, the lines between the fictional world and the real world are blurred.   The book is doing something, whether it is a quote, picture, etc., to draw attention to itself as an artifact and make the reader think about the content.   After reading the above mentioned quote on page 9, and also looking at pages 7 and 13, it becomes clear that the author is drawing attention to the absurdity of the text.   This tool is used to heighten the satiric nature of the book.

To work from this same quote, (because I feel it encompasses many of the book’s themes in this one quote) the sheer statement, “this should be obvious to you”, makes the reader second guess whether what you are reading is true or not.   From pure common sense, we know what the text claims is not true (about fruit juices); such claims have no scientific standing.   We, as readers, have grown to trust the narrator so much in stories, that when he says something like “you should have already known and believe this completely false fact”, we second guess ourselves.   When the author also jokes later in the book about personifying words, we have to second guess that as well.   On page 20, the author once again blurs reality by saying (referring here to words), “…they cannot be printed here.   (They were not dirty words, they simply cannot be printed here because they are currently vacationing in Miami )”.   This silly statement about words calls attention to the fact that the reader is actually reading.   It is something used to make the readers rethink how they are conditioned to react to books.  

This challenge is seen as progressive, and breaking the mold.   Essentially, Giraffes? Giraffes! is a very unordinary book, and should be taken in as something trite.

A children’s film that strongly demonstrates the concepts of being adult and child-centered and also displays agency is the 1990 movie Home Alone . This film illustrates the main character, an eight-year-old boy named Kevin McCallister , as a mischievous yet sincere child who when left alone in his house, discovers that family relationships are a crucial part of growing up. Home Alone also showcases many stereotypes of children that coincide with the typical case prototypes discussed in class. Metatextual concepts are featured in this movie as well, which help to involve the child audience. These concepts, as well as the character of Kevin, discover the underlying meaning of the movie. I believe the center of Home Alone is the consistent change noted in Kevin’s behavior and attitude. He not only breaks free of the typical child roles and standards, he is able to use the thought of them to his advantage when confronted with two burglars attempting to break into his home. By Kevin saving his house, he realizes he is much older than he thinks and begins to appreciate his life and what is in it, mostly his family. This interpretation of Home Alone presents more than it just being a humorous movie about a boy and two robbers.

            Once his family leaves for a Christmas vacation in Paris and he is left all alone in his house, Kevin McCallister gains total agency in this film. He no longer has any parents to tell him what and what not to do. Before his family left, Kevin was punished because he was fighting with his older brother and was getting in everyone’s way. Now, Kevin can run around the house and jump on beds, while having no one to tell him to stop. He also takes his brother Buzz’s toy rifle from his room and plays with it, something that would have been totally forbidden if Buzz were there. A perfect example of Kevin displaying agency is when he makes a total mess in the kitchen, eats a huge amount of junk food and ice cream and watches a movie that is not appropriate for him. Kevin knows what he is doing is wrong and calls to his parents just in case they are still in the house, “I’m eating junk and watching rubbish, you better come out and stop me.” Now that Kevin is no longer under control of adults, he has the freedom to act on his behalf. The roles of child and adult are also reversed. Although Kevin is doing all these things that would normally get him in trouble, his parents are portrayed as the irresponsible ones for leaving their child alone in the house.

Home Alone does a great deal of displaying typical child case prototypes throughout the film. Adult perceptions of children are especially construed through the two burglars, Marv and Harry. The two men are completely confident that they can break into the McCallister home because Kevin is the only one there. Marv repeatedly says to Harry, “He’s a kid. Kids are stupid,” “Kids are scared of the dark” and “He’s only a kid. We can take him.” These stereotypes relate to the ones discussed in class, characterizing children as innocent and not yet civilized. The perception that children do not know anything is clearly demolished by Kevin, because he is able to exceed the burglar’s expectations and not only deliver them to the police, but send them through many traps and painful excursions along the way. Marv and Harry finally realize this as Harry says, “I think we’re getting scammed by a kindergartener.” This aspect in the movie demonstrates that children are smarter and more intuitive than adults, even when faced with danger. Kevin was completely aware of the situation but still continued to fight the burglars because he knew he had to defend his house. Protecting himself and his house became more important to Kevin than doing what stereotypical children do and run away.

In one particular scene, there is a reference made that does go against these typical case prototypes, which is also one we have discussed in class. While Kevin’s mother is riding home with a traveling polka band, the lead singer played by John Candy is talking to the mother about how she left Kevin all alone for Christmas. He then tells her a story of how he left his child alone one day at a funeral parlor. He makes a joke about how his child was impaired for a few weeks after but then says, “Kids get over things, they’re resilient like that.” This is a great comment to show how children can go against stereotypes. This character was implying that children are not permanently damaged by certain experiences and I think this is an incredibly important feature of the movie as a whole. If his family leaving him alone for days had negatively affected Kevin, then he would not have recovered and would not have learned the lessons he did by being put in that situation.

The less obvious element of Home Alone is the metatextual concept. Throughout this film, Kevin is constantly talking to the audience, because no other characters are around him. The narrator-like characteristic Kevin has in this movie makes the audience aware that he is talking directly to them, letting the viewers know what is going on and what Kevin is doing. There is one moment where Kevin actually does speak directly to the audience, looking straight into the camera. After Kevin learns that his family is not in the house and no one to be found, he says out loud “I made my family disappear,” with a concerned and nervous edge in his tone. Then, contemplating all the possibilities he now has with being home alone, he looks right into the camera and repeats the line “I made my family disappear,” this time with a conniving tone and devilish grin. Kevin breaking the fourth wall and creating this metatextual moment in the movie lets the audience in on the upcoming events as if it were a secret between them and the narrator.

Another concept I noted is the deus ex machina role. In the film, this role is played by the elderly neighbor, who Kevin is afraid of for the majority of the movie. However, after talking and the old man admits that he has become a different person because of lost relationships in his life, Kevin provides him with advice as well as takes it himself. Kevin becomes aware that he needs his family and does not want to lose them like the old man lost his. So the two agree to change and do something about their unfortunate situations. After this conversation, Kevin returns home but once he has used up all of his traps to mislead the two burglars, he runs next door to call the police. The men are aware of his game this time and catch him before he is able to. Then, when it looks like there is no escape for Kevin, the old neighbor hits both burglars and saves Kevin, taking him out of the house and away from danger. The adult character coming in at the end to save the child is typical of many children’s texts and also relates to the child and adult centered notion also featured in this film.

