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Essay response to the statement:“By reading intertextually, we can examine the ways texts may reflect, reinforce or challenge ideas in other texts, and the way literary texts contribute to the circulation and construction of ideas, beliefs and attitudes in society.”Introduction:While individual texts can provide insight into social conditions, it is only when one reads a number of texts intertextually that we gain a deeper understanding of the values, attitudes and ideologies circulating within a culture. Intertextual readings provide a stronger sense of perspective, either working to reinforce a particular point of view, or offering an alternative view of dominant ideas. The texts A Blow, A Kiss, by Tim Winton and Altar of the Family, by Michael Wilding both offer a representation of the evolution of masculinity in 1970s and 80s Australian Society. Both texts, written from the point of view of a young man, have been constructed around similar ideas of the role of a man. They both work to position the reader to accept the destructiveness of traditional notions of masculinity; while promoting the need of sensitivity in a boys life- an idea that, historically, has been linked to femininity. A Blow, A Kiss and Altar of the Family have both been constructed in such a way as to suggest that the traditional boundaries of masculine and feminine behaviour have, and should, become fluid and individualistic.Annotated version: (choices and comments in italics)While individual texts can provide insight into social conditions, it is only when one reads a number of texts intertextually that we gain a deeper understanding of the values, attitudes and ideologies circulating within a culture. So as I have been saying in class, it is always best to start an essay with a general, ‘grand’ statement that incorporates elements of the essay question. To decide upon a statement, I looked at the central idea of the essay question, which is the power of intertextuality. An essay response to this question will have the power and importance of intertextuality at it’s heart. So, I shaped my grand statement to reflect this importance. For your essay on Monday, think about what lies at the heart of the question, and use that to shape your opening statement.Intertextual readings provide a stronger sense of perspective, either working to reinforce a particular point of view, or offering an alternative view of dominant ideas. This second part of my introduction acts as a follow up to my opening statement. In my ‘grand statement’, I introduce the importance of interextuality. In this second statement, I follow up with why. So, when writing your essay, imagine that someone has read your opening statement then turned around and asked “Why?” – your response should shape the introduction’s second sentence!The texts A Blow, A Kiss, by Tim Winton and Altar of the Family, by Michael Wilding both offer a representation of the evolution of masculinity in 1970s and 80s Australian Society. Both texts, written from the point of view of a young man, have been constructed around similar ideas of the role of a man.Here, I begin introducing my texts. Try not to have more than two sentences in your introduction before introducing the texts. Generally, I follow the rule:Grand statementFollow up statementIntroduction of textsGenerally, I try to introduce the text/s in two sentences – one sentence to capture the ideas presented, and another to very broadly suggest how this is done. They both work to position the reader to accept the destructiveness of traditional notions of masculinity; while promoting the need of sensitivity in a boy’s life- an idea that, historically, has been linked to femininityFollowing the introduction to the texts, include a sentence that presents the central idea of the text/s. Here is a good time to pull out the adjectives; notice how I have used ‘destructiveness’? Exaggerate the ideas to make them sound dramatic! Remember though, this is not the thesis yet—it is still quite general. If we were writing about The Great Gatsby, the statement here would sound something like: The text works to foreground and criticise the moral shallowness of the upper class. It captures the idea, but doesn’t pinpoint your arguments.A Blow, A Kiss and Altar of the Family have both been constructed in such a way as to suggest that the traditional boundaries of masculine and feminine behaviour have, and should, become fluid and individualistic.Here we come to the thesis statement. This is where I have made my central argument, or ‘allegation’, that will be proven throughout the essay. Phrases like “constructed in such a way as to suggest” or “foregrounds the idea that” are perfect for a thesis. It is here that you are saying, ultimately, that the writer has used his/her text to make some kind of statement. Be specific and forceful—write the thesis as if you are a lawyer introducing your case; “I ACCUSE THE DEFENDANT OF USING HIS TEXT TO SUGGEST THAT TRADITIONAL MASCULINITY IS DESTRUCTIVE AND UNPRODUCTIVE!”The rest of your essay will be your ‘case’, being presented to the jury (me!) ................
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