time, space, and human connectivity

 time, space, and human connectivity

PART 1: ANALYSIS:

Write a three-page character analysis that addresses time, space, and human connectivity. Focus on one character, using others for support as needed. Use academic sources to support your argument.

Connect your analysis to the reading in this module.

Since this is our first deep critical thinking essay, I’m going to give you a lot of guidance. For the rest of the semester, you’ll be expected to do the work yourself!

KEEP IN MIND:

• Write in essay format at the college level
  • Introduction, body, and conclusion
  • Transitional sentences
  • Formatted, edited, and organized according to the writing guide(images not required)
  • Write in third person
• Use your own words (plagiarism = automatic zero)[unique_solution]
• Organize your paper as follows:
  • Title page
  • Body of essay- three full pages
    • Your name, date, etc. belong on the title page ONLY
    • Do not add extra returns after paragraphs
  • Notes
  • Bibliography
• Be clear and use the correct vocabulary- make sure the reader knows you know what you’re saying
• Convert your file into a .pdfLinks to an external site.
• Essays due February 10

ESSAY PROMPT

TIPS:

• Read the entire prompt before viewing the film
  • Take notes while viewing
  • Think about the material from the module and synthesize the ideas into your essay
• Do not write a summary of the film
• Do not write your opinions about the film
  • State a point-of-view only if you can support it

Read the module and all associated links. Watch the film, and give yourself at least 2-3 days to digest it before writing. Think about how all the pieces of the module come together.

VIEWING QUESTIONS and CONCEPTS are things to think about in context of the film. This is fuel for your analysis. Do not answer the questions and put them together to make an essay.

EXPOSITION statements are suggestions on how the synthesized information should be used.

OVERARCHING THEMES- SHOULD BE WOVEN INTO YOUR ESSAY REGARDLESS OF THE CHARACTER YOU CHOOSE

• TIME: Several characters have to deal with an unexplained sense of lost time.
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: Would you really notice if parts of your memory were gone?
• SPACE: There is a sense of collapsed space throughout the film.
  • CONCEPTS: Dreams, nostalgia, age…
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: How are memories compressed in dreams? How does the mind manipulate space, depth, and time? Think about a time you revisited a location that you remember from childhood: how has the space changed?
• CONNECTIVITY: Imagine you could erase one person from your life.
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: How many other things would be affected by the absence of that one person? Think about It’s a Wonderful Lifeand how George Bailey’s non-existence affects so many people. Would the loss of a painful memory be worth losing everything else?

SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIMARY CHARACTER ANALYSES

• CLEMENTINE: FLUX
  • Clementine’s hair color changes in the film: red, blue, green, and orange. It changes from bright and freshly dyed to faded and worn.
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: What do these colors represent? How do the meanings of the colors reflect stages of Clementine and Joel’s relationship?
  • EXPOSITION: Explain how her haircolor establishes the linear narrative timeline of the film and how it relates to different periods of her relationship with Joel.
• JOEL: STABILITY
  • Joel desires stability.
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: How does Joel’s environment reflect his desire for stability? Is he satisfied with a quiet life? Was he different before the first time he met Clementine? What do his childhood memories tell us about his personality?
  • EXPOSITION: Argue whether or not Clementine made a lasting impression on Joel. Support your argument with specific examples.
• MARY: REDEMPTION
  • Mary strikes a balance between the extremes of the rest of the characters.
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: Isn’t ignorance bliss?
  • EXPOSITION: Explain how differently the story would unfold if not for Mary.

SUGGESTIONS FOR SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

• PATRICK
  • VIEWING QUESTION: How does Patrick’s attempt to seduce Clementine with stolen objects expose the flaws in Dr. Mierzwiak’s procedure?
  • CONCEPTS: Deception, abuse of power, authenticity, flattery…
• CARRIE and ROB
  • VIEWING QUESTIONS: Why is Carrie and Rob’s relationship significant? What do they bring to the story?
  • CONCEPTS: Fulfillment, stability, stagnancy…
• STAN
  • VIEWING QUESTION: How does Stan’s relationship with Mary mirror Joel’s relationship with Clementine?
  • CONCEPTS: Boredom, reliability, simplicity, …