Essay 2: Hollywood versus History
For this paper our theme is “Hollywood vs. History.” The purpose here is to compare and analyze the way Hollywood has represented one part of history. Your thesis will ultimately answer this question: How does the Hollywood version compare to the historical account? Note: You may also use a novel in place of a film to make your historical comparison.
You may select any one of the subjects below. I’m sure there are some excellent topics not listed below. Feel free to explore one if you feel so inspired, but please get it cleared first by your instructor. I offered some brief tips to get you started, but you can go in a different direction with any of these as long as you are confident that you are adhering to the assignment requirements.
OFF LIMIT TOPICS: No vampires or pirates. These have been done by previous 101 students over and over again.
• The Wild West: Again, there are a ton of places to explore the Hollywood side of this subject. What was it really like?
• Queen Elizabeth or any of the Tudor’s such as Henry the 8th: If you watch the films that are out there, you’ll start to discover that they often conflict each other, not to mention their lack of historical accuracy.
• Early Native Americans: Most films depict them in a fairly savage light, but is this accurate?
Garrison’s Description of Writing Quality
An “A” paper . . .
has a title and lead that work together smoothly to indicate the direction, scope, and tone of the whole piece. Readers feel the writer’s assurance and have no doubt about what is being communicated.
offers an original and engaging focus.
is packed with information and pertinent detail. Carefully chosen examples have a “just right” feel to them. Vivid language, deft comparisons, and colorful images both please and inform.
organizes the material smoothly, logically. Readers do not stumble or hesitate over the sequence of facts or ideas.
has varied sentences, with rhythm and emphasis appropriate to the meaning. Phrasing is often fluent, even graceful, and the sentences read well aloud.
offers accurate word choices, especially verbs, that are consistent, unambiguous, and sensitive to connotations.
has appropriate, helpful punctuation, displays next to no errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
An “A” paper is not necessarily flawless–there is no such thing in writing. It reflects a writer who is in full control of the material and the language.
A “B” paper has many of the fine qualities of an “A” paper, but . . .
the voice and tone are less apparent, though the writing is ultimately successful.
the introduction fulfills its purpose, though readers may sense that it hasn’t delivered on its promise or that it could be more developed.
the thesis is specific and controls the paper, though the writer may not explicitly connect the supporting evidence to the thesis.
the information is integrated effectively, with only an occasional awkward passage.
the analysis is effective, though it would benefit from a little more commentary and insight .
the writing exhibits clarity of expression, with only an occasional lapse into wordiness or cliché.
diction is largely effective, though verbs may lack energy and action.
syntax and mechanics are mostly successful: very few errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation characterize the prose.
A “B” paper reflects a writer still developing mastery over his or her material and style.
A “C” paper has a number of these characteristics . . .
a thesis controls the paper, though it may be awkwardly worded or vague; the focus may occasionally digress in such a way as to distract readers.
organization is occasionally tangled or difficult to follow.
information is adequate, though the development may lack concrete detail or be too general, inappropriate, or repetitive.
sentences have little structural variety, and phrases may often be awkwardly placed.
diction may lapse into wordiness or clichés.
some errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation may distract the reader.
A “C” paper will do: it’s adequate, but it gives readers the impression of fuzziness or of the writer’s lack of assurance. Readers must work to understand what they are reading.
A “D” paper . . .
leaves the reader with an impression of the writer’s haste, carelessness, lack of attention, or inability to craft direct or even simple sentences.
is not adequate in the categories listed above.
may make sense, but only when readers struggle to find that sense. The writer obviously has scant control of the material.
displays multiple grammar and spelling errors and often a sloppy visual presentation as well.
A “D” paper compels readers to work unnecessarily hard to comprehend the essay.
………Answer preview…….
Based on all products of popular culture, it is evident that none is sharply etched in the human collective imagination that the movies. Hollywood has created more than a few historical movies that portray the past and the present era. In addition, Hollywood also represents novels and describes more than a few factors of the historical events………….
APA
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