2010, Form B. “You can leave
home all you want, but home will never leave you.” —Sonsyrea Tate
Sonsyrea Tate’s statement suggests
that “home” may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or a
state of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but in
either case, it may have a considerable influence on an individual.
Choose a novel or play in which a central character leaves home yet
finds that home remains significant. Write a well-developed essay in
which you analyze the importance of “home” to this character and
the reasons for its continuing influence. Explain how the character’s
idea of home illuminates the larger meaning of the work. Do not
merely summarize the plot.
For a small individual, home often means security, comfort, and predictability. Without these, he feels out of place, exposed to the dangers of the outside world. No doubt, this was how Bilbo Baggins felt as he was carried away from home to begin Tolkein's novel, The Hobbit. Not even a day's journey from his house, he already began wishing for his handkerchief. Utilizing Bilbo's original fear of leaving his "comfort zone," Tolkein emphasizes his message for us that, insignificant as we may appear, each of us has the capacity to use the skills learned inside our own fields to greatly affect the world beyond.
To start the novel, Tolkein immediately describes Bilbo's character, explaining that he comes from a land where the inhabitants ostracize, and even despise, adventurous people. He likes to think of himself as a typical hobbit, avoiding all unexpected conflict. Later, this aspect of Bilbo becomes his most influencing characteristic. Realizing the dwarves intended to wage war on the very people who helped them, he becomes the key individual pushing for peace between the groups.
Time Elapsed: 40 minutes (cut off at where I got within 40 minute period)
Definitely need to work on piecing ideas together more quickly. I don't even know where I was going to go with this one...
ReplyDeleteHi Noah,
ReplyDeleteI agree that you should probably work on piecing ideas together. I felt that you didn't really address the prompt as thoroughly as you could have. While you were explaining Bilbo's character, I think you got caught up in how the author used Bilbo losing his security and comfort associated with his home to change his character, rather than focusing on how his home was influential to him. I think you started off the essay well, but got sidetracked. I think it was great that you didn't completely focus on the plot or unimportant details.
Hey Noah,
ReplyDeleteHaha I understand you perfectly, when I was writing I was just wandering with my words. I think your example of Bilbo Baggins and "The Hobbit" are great for this essay prompt though. Also, I find your introduction to be very appealing and inviting for any reader. When I first read it I was immediately drawn in.
I think with more practice you'll be able to get all of your ideas down and sort them out in a meaningful way.
Great start! Matt Ko