            Throughout Home Alone , Kevin embraces being a kid with no parents to listen to and no roles to follow. However, over the days he is left by himself, he demonstrates a great amount of change. At first he is scared of Marv and Harry trying to break into his house. But later he states, “I can’t be a wimp. I’m the man of the house” and overcomes his fear of the burglars as well as his fear of less important matters, like his basement. Kevin recognizes that he must take some control of the situation, because riding sleds down the stairs and turning the whole house upside down is unacceptable behavior when there are criminals trying to break into his house. Kevin begins to take on typical adult roles, including going grocery shopping, doing laundry and washing dishes. These are not chores most eight-year-olds complete on a daily basis. Kevin is forced to become more mature throughout the story and does so by not only outsmarting burglars, but also by accepting the fact that his family is important to him and wanting them to come back.

            Even though Kevin McCallister displays a great deal of agency, I do believe Home Alone is more adult-centered than child-centered. His family is the center of the story and is the element that is continuously referred to. Kevin is given total freedom to do whatever he wants and although he does use this to his advantage in the beginning, after awhile he begins to miss his family and regret ever saying he could live without them. His family becomes more important to him than the ability to do whatever he wants and he even makes it his Christmas wish saying, “Instead of presents, I just want my family back.” While watching this movie, I could not help but compare it to Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak . In that book, the main character Max wants to be away from his mother and not have to obey her as an authority figure. While living with the wild things though, Max takes on an adult role, much like the one of his mother. He also begins to miss his mother and miss the idea of being a kid.

This is exactly the change Kevin reaches in Home Alone . Although he enjoys having a break from parents and rules, he does long for his old life where although there were some hardships, he was surrounded by people who love and care about him. Children need family relationships and in these particular texts, the children only discover this when those relationships are deterred from. Although I stated earlier that Kevin matured throughout the film, I also think he became more vulnerable at the same time. Accepting such a dramatic change in their lives leaves the children in these texts very sad and distressed. So as much as children can go against their own stereotypes, they can still manage to “act like a child.” I do not think Home Alone is predominantly didactic, but I do believe there is a very subtle lesson to be learned from this movie and that is to be careful what you wish for. Fortunately for Kevin, his situation was temporary, but for children watching it could stand as a lesson to cherish and respect the relationships in your life, particularly with your family, because you never know when they can be taken away.

In fifth grade Officer Brown, my D.A.R.E. instructor, asked my class to draw a picture representing the physical characteristics of a typical drug dealer.   I drew an evil looking man with snake like eyes.   He was wearing dark black clothing, and he was standing on a grungy street corner in front of an abandon warehouse.   The purpose of this exercise was to demonstrate that anyone could be a drug dealer.   A drug dealer could be a sweet Suburban soccer mom who bakes homemade cookies for her children, or a drug dealer could be that evil looking guy wearing black clothing on the street corner.   Officer Brown explained that as a society, we tend to associate negative characteristics with drug dealers because the media depicts drug dealers in this manner.   As a result, this negative imagine of drug dealers have been imbedded into our minds at a very young age.

            Disney movies have been instrumental in influencing children’s views of good versus evil.   The movies place great emphasis on the characters’ physical appearance.   For example, In The Little Mermaid , Ariel is beautiful and skinny.   She has long flowing red hair, big bright blue eyes, perfectly full red lips, and she seems to have a glow about her.   She is very feminine, and her voice is high pitch but pleasing to the ear.   The males in The Little Mermaid are strapping and handsome.   They have big bulging muscles that can aid them to rescue mermaids if they get into trouble.   The men also have a full head of hair that always says in place.   The “good” characters in Disney movies are always portrayed with good characteristics.   In fact it is as if they are perfect.   On the other hand, the “evil” characters are described as perfectly repulsive.   Ursula, a sea witch, in The Little Mermaid is an ugly dark looking creature with a long pointy noses, and long fingers.   She has monster sharp teeth and a gruff manly voice.   Ursula does not possess one positive quality.   Like other “evil” characters, Ursula is on the other end of the continuum compared to Ariel.  

            The environment is also use to depict differences between the “good” and “evil” in Disney movies.   For example, in The Little Mermaid, Ariel lives in a well-maintained golden castle.    The water surrounding the castle is crystal clear.   On the floor of the sea, there is green seaweed and bright colored flowers.   There are also various forms of life swimming around the castle.   The fishes, shrimps, crabs, and other animals are bright vibrant colors.   Ursula on the other hand, lives in a dark dreary cave.   During parts of the movie, the water surrounding the cave is black, and at other times, the water is dark blue.   Ursula’s cave is unkempt, and it is full of dieing souls and skeletons.   The only form of life near the cave is Ursula’s assistances , eels.   The eels are black with slanted snake like eyes that glow a yellowish-green color.   The floor of Ursula’s cave is not made of grass.   Instead the floor is made of dirt and rocks.   The entire atmosphere surrounding the castle represents death.

            In the pervious paragraphs it was alluded that the use of color also helps distinguish between “good” and evil.   Scenes involving the “good” characters contained an abundant amount of color.   There are mostly bright vibrant colors, such as yellows, reds, oranges, purples, and blues. For example Flounder, Ariel’s friend, is bight yellow with a mixture of dark and light blue strips.   Most of the fish in the sea are a mixture of two colors.   The fishes are either red with yellow fins, purple with yellow fins, blue with red fins, and blue with purple fins.   Other animals are red and orange.   There is also some pink mixed among the animals.   The scenes involving the “evil” characters lack color almost entirely.   The little color that is use is cold and dark.   The most abundant color representing Ursula is black.   Ursula herself is a dark purple, and there are some dark blues and greens.   There is also the yellowish-green glow that comes out of the eels’ eyes.

            Officer Brown was on to something when he stated that the media influences our opinion.   It may not be obvious to children as they watch The Little Mermaid or another Disney movie, but that movie is influencing their opinion.   The movie gives children a template as to how   “ good” individuals should look, how they should act, and even what they should possess.   Of course, the movies also give children a template for “evil” individuals.   The template teaches children that “evil” individuals should look, act a certain way.   It also teaches them that evil people should not possess certain items.   For example, in The Little Mermaid Ariel lives in a castle, but Ursula was not even good enough to have a house.   Instead she lived in a damp dreary cave.   As they grew, children take these images of “good” and “evil” and adopt them as their own beliefs.   Louis Althusser coined the term interpellation, the idea that as individuals we tend to accept society’s norms as our own.   Therefore in the beginning of the paper when I described my picture of a drug dealer in the fifth grade, it could be conjectured that I obtain those images from society, and not from reality.   In reality there is no such concept as a “typical” drug dealer.   As officer Brown stated, anyone could be a drug dealer.

