Context:
In this unit, you have studied a film and a prose text that offer perspectives on the power of being seen and heard in society.
Electric lit is an online publication that aims to expand the influence of literature in Popular culture by fostering lively and innovative literary conversations’ (https://electricliterature.com). An upcoming series of essays will celebrate ‘The Power of Voice!
You have been asked to write an online literary essay for Electric lit that analyses how literary texts such as film and prose challenge the power structures of society.
Task
Using the two pieces studied in class: The Great Gasby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream⎜WHY POVERTY?⎜(Documentary) (youtube.com/watch?v=6niWzomA_So&t=84s&ab_channel=THEWHY), write an online literary essay that analyses the concept of power structures in society to support a perspective.
To complete this task, you must:
– have a thesis
– support your perspective by analysing how the concept of power is constructed and challenged in the film and prose text, for example, through the use of genre conventions, (characterisation, plot, setting), aesthetic features and stylistic devices.
– use your analysis and comparison to prompt readers to consider the relevance both texts have within a contemporary context.
– consider the way cultural assumptions, attitudes, values and beliefs underpin the texts and position the audience to view the power of being seen and heard in society.