Essay on Discovering One’s Identity
How Do Writers Convey Culture? Each of the writers we’ve encountered thus far have shown us their unique styles and distinct voices. Anwar Accawi, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Chang Rae-Lee, Amy Tan, and Reshma Memon Yaqub, all give us glimpses into their lives and childhoods, and in the process, they illuminate aspects of their cultures. But how do they accomplish this? For this assignment, I’d like you to make an observation about at least one way in which these authors convey bits and pieces of their cultures to their audiences, their readers. For example, do the writers use metaphors and similes to make comparisons that outsiders can understand? Do they use humor to tell us funny stories to help us to relate? Do they include vivid descriptions of food to invite us into their worlds? Do they share examples of their languages, maybe sharing proverbs from their cultures or translations or specific pronunciations? Or is it something else? In a 750-1000 word essay, discuss at least one method or technique used by these writers to describe their cultures. In your essay, please reference at least THREE of the five essays using brief quotations to support your points. Include page references after each quotation and include a works cited list at the end of your paper. Proofread and edit carefully. Sample Thesis and Outline: I. Introduction A. The importance of home B. Thesis Statement: Chang Rae-Lee, Judith Ortiz Cofer, and Anwar Accawi describe, in succinct detail, interiors of the childhood homes to convey intimate details of their respective cultures. II. Chang Rae Lee’s Childhood Apartment A. Example with supporting quotation B. Analysis III. Judith Ortiz Cofer’s Childhood Apartment A. Examples with supporting quotation B. Analysis IV. Anwar Accawi’s Village Buildings A. Examples with supporting quotations B. Analysis V. Conclusion A. Restate the importance of home/thesis B. Final thoughts. Additional quotation? Page Citation Example: Ortiz Cofer uses color to describe her memories of Paterson. Cofer writes, “My memories of life in Paterson during those first few years are all in shades of gray” (47). Works Cited Format: Ortiz Cofer, Judith. “Silent Dancing.” The Best American Essays, 7th College Edition, edited by Robert Atwan, Publisher, 2014, 46-55.
Writing an essay is one of the ways people can freely express themselves. Through writing, they can convey their cultures.