In a way, I revisited my childhood over the weekend. Growing up, I read Freaky Friday over and over. In fact, I still have that same paperback copy of the book—the cover is half torn off, passages are penciled, its got the little grease spots where I ate potato chips while I read it, and there is even a stain where I spilled some Pepsi. Coming back as an adult, over twenty-five years later, and re-reading this very book and physically seeing the remnants of my thought process was eye-opening. As a child immersed in the story, I was enthralled with the idea of a kid   becoming an adult overnight, and of your mother changing bodies with you. This book took the idea of switching bodies, which is not uncommon, and made it a little different by making it cross a generation. This helps to show the lesson that is being handed down by the mother, Ellen Andrews, who is very frustrated with her daughter, Annabelle. So often, in the mother-daughter relationship, there is a battle between opposing sides and ideas, and it is difficult for each side to see the whole picture from the other’s perspective…unless you can magically change bodies with your daughter to teach her a lesson. That is what gives this book its subtle, yet overwhelming, adult undertone, and it is clearly defined from the first chapter of the book.

            Annabelle Andrews, the narrator of the story, is thirteen, and thirteen is an awkward time in life. She describes herself in a nondescript way on pages two and three with “…brown hair, brown eyes, brown fingernails. (That’s a joke—actually, I take a lot baths.) “ she goes on to say that she doesn’t know what she weighs but she’s “watching it” and that she’s not “completely mature” in her figure yet. She then goes on to describe her parents and her brother. She complains that her mother is overly protective and strict, or “stricter” as Annabelle says (4) and effectively doles out examples of her mother’s unfairness, such as Ellen wanting Annabelle to clean her room, make good grades, and be nice to her brother. As a mother, she wants to protect her daughter and does not allow her in Central Park alone or even with a friend, which is a sore point for Annabelle, who firmly feels that   “ …I’m old enough to be given more than I’m getting” (5) and then laments that she did not get to go to a boy-girl party because it was not properly chaperoned. Additionally, Annabelle is in love with Boris, but because her mother made her get those ugly, nasty braces, Boris will never get past who she was in the past and take notice of her. The list of wrongs that her mother has heaped upon her, such as keeping her hair neat and nails trimmed, wearing what she wants, going where she wants, and keeping that room clean only prove to Annabelle that her mother is just unfair (6).

  All of these injustices build up and Annabelle finally has it out with her mother and says: “You are not letting me have any fun and I am sick of it. You are always pushing me around and telling me what to do. How come nobody ever gets to tell you what to do, huh? Tell me that! ”.   Now, I remember having this conversation with my own mother, and her response was something similar to Ellen Andrews’ reply of “…when you’re grown up people don’t tell you what to do; you have to tell yourself, which is sometimes more difficult” (6) and it really never answered the question satisfactorily then for me, and in this instance, neither did it do so for Annabelle. The argument ends with Ellen marching out of the room after Annabelle says she just wants to be responsible for herself and her mother responds “We’ll just see about that!” (7).

And then, Annabelle wakes up and she is her mother. The inability for Annabelle to see things from her mother’s perspective propels the switch and reveals the adult centered theme of this book. As Annabelle begins to see things from an adult’s perspective, her own, immature and childlike perspective begins to recede. But first, Annabelle is thrilled with the change! She has nice teeth, a good body, and enjoys putting lots of makeup on ‘their’ face (8-9). She fakes her way through breakfast, gets dressed up, pushes the kids off to school (and notices an Annabelle appears to have not changed at all) and suggests that she and her father/husband go to see an X-Rated flick; obviously, Annabelle is still a child because she does not think of the consequences that type of outing could bring (not to mention the emotional scars for life!), and then, after a round of boardgames with Boris, Annabelle fires the maid (46). But, then things the take a turn and the day is no longer fun. The situation becomes more than her thirteen year old mind can handle. In this way, the inability of Annabelle to cope with adult situations and problems, shows that there is a clearly defined line between adulthood and childhood. Annabelle is still a child, but as her mother, she has to tackle some adult responsibilities, and Annabelle is clearly not at that point in life where can do so without further confusing things.

            While the story remains funny and page-turning, it is easy to see what is going to occur here. It is obvious that this “switch” has taken place to teach Annabelle’s a lesson. Also, Annabelle’s bad attitude is to blame for this mind boggling turn of events, so as in all adult centered texts, the strong, caring, and superhuman adult has distributed knowledge and punishment in a justifiable manner. As Annabelle’s day progresses, she begins to see that life is not easy for her mother and that she is not prepared to be an adult. As the book continues on, Annabelle begins to see herself as other people in her life see her; for example, the cleaning lady refers to Annabelle as “a little pig” who’s “got no discipline” who will be “on drugs before you know it.” Annabelle is angered by this statement and   takes this time to fire Mrs. Schmauss (46). Before the incident with Mrs. Schmauss , Boris comes downstairs to return a colander, and it is during this time that we learn, in no uncertain terms, the Boris hates Annabelle (which is too bad for Annabelle because she is totally in love with Boris!). She also is embarrassed by her room (the same room which propelled the argument with her mother and caused the switcheroo to occur) and tells Boris that it is her brother Ben’s ( ApeFace’s ) room—canopy and all (30). We learn that Annabelle four years earlier had cut open Boris’ head with a tin shovel (31) and that Boris thinks that Annabelle is “a bad seed” (31). This continues throughout the book, but it happens the most predominantly during the conference at school with Annabelle’s teachers and her principal and learns what her teachers really think about her as they criticize her at the conference.

            This is the turning point in the book, Annabelle’s catharsis. It is also when we see the author handing out a lesson about studying hard and handing work in on time. This is drilled into the reader throughout the conference, and the fact that Annabelle is not doing it really hits her hard. When she finds out that she had flunked English, she goes numb (86) and discovers that she is wasting everyone’s time. She discovers that she has a very high IQ, higher than “a college freshman’s” (86) and that her English teacher, Miss McGuirk blames herself for Annabelle’s failure as a student. This opens Annabelle’s eyes to see her teacher in a very different, more compassionate manner (87) an by the end of the meeting, Annabelle has realized that her behavior has been bad, and that she needs to start doing better. She promises the educators at the meeting that “on Monday morning I’m sure you will see a completely different Annabelle,” to which the school psychologist replies   “ Let’s not get our hopes up too high… we can’t expect her to change overnight” (95-96).   She leaves the meeting, looking for herself—literally.

