The Assignment: In “World of Tomorrow,” Don Hertzfeldt depicts a futuristic world in which advanced longevity (life extension) technology is a reality. While the world Hertzfeldt depicts is an exaggerated version of our own reality, for many years, people in all cultures have been trying to extend human life, and sincere efforts by researchers to develop technology that will help extend human life are well under way.
Consider not only the personal and societal disadvantages of extending the human lifespan but also the conscious and subconscious reasons people are so interested in living longer. Think about Hertzfeldt’s ideas about this. Then write an essay in which you explain what Hertzfeldt is saying about ONE of the following topics in “World of Tomorrow”:
• technology and humans’ capacity for emotions/social interaction
• humans’ attitudes toward death
• longevity technology and social class
• technology and memory
Use evidence from the film (NO outside sources) to support your view. This means that you may direct quotes from the film, paraphrase character’s words, and/or provide summary of events and ideas from the film.
Requirements:
• 750 words
• MLA format
• Do not use “I,” “you”,” or “we”
• Evidence from the film (direct quotes and/or examples)
Due: on Turnitin by Sunday, 7 October, 11:59pm
Organization (how to structure your essay):
In an analytical essay, the writer’s purpose is to examine a work (in this case, a film), interpret its meaning, and present an argument based on and supported by material in the work (the film).
• The writer reveals his or her argument at the end of the introduction, in the thesis statement.
• The writer uses the body of the essay to explain the argument in more detail and to support it with evidence.
• The writer uses the conclusion of the essay to acknowledge that the reader is in a new place. The conclusion should not be used as a summary of what the writer already said in the thesis or the body but should present a final thought—something the writer wants the reader to consider. Sometimes this final thought comes in the form of a question. Try not to overthink the conclusion. Keep it short, feel free to experiment and get creative.
In general, the analytical essay should be organized as: an introduction (one paragraph) with a thesis statement at the end, body (several paragraphs), and a conclusion (one paragraph).
• Introduction: Your reader may not be familiar with the topic of life extension technology and its potential effects on people who use it, so in your introduction you should:
o include a brief introduction to the topic of your essay (This depends on what your thesis is focused on)
o include a brief summary of Don Hertzfeldt’s short film “World of Tomorrow” (Don’t forget to include the director’s full name)
o state a thesis at the end of the intro that discusses what you think Hertzfeldt’s film is saying about the topic you’ve chosen
• Body: Each paragraph should focus on just one point, and each point should somehow explain your thesis more specifically; it should connect to and expand on the thesis. Use S-E-I-S structure to help you organize and focus your paragraphs, making sure to incorporate direct quotes from the film, paraphrase of people’s words, and/or summary of events and ideas from the film
o S—State your point (ONE sentence)
o E—Explain your point more specifically (Can be as many sentences as you need)
o I—Illustrate your point with a specific example from the film (Can be as many sentences as you need)
o S—Show the connection between the illustration (example) and your point (Can be as many sentences as you need)
• Conclusion: Your analytical essay should include a conclusion that gives the reader something to think about. Have fun with this. I promise I will not downgrade your paper if your conclusion doesn’t work. Use this as an opportunity to try something new, risk-free!
Assignment’s Purpose:
This assignment addresses the English 100 SLOs 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6:
• employ the writing process in order to understand and complete the writing task (1)
• write an essay that has a specific purpose, in response to specific writing prompts and course assignments (2)
• write a multi-paragraph essay with specific details, examples, and illustrations to fulfill a purpose (3)
• write in prose style characterized by clarity, complexity, and variety (5)
• adhere to the conventions of standard written English in accord with MLA style (6)
