Brave New World essay
Essay Options:
1. Motif-driven
A motif is a recurring element in literature that helps lead to a central theme; a motif can be something tangible (like hands or the red hunting hat in Catcher) or intangible (the concept of the beast or the light/dark contrast in LOTF). Identify a motif from BNW and explore how Huxley incorporates it throughout the novel, ultimately using that motif to reveal a theme to his readers.
2. Dystopia-driven
Dystopian texts are the product of authors’ concerns about the present. The writers then speculate about what could potentially unfold in the future if the problems of the present aren’t resolved. Choose one problem* that Huxley seemed to be particularly concerned about, and analyze how he expresses that worry over the course of the novel. What is the theme that Huxley ultimately reveals to his readers about this issue?
*If you want to bring a historical element into your writing, feel free to do some research on Huxley’s era. Be sure to cite any sources that you end up using, both parenthetically in the body of your essay as well as in the works cited page at the end.
Since theme is a part of both options above, a reminder: themes should be universal in nature (a lesson applicable to the readers just as it applies to the novel) and should be phrased as independent clauses (can’t be fragmental or just a word or two).
Guidelines:
*5 Page minimum.
*4-5 paragraph structure (same length expectation applies either way)
*1-2 quotations from BNW per body paragraph
*Citations for all sources, including BNW itself
*Essays will be submitted through Classroom, as well as a submission to turnitin.com.
*Be sure to go back and utilize the feedback on your Catcher essays – it’s the most individually-tailored writing instruction you’ve been given this year. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification if you’re not sure how to translate that feedback into your writing!