            Annabelle has learned many lessons today and has heard how everyone in her life feels about her. It is a humbling experience, especially when she realizes that the person who loves her the most is the person she treats the worst, her brother (56). When she realizes that he’s not half bad, her attitude towards him begins to change, and she begins to change as well. It is an event concerning Ben which really makes her see that she is not ready to be an adult, and that she wants to go back to her own body. Her brother gets kidnapped.   Well, not really. But, Annabelle thinks that Ben has been kidnapped. She comes home from the meeting to find that her brother was taken away by   “ beautiful chick” (100), described by Boris. Now, as the reader, I knew all along that it was Annabelle’s mother in Annabelle’s body who came and took Ben away for ice cream, but in Annabelle’s state of panic, the thought never occurred to her. Mainly because in her thirteen mind, she had contemplated all the different people her mother may have chosen to be that day, and Annabelle was uncertain if her mother would even want to be Annabelle. Therefore, when Ben comes up missing, Annabelle freaks out and   calls the police, and ends up almost having her mother committed for being crazy after she breaks down and says that her mother switched bodies their minds into each others bodies. Of course, these officers do not believe her, and think they have a “fruitcake” on the line (12). Boris takes charge, reveals his love for Mrs. Andrews, and Annabelle thinks “what a waste” (114) because he is love with Annabelle but not Annabelle. Confusing, yes, but not if you read the book. Actually, the entire exchange is very funny, and it shows that some adults are silly, but it does not change the overall tone that reveals this is an adult centered book, and the theme again emerges when Annabelle just gives up and tells the police the truth, that she is “only thirteen. I’m just a little girl who has been turned into her mother” (113). Annabelle has had enough and is ready to just go ahead and give up. She doesn’t want to do this anymore, she is overwhelmed, and her brother is missing. In her moment of greatest need, she is in her mother’s room, lying on the bed, and admitting her mother was right. “That’s what you wanted, isn’t it? You wanted to teach me a terrific lesson? O.K. I learned a terrific lesson.” (119). And poof! Mom’s back. And, Annabelle has learned her lessons. She even became a beautiful chick (131-133), because Mom was finally able to go and get the braces off, get Annabelle’s hair cut, and buy new clothes. Annabelle’s transformation is complete—from old Annabelle to Mom to new Annabelle. Her attitude is different, and she has learned that perhaps she should clean her room-to impress Boris.

            At the beginning of the book, Annabelle wanted to be in charge of her own life, and wanted to know why nobody told her mother what to do, and that she wanted the same rights. So, Annabelle’s mother switched them to teach Annabelle a lesson, so that Annabelle could understand exactly what she was saying, and to learn for herself how Annabelle is wrong about adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.   Many things are revealed to her as she learns through the interchange with her father, that Annabelle is a constant source of irritation between the two of them, and as the book progresses, she becomes more aware of the way people view her, and it is not very good. Annabelle is learning a hard lesson, she is hearing what people say about her, how they feel about her, and she first reacts in anger by firing the maid and then eventually, changing her inside appearance while her mother changes Annabelle’s outside appearance. Interestingly enough, the physical changes her mother makes result in Annabelle becoming a more attractive person, but at the beginning of the book, she just wanted to be left alone to grow her own hair and chew her own fingernails. And, in an odd twist of fate, Annabelle becomes worried that her mother is not in her body, and that careless Annabelle is dead under a number 7 bus somewhere (99). Annabelle had nagged her mother for freedom, to go to the park, to not be told what to do. Ellen had always denied Annabelle these privileges because she feared for Annabelle’s safety; when Annabelle realizes just how irresponsible she actually is, she becomes worried for her own safety. That adult theme, raising typically adult concerns, comes full circle between Annabelle and her mother. Situations arise, and eventually Mom comes back and saves day and returns everything to normal—except now the two of them have a better, stronger relationship build on mutual respect and understanding. And, the fact that Mother knows best.

23. In the Japanese animated television series Inuyasha , a fifteen-year-old high school student named Kagome is attacked by a monster in an old well on her family’s property. She falls into the well and reemerges to find herself five hundred years in the past where magic and demons are everyday occurrences. Kagome learns that the demon in the well attacked her because she is the reincarnation of a priestess who died guarding a powerful jewel that gave demons immense power, and that she is now the keeper of the jewel. When more demons appear to try and steal the jewel, Kagome unseals a half- demon, half-human boy named Inuyasha and enlists his help to battle the monsters. During one of these battles, however, the jewel is shattered and its pieces are scattered throughout the country, and Inuyasha and Kagome decide to team up and locate all of the shards before they can fall into the wrong hands. However, their quest becomes a backdrop to their budding relationship and the issues they face. Inuyasha , for example, deals with prejudice and isolation because of his heritage. Kagome must fulfill her obligation of protecting the magical jewel from those who would abuse its power in the past, but at the same time she has to keep up with her schoolwork in the present. While many of the major and reoccurring characters are teenagers, and one of major focuses of the series is the interaction between Inuyasha and Kagome, the series is more of a soap opera than a young adult text. While there are some instances of progressive themes in Inuyasha , the show mostly falls back on the teenage mystique. At the beginning of the series, Inuyasha is very much the definition of the teenager as a potential problem. When Kagome first unseals him, he actually tries to attack her like the rest of the demons in order to steal the jewel for himself, and is at first reluctant to help Kagome recover all of the jewel shards. He wants the jewel in order to use it to become a full demon, claiming that he desires the power a full-blooded demon has. Inuyasha seems to resent his human blood because it makes him weaker than other demons, and takes offense to being mocked for his heritage. One of Inuyasha and Kagome’s traveling companions, Miroku , is also depicted stereotypically as a potential problem. Miroku is eighteen and a Buddhist monk, but his behavior is extremely atypical of his profession. Before joining Inuyasha and Kagome, he used his status as a priest to con people, and even after joining them, he gets food and shelter for their group through manipulation. Miroku is also extremely lecherous. Almost every time he meets a woman, he pleads with her to bear his children, and usually ends up groping her. While his sexual behavior is usually a source of comic relief, he often gets himself and the others in trouble due to it. However, Inuyasha and Miroku’s troublesome behavior changes over the course of the series. Miroku develops feelings for another member of their group, Sango, and even eventually proposes to her though he still gropes her on occasion. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Inuyasha resents his human side not only because it makes him weak, but because of the discrimination he has faced because of his mixed blood. He also begins to consider using the magic jewel to become fully human instead of demon, or even destroying it entirely so that it can never be misused. The series also enforces the theme of adolescence as a temporary stage before adulthood. This is very predominant in Kagome’s development throughout the story. At first, traveling with Inuyasha is a necessity for her because of her naivety and unfamiliarity with the world she finds herself in, but as the series progresses, Kagome learns to better defend herself and even battles demons without Inuyasha’s help. While her experiences in the past make her more self-reliant, however, she is forced to become more mature much faster than normally. During her brief returns to the present to make up for her absences in school, viewers get to see Kagome interacting with her friends. At first, Kagome is still as boy crazy as her girlfriends are, and often comes to them for relationship advice when she and Inuyasha are having problems (though she remains vague about who and what he actually is). However, Kagome begins to become distanced from her friends at school as they remain flighty and she grows more serious. The show does not seem to view this as a necessarily bad thing, however- Kagome’s maturity is a positive aspect of her character, despite that she may be growing apart from her friends in school as a result. The relationship between Kagome and Inuyasha is also an example of the emphasis on the development from adolescence to adulthood, since as they mature, so does their love for one another. Many of the initial obstacles their relationship faces are due to stereotypical portrayals of teenaged boys and teenaged relationships in general. Inuyasha is portrayed as extremely stubborn about his feelings and flat out refuses to acknowledge them for most of the series, though it is clear that he develops feelings for Kagome and is obviously confused about what to do about it. Both he and Kagome are also extremely jealous and overreact whenever someone or something else comes between them. Kagome, for example, will angrily retreat to the present time when Inuyasha does not return her feelings and complain to her mother and her friends, leaving Inuyasha to sit and brood. Inuyasha , on the other hand, becomes extremely agitated if another man tries to woo Kagome, and will even overexert himself in battle to prove that he is more desirable. However, these more stereotypical aspects of their relationship become less apparent as the series progresses and they mature, and when they do arise, it becomes mostly for comic relief. Another interesting point to note is that Inuyasha and Kagome’s relationship blossoms despite never becoming sexual- the most sexual experience that they have together is accidentally seeing one another naked during baths. Adults in the series are typically absent or used as comic relief, and very few of them have a positive impact on the teenaged characters. Inuyasha’s parents are both deceased, and Kagome’s father is rarely mentioned and it is never stated whether or not he is alive. Their travel companions also have deceased parents, all of which died in traumatic ways. Two adult characters that do appear regularly are Myoga and Jaken , both of which are in subservient roles to younger characters and are often the source of comic relief. Myoga is a flea demon that was once the retainer to Inuyasha’s father, a powerful demon lord, and now acts as a retainer to Inuyasha himself. Despite this, however, Myoga is a coward and often runs from battle much to the annoyance of Inuyasha and his companions. Jaken is much like Myoga , though he acts a servant to Inuyasha’s half-brother, Sesshomaru . Jaken , despite being thousands of years older than Sesshomaru , is in such awe of his lord that his adoration becomes ridiculous. He is also a bit of a coward, but he tries not to show it in order to impress his lord. Two adults that are shown in a positive light are Kagome’s mother and Kaede , an elderly priestess in the past. While Kagome’s mother does not play a very large role in the show (she isn’t even given a name), she is very supportive of her daughter’s obligations in the past as well as her relationship with Inuyasha , and she also offers Kagome advice whenever she and Inuyasha have been arguing. Meanwhile, Kaede is definitely a mentor figure, dispensing wisdom to the younger characters and especially Kagome, who also has spiritual priestess powers due to being a reincarnation of one. Despite her age, Kaede has occasionally fought alongside the teenaged characters and is shown as being as powerful and competent as they are. In Inuyasha , adults are mostly absent, or used as comic relief, and teenaged characters display troublesome behavior. Kagome’s maturity is viewed as a positive thing, even though she is distanced from her friends in the present as a result. In general, the show rewards the development of teenaged characters from adolescence into adulthood. While Inuyasha has some progressive themes, it is mostly enforcing stereotypes associated with teens.

In children’s film Anastasia (which is not a Disney movie) there are a lot of forms of interpellation, which I have never noticed before. Interpellation is when a film or book works to make certain social values more important. These can be values of race, gender, class, or any other values society thinks are important. In the video “Mickey Mouse Monopoly” they look at how Disney tries to portray values within their films. Some watch this and can’t believe they did not see it before but that is why interpellation is so important, it is mostly done unconsciously.

Anya is a strong willed, brave, and intelligent girl. Through out the film she is learning to become Russian royalty, all the character surrounding her expect her to become the Princess Anastasia. Dimitri and Vladimir have their own selfish reason for trying to trick the Empress Marie that Anya is her long lost granddaughter Anastasia; they will receive a large sum of money from her. Anya has always wanted a family and the only clue to any is a necklace that says “together in Paris .” She can not get to Paris on her own and when Dimitri finds her and see how much she looks like the Princess Anastasia he uses her want for a family against her. Rasputin knows that she is the lost princess and so through the movie he tries to complete his curse on the Romanov family by killing her. After Sophie tests her with only questions Anastasia would know, she joins the group in trying to get her to become the princess. Anya is surrounded by pressure to become the Princess Anastasia.

Even as a little girl I loved history. The film Anastasia has always been one of my favorite movies because it not only has rich Russian history but it is also about “a rumor , a legend, a mystery” that is Anastasia’s story. One way society can use interpellation is through there portrayal of history. Most children’s movies “dumb down” history because the believe children cannot handle the violence that actually occurred. In Anastasia they don’t necessarily change history, but rather don’t tell the whole story. The Romanovs were killed but it was not because Rasputin but a curse on them. Rasputin did not have magical powers but was with the Romanov because of his influence over Tsarina Alexandra whom he became a personal advisor and confidant to. Also the Romanovs were killed because Nicholas II was not a good czar and the military took over. This is sort of shown in the movie, but Nicholas II is portrayed as good czar. It is much like in Pocahontas when the Europeans and Indians think each other are savages, then they realize there is nothing wrong with each other and the Europeans go home; it never mentions the genocide of the Indians!

One of the most common was a movie uses interpellations is through gender. Child’s movies portray females as the weaker sex and males as the stronger. When Dimitri , Vladimir, and Anastasia are traveling to Paris on a train there is an explosion and Dimirti goes out to investigate and tells Anastasia to stay where it is safe. This is saying that it is the male’s job to protect the female and make sure she is safe. There are two events in which Dimitri comes to Anastasia’s rescue. Once is when she is sleep walking and almost jumps off a ship. When he wakes her up she runs into his arms and cries. The other time is when Rasputin attacks Anastasia and she is about to fall into the river. This is saying that a women needs a man to come to her aid, she cannot save herself. Another way to just gender is that females should act in a particular way. There is always the idea that all girls want to be a princess and that a princess should act a certain way. At one point Vladimir says, “ she certainly has a mind of her own,” in which Dimitri responds “yeah. I hate that in a woman.”   This gives that idea that if a woman wants an attractive man like Dimitri , a female should not have a mind of her own. In the song “Learn To Do It” some of the lyrics say, “Now, shoulders back and stand up straight/ And do not walk, but try to float/ You give a bow/ Your hand receives a kiss/ Now, elbows in and sit up straight/ And never slurp the stroganoff.” These lyrics are telling Anastasia how she should act to become a proper lady, a lady of royalty. At certain times in the movie Anya dresses up in beautiful dress, hair done perfectly and lovely jewelry. At all these times when Dimirti becomes either nervous around Anastasia, gives her a compliment or is total shock at her beauty. This tells little girls that it is ok to use your body to get a man’s attention instead of using your intelligence.

The story of Anastasia is about a Russian girl with Russian men, Dimirti and Vladimir. Then why doesn’t Anastasia and Dimitri look Russian! Both of the main characters look more English or American then they do Russian. This unconsciously shows that the United States and Britain are more important then other countries. When the main characters get to Sophie’s house there is a maid who is dressed up in an extremely sexy maid outfit. This is a stereotype that shows French maids are all sexy and wear skimpy clothes. The characters go showing in Paris before they go to the play, where they sing a song called “Paris Holds The Key To Your Heart.” During the song there show many stereotypes against the French. For example most of the people on the streets are in love and when they go into a bar, there are Can-Can dancers. Not everyone in Paris is in love or a Can-Can dancer! The lyrics for the song also confirm that all French people must be in love, “There’s love in the air/ The French have it down to an art/ When your heart says don’t/ The French say do!”

Another form of interpellation is the idea of class, which I believe is used a lot in the movie. When Dimitri and Anastasia care children, Anastasia who is rich is polite and listens to her father whereas Dimitri who is poor is causing mischief and stealing apples. In another part a poor man sings “I got this from the palace/ It’s line with real fur” this is saying that all poor people steal, which is not true. When Anastasia is “poor” she is in rags and has her hair hidden in a hat but when Dimitri gives her a new dress she comes out looks gorgeous with a tight fitting blue dress and her hair brushed and in a bow, saying that the rich are cleaner and better then the poor. At one point Dimitri , who has fallen in love with Anastasia says, “ princesses don’t marry kitchen boys.” This is society’s idea that a princesses or someone with money should only marry someone within their social class. At the end of the movie, everyone dressed in elegant clothes and go the ballet. Anastasia is dressed in a beautiful purple dress with sparkling diamonds. She not only gets “check out” by Dimitri but it says that only the rich go to the ballet. I find it rather interesting that the ballet they are watching is Cinderella , which in some ways mirrors Anastasia’s life. Cinderella had a harsh life with her stepmother and stepsisters but eventually founds her place with Prince Charming. Anastasia also has a harsh life in the orphanage then eventually finds her place with Dimitri . I also find it interesting that both Anastasia and her grandmother are wearing purple with is the color of royalty.

Anastasia is different then a lot of the Disney princesses because she has a lot of agency over her life. She does dangerous things throughout the movie which some would believe a woman should not do. At the end of the movie Dimitri saves her, but after he saves her, she stands up to Rasputin and it is her who kills him. Throughout the movie Anastasia is under great pressure to become the lost princess. At the end of the movie she chooses not to be the princess but instead to be with Dimitri . This could be taken in two ways. One that she is giving up her agency to be with a man, much like in Mulan when at the end of the movie after taking on the role of a man she once again takes on the woman’s expected role of getting married. The other way to view this is that she took her own agency in not becoming the typical princess but being without her love because he is from a lower social status.

Interpellation is a process in which individuals take in and “soak up” ideas without first thinking about how those ideas may affect their lives.   These ideas are presented in a manner by which the individual acts as a human sponge and absorbs the information without thinking about it.   This process is a part of every day life, and is deeply imbedded into children’s literature.   This is a way for authors to pass on their ideals without observably stating the idea they wish to pass on.   This is how many children learn and eventually form opinions of their own concerning various topics and how the world works.   This can be done through books, movies, and the mass media in general.   Interpellation affects how individuals view gender, race, and social or class status of themselves as well as those around them.  

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            The Black Cauldron is a Walt Disney film based on the first two books in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander.   The movie was released in 1985 and was met with much criticism.   The story is about a young man, Taran , and his quest to keep a powerful, magical cauldron from coming into the possession of the evil Horned King.   The story is set in the mystical land of Prydain during what appears to be the Dark Ages.   This is where Taran works as an assistant pig keeper under the supervision of an older gentleman named Dallben .   There is never any mention of Taran’s parents, and so Dallben takes on a fatherly role for him.   Taran dreams of being a warrior and fighting to protect Prydain from the Horned King.   When Taran discovers that Hen Wen , the big he tends to, is an oracular pig, he is pushed to take on a new role.   In some ways he gets his wish, but he has to prove to himself that he is capable before he can fulfill his role.   He is give much more responsibility and has to learn to believe in himself before others will.  

            Early on in the film, Taran is set up to be the hero of the story.   He starts his journey as an anxious young pig keeper, and has to work hard to keep the cauldron from falling into the hands of the Horned King.   When the kind discovers that Hen Wen can reveal the secret location of the cauldron, Taran is told to take the pig and keep her safe.   He alone can keep her away from the king, and has terrible odds to work against.   Dallben orders Taran to take the pig to a cottage in the forest to keep her safe.   As Taran leaves, Dallben makes a comment concerning the responsibility Taran has taken on by stating, “so much, so soon…to rest on his young shoulders.”   This is where Taran accepts the role as hero and protector.   This responsibility gives him agency over the situation at hand.  

            When Hen Wen is captured by the Horned King, Taran is forced to show him where the cauldron is to save both his life and the pig’s.   he helps Hen Wen escape and is locked in the dungeon of the King’s castle.   He vows to find the cauldron before the Horned King does so that Prydain will be safe.   While locked away in the king’s dungeon he meets Eilonwy , a princess who was also captured to find information about the cauldron.   Upon meeting Taran , who is frustrated because he has fialed Dallben , she asks, “ are you a lord? Or a warrior?”   Taran answers, stating, “uh…no.   I’m an assistant pig keeper.”   Eilonwy responds to this with some degree of sorrow, “oh…What a pity.   I was so hoping for someone who could help me escape.”   The princess assumes that because he is just a pig keeper, he is not capable of helping her to escape from the king’s dungeon.   This also leads the audience to believe that she cannot escape on her own.   She is using the princess role and being interpellated into the idea that she has to be rescued.   Later on, she does just that, she is rescued by Taran after he has found a magic sword and he and Eilonwy have met another prisoner, a minstrel by the name of Fflewddur Fflam .   As the three of them are being chased by the Horned King’s henchmen, Taran looks to Eilonwy and says, “I am going to get you out of here.”   This is the point where he accepts his role as her hero and she as the damsel in distress.

            The three escape from the castle and set out to find the cauldron.   Taran finds Hen Wen with the Fairfolk and one of the fairies, Doli , lead the three of them to the last known location of the cauldron.   Once they arrive there, they are “greeted” by three witches.   One of them tries to seduce Fflewddur .   She is a larger woman, but by far the prettiest of the three. She has rosy cheeks, long red hair, large breasts, and on of the warts that her sisters possess.   Taran strikes a deal with the sisters to trade his sword for the cauldron.   Once they have received the cauldron, the witches inform Taran and his companions that the only way to stop the evil magic of the cauldron is for someone to willingly climb into the cauldron and give their life.   Before they can decide what to do, the three are again captured by the Horned King.   He takes the cauldron and raises his army of dead soldiers.   Taran , Eilonwy , and Fflewddur are rescued by Gurgi , a rambunctious, childlike creature who befriended Taran in the woods during his original quest to keep Hen Wen safe.   Taran decides to sacrifice himself to the cauldron to save Eilonwy and Fflewddur .   However, before he can, Gurgi jumps into the cauldron himself and reverses its evil magic.   Taran rescues Eilonwy and Fflewddur again and gets them out of the castle again before it collapses.  

            In the end, the witches return, wanting the powerless cauldron back.   Taran bargains with them again and asks that Gurgi be returned to them from the cauldron.   His demands are granted but only once he tells the witches that they can keep his sword.   Taran has saved the day again and become the hero after all.   He has given in to his role as a hero and a rescuer.   Eilonwy , however strong-willed and outspoken she may be, has also been interpellated into her role as a damsel in need of a rescuer.   They leave the forest together….

and live happily ever after…

            I found several examples of gender interpellation as I was watching the movie.   Most of these observations are of Eilonwy and the way she is portrayed and treated throughout the film.   There are few female characters at all in the movie- Eilonwy , Hen Wen , a fairy, and the witches- this is keeping in mind that Hen Wen is a pig with a relatively small, however important, part.

            First of all, I have to comment on the clothing of the characters.   All of the males ( Taran , Fflewddur , Dallben , etc.) are dressed in dull earthy tones.   Taran wears a dark green, whereas Eilonwy is wearing a pale purple dress.   One of the fairfolk , a young female fairy, is dressed in pinks of various shades while all the boys are wearing greens and blues and oranges.   During one point in the film, Eilonwy crawls out of a dusty tunnel into a dusty room and takes the time to wipe the dirt off of her dress, knowing that she is going to get just as dirty all over again.

            Next is the role of Princess Eilonwy .   She is the only major female role in the movie.   She is the damsel in distress.   She is personally strong-willed and comes off as independent, but in the end she still needs to be saved by a male.   She is smart enough to find her way through the castle and even lead Taran out of the dungeon, but she cannot escape on her own.   She is under the impression that she has to have a warrior come and save her, and in the end she does.

            Once Taran has gotten Eilonwy and Fflewddur from the castle, we come to a scene in the forest.   Taran is playing around and swinging his sword through the air while Fflewddur plays his harp behind a group of bushes.   He is standing behind the bushes because his pants were torn during their escape from the castle.   Eilonwy is sitting on a log sewing up his pants.   This shows that she is somewhat domesticated.   The men are having a good time while she fixes Fflewddur’s pants.   Sewing is something that is stereotypically done by a woman.   Later in the woods, the three are discussing their escape.   Taran tries to take credit for their getaway, but Eilonwy points out that the sword Taran carries is enchanted, thereby transferring some of the credit to the sword.   Taran responds with a relatively sexist remark, “ what does a girl know about swords?”   This is to say that girls could not know anything about swords because they are something that only boys would know about.   Eilonwy tries to defend herself and fight back, but eventually gives in to her emotions and cries.   She storms off and he follows her to apologize.   This could lead one to believe that females are fragile and overly emotional.   This assumption of emotion comes up again later when Taran doubts himself and his abilities.   She supports him and even tells him “I believe in you.”   These words would not mean the same thing if they were coming from Fflewddur .   They renew Taran’s faith in himself because they come from a caring and emotional person—a ‘woman.’

            I noticed that while there is a distinction between the classes of the main characters, none of them seem to have a problem with the fact that they are from different levels of society.   Eilonwy is a princess, this means that she is of royal blood, but she seems perfectly content to be friends with a pig keeper.   Taran is an assistant pig keeper, who becomes the princess’s rescuer.   And in between these two is Fflewddur Fflam , the minstrel.   Ordinarily, it would have been his job to entertain people of stature such as Eilonwy , but she never asks him to, or orders him to, or even suggests it.   They see each other as people, not different occupations and places or levels in life.   Their differences in status do not prevent them from befriending each other.

            I think that the film wants the audience to walk away with a feeling of possibility.   Anything is possible.   While there are several indications in the film that boys are better rescuers, and that women are just emotional and have to have the assistance of a male, I don’t feel that this is the main message of the film.   The characters went up against terrible odds; they faced the Horned King, and defeated him.    The befriended total strangers, and in the end they won out over evil.   I feel that this was the main purpose of the movie, to show that no matter what we are faced with, there is always a way.   The movie explored the land of the mystical: talking creatures, winged dragons, and magic cauldrons.   This excites the imagination of the audience, and makes all the little idiosyncrasies of the movie seem to fade away.   One gets caught up in the film, and doesn’t notice that Eilonwy’s dress is purple, or that Gurgi is childlike.   They see interesting characters who work together to conquer a magical king and save the world.

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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

The online eclipse experience: People on X get creative, political and possibly blind

The 2024 total eclipse is caused by a rare alignment in celestial spheres that will send millions of people in the path of totality outside to peer at the sky.

People have booked their Airbnbs years in advance , eclipse glasses are selling out and forecasters have been warning of cloudy skies for weeks.

Regardless of how otherworldly this event is and how much planning people have dedicated to experiencing it in person, the internet is being the internet and providing an eclipse experience of its own.

GIFs, quips and skits are flooding social media platforms like X on Monday.

Here are some of the best social media reactions to the eclipse:

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

Forgot your eclipse glasses? So did the internet

Proper eye safety is recommended for looking at the sun during an eclipse, and several places like Warby Parker and public libraries have been giving them away for free.

But some poor souls didn't secure their pair in advance, and the internet knows it:

"I don’t have eclipse glasses and I don’t trust myself not to look at the sun," one user posted on X.

"During the eclipse, it’s important not to stare at the Sun directly, as it will take this as a provocation. Look away to the sides to indicate clearly that you are not a threat to the Sun. Do NOT run away; this will activate the Sun’s predation instinct, and then God help us all," another posted .

Viral moment: Looking back (but not directly at) Donald Trump's 2017 solar eclipse moment

Some people are making their own eclipses

*flips ipad around*, of course, it's getting political.

Several supporters of former President Donald Trump have also made their own footage showing Trump eclipsing President Joe Biden , indicating their hope for the 2024 presidential election.

"Biggest Event of 2024," wrote one user , with a picture of Trump "eclipsing" Biden attached.

But many people are reminiscing about the 2017 eclipse, when Trump seemingly looked up at the sky without glasses .

Biden joined in poking fun at him in a post saying, "don't be silly, folks – play it safe and wear protective eyewear," a presumed nod to Trump's viral moment.

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, Natalie Alund

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A collection of guides and examples for the Gemini API.

google-gemini/cookbook

Folders and files, repository files navigation, welcome to the gemini api cookbook.

This is a collection of guides and examples for the Gemini API, including quickstart tutorials for writing prompts and using different features of the API, and examples of things you can build.

Get started with the Gemini API

The Gemini API gives you access to Gemini models created by Google DeepMind . Gemini models are built from the ground up to be multimodal, so you can reason seamlessly across text, images, code, and audio. You can use these to develop a range of applications .

Start developing

• Go to Google AI Studio .
• Login with your Google account.
• Create an API key.
• Use a quickstart for Python, or call the REST API using curl .

Capabilities

Learn about the capabilities of the Gemini API by checking out the quickstarts for safety , embeddings , function calling , audio , and more.

Official SDKs

The Gemini API is a REST API. You can call the API using a command line tool like curl , or by using one of our official SDKs:

• Dart (Flutter)

Open an issue on GitHub.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome. See contributing to learn more.

Thank you for developing with the Gemini API! We’re excited to see what you create.

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NPR in Turmoil After It Is Accused of Liberal Bias

An essay from an editor at the broadcaster has generated a firestorm of criticism about the network on social media, especially among conservatives.

By Benjamin Mullin and Katie Robertson

NPR is facing both internal tumult and a fusillade of attacks by prominent conservatives this week after a senior editor publicly claimed the broadcaster had allowed liberal bias to affect its coverage, risking its trust with audiences.

Uri Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, wrote in an essay published Tuesday by The Free Press, a popular Substack publication, that “people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview.”

Mr. Berliner, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, castigated NPR for what he said was a litany of journalistic missteps around coverage of several major news events, including the origins of Covid-19 and the war in Gaza. He also said the internal culture at NPR had placed race and identity as “paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace.”

Mr. Berliner’s essay has ignited a firestorm of criticism of NPR on social media, especially among conservatives who have long accused the network of political bias in its reporting. Former President Donald J. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to argue that NPR’s government funding should be rescinded, an argument he has made in the past.

NPR has forcefully pushed back on Mr. Berliner’s accusations and the criticism.

“We’re proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories,” Edith Chapin, the organization’s editor in chief, said in an email to staff on Tuesday. “We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world.” Some other NPR journalists also criticized the essay publicly, including Eric Deggans, its TV critic, who faulted Mr. Berliner for not giving NPR an opportunity to comment on the piece.

In an interview on Thursday, Mr. Berliner expressed no regrets about publishing the essay, saying he loved NPR and hoped to make it better by airing criticisms that have gone unheeded by leaders for years. He called NPR a “national trust” that people rely on for fair reporting and superb storytelling.

“I decided to go out and publish it in hopes that something would change, and that we get a broader conversation going about how the news is covered,” Mr. Berliner said.

He said he had not been disciplined by managers, though he said he had received a note from his supervisor reminding him that NPR requires employees to clear speaking appearances and media requests with standards and media relations. He said he didn’t run his remarks to The New York Times by network spokespeople.

When the hosts of NPR’s biggest shows, including “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” convened on Wednesday afternoon for a long-scheduled meet-and-greet with the network’s new chief executive, Katherine Maher , conversation soon turned to Mr. Berliner’s essay, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. During the lunch, Ms. Chapin told the hosts that she didn’t want Mr. Berliner to become a “martyr,” the people said.

Mr. Berliner’s essay also sent critical Slack messages whizzing through some of the same employee affinity groups focused on racial and sexual identity that he cited in his essay. In one group, several staff members disputed Mr. Berliner’s points about a lack of ideological diversity and said efforts to recruit more people of color would make NPR’s journalism better.

On Wednesday, staff members from “Morning Edition” convened to discuss the fallout from Mr. Berliner’s essay. During the meeting, an NPR producer took issue with Mr. Berliner’s argument for why NPR’s listenership has fallen off, describing a variety of factors that have contributed to the change.

Mr. Berliner’s remarks prompted vehement pushback from several news executives. Tony Cavin, NPR’s managing editor of standards and practices, said in an interview that he rejected all of Mr. Berliner’s claims of unfairness, adding that his remarks would probably make it harder for NPR journalists to do their jobs.

“The next time one of our people calls up a Republican congressman or something and tries to get an answer from them, they may well say, ‘Oh, I read these stories, you guys aren’t fair, so I’m not going to talk to you,’” Mr. Cavin said.

Some journalists have defended Mr. Berliner’s essay. Jeffrey A. Dvorkin, NPR’s former ombudsman, said Mr. Berliner was “not wrong” on social media. Chuck Holmes, a former managing editor at NPR, called Mr. Berliner’s essay “brave” on Facebook.

Mr. Berliner’s criticism was the latest salvo within NPR, which is no stranger to internal division. In October, Mr. Berliner took part in a lengthy debate over whether NPR should defer to language proposed by the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association while covering the conflict in Gaza.

“We don’t need to rely on an advocacy group’s guidance,” Mr. Berliner wrote, according to a copy of the email exchange viewed by The Times. “Our job is to seek out the facts and report them.” The debate didn’t change NPR’s language guidance, which is made by editors who weren’t part of the discussion. And in a statement on Thursday, the Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association said it is a professional association for journalists, not a political advocacy group.

Mr. Berliner’s public criticism has highlighted broader concerns within NPR about the public broadcaster’s mission amid continued financial struggles. Last year, NPR cut 10 percent of its staff and canceled four podcasts, including the popular “Invisibilia,” as it tried to make up for a $30 million budget shortfall. Listeners have drifted away from traditional radio to podcasts, and the advertising market has been unsteady.

In his essay, Mr. Berliner laid some of the blame at the feet of NPR’s former chief executive, John Lansing, who said he was retiring at the end of last year after four years in the role. He was replaced by Ms. Maher, who started on March 25.

During a meeting with employees in her first week, Ms. Maher was asked what she thought about decisions to give a platform to political figures like Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican Party chair whose position as a political analyst at NBC News became untenable after an on-air revolt from hosts who criticized her efforts to undermine the 2020 election.

“I think that this conversation has been one that does not have an easy answer,” Ms. Maher responded.

Benjamin Mullin reports on the major companies behind news and entertainment. Contact Ben securely on Signal at +1 530-961-3223 or email at [email protected] . More about Benjamin Mullin

Katie Robertson covers the media industry for The Times. Email:  [email protected]   More about Katie Robertson

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Electrical Engineering and Systems Science > Audio and Speech Processing

Title: differentiable all-pole filters for time-varying audio systems.

Abstract: Infinite impulse response filters are an essential building block of many time-varying audio systems, such as audio effects and synthesisers. However, their recursive structure impedes end-to-end training of these systems using automatic differentiation. Although non-recursive filter approximations like frequency sampling and frame-based processing have been proposed and widely used in previous works, they cannot accurately reflect the gradient of the original system. We alleviate this difficulty by re-expressing a time-varying all-pole filter to backpropagate the gradients through itself, so the filter implementation is not bound to the technical limitations of automatic differentiation frameworks. This implementation can be employed within any audio system containing filters with poles for efficient gradient evaluation. We demonstrate its training efficiency and expressive capabilities for modelling real-world dynamic audio systems on a phaser, time-varying subtractive synthesiser, and feed-forward compressor. We make our code available and provide the trained audio effect and synth models in a VST plugin at this https URL .

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