JennyCardinal

Compare and contrast the Other/Alien and the Human. What is a human? Is there such a thing as a "superior race"? Texts to consider: Ursula Le Guin's "The Left Hand of Darkness", China Mieville's "Embassytown" and A. E. van Vogt's "Black Destroyer".

I have been taking a science fiction literature course at Uni and I feel that a great novel to discuss is the War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells and the discussion that the "other" are those who were under the thumbs of the British military during resource wars. The novel comments on cultural atrocities committed by the British Empire and the demonization of many countries, in order to rule them and replenish the Empire's need for resources. The novel uses Martians that invade Britain and relentlessly attack the human race in order to take over. That's all I can say without spoiling it but if you need any notes please let me know. – Esme94 8 years ago
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film

Recluses

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The types of recluses in movies

Discuss the differences and similarities between recluses, for example, Flynn Carsen in "The Librarian"; William Forrester in "Finding Forrester"; and Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (either version).

If the discussion centres around Wonka, it would be interesting to compare the reclusive attitudes illustrated by both the eponymous Willy Wonka and Grandpa Joe. – ProtoCanon 8 years ago
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also, batman? howard hughes in the aviator? eastwood's character in gran torino? – Richard Marcil 8 years ago
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Carl from Up <3 – danielhageman 8 years ago
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Carl and Wonka would be really cool to compare! – LilyaRider 8 years ago
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This might be improved by adding one more factor into the mix. For example, instead of just focusing on how recluses are portrayed in film, you could see how that is changed over time, how different countries seem to portray recluses, or something to that effect. – Ian Miculan 8 years ago
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Another possible conclusion could be the evolution of the individual characters. How many of them remain reclusive, while others become more accepting of the outside world? What does it mean for the overall purpose of the movie? – Tarben 8 years ago
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literature

Nancy Drew

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Ned Nickerson's function in the classic Nancy Drew mysteries

Analyze Ned's role as Nancy's "special friend" and his relationship with Nancy. Was he included in the series only to be her escort and muscle or do they have a real relationship?

This is such a cool topic! I think it would be good to consider Bess and George as well. I think looking at how the three of them affect Nancy and how they are portrayed in comparison to Nancy would be important to add! That way we can see what they represent, and how they bring out those qualities in her – LilyaRider 8 years ago
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Never thought about it. I only read a handful of Nancy Drews as a kid, and of course I thought Ned was cool because, "Nancy is older and has a boyfriend; that's a cool, grown-up thing to do." As a grown woman now, I'd argue that Ned is there primarily to show amateur sleuth Nancy does "normal" things like having a boyfriend. Carolyn Keene uses Ned to try to make Nancy more human, but from what I remember, he was basically her arm candy. – Stephanie M. 8 years ago
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literature

technology

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The Fight to Experience in Today's Society

Discuss how young adults are addicted to the instant gratification of texting and being on the internet and how this leads to the failure of engaging in more meaningful activities in the real world, such as reading, writing and creating.

This is far too general of a topic IMO. It's a good subject though. You're implying all young adults everywhere suffer from an addiction, which is a serious medical ailment. Read between the lines on this subject. Numerous people have written about the lack of solitary time (me time, thinking time, alone time, etc.) that has arrived since social media and quick and easy asynchronous communication technologies like SMS. The topic could be edited to add to this discourse perhaps? Either way you should edit this topic so a writer does not add to the millions of articles out there demonizing technology, addiction, and young adults. – Aaron 9 years ago
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I agree with Aaron that your topic should specify that not all young adults suffer from this addiction. Those who do also feel it in different intensities. Some people develop severe anxiety while others just get a little restless. I am strongly against our continual technology worshiping, but it would make your text stronger, I think, to include a bit of both worlds. I'm very interested in reading more about this topic. – Alstroemeria 9 years ago
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Following Aaron's and Alstromeria's suggestions, I would narrow it down to the fact that we don't deal with emotions because we distract ourselves with the internet. I would recommend watching "Louis C.K. Hates Cell Phones" and use his thesis as a starting point, and go from there to find actual evidence to see if he is right. – ismael676 9 years ago
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Texting and the internet are instantaneous: after pressing a few keys and the ever-powerful 'send' or 'submit' button, one can get their message and thoughts to anyone they choose. Writing, reading and creating are strenuous and difficult task. We live in a world where finding unique and impassionating topics (we often believe - and are presented with more and more evidence to support the fact that - individualized ideas have been exhausted). Texting and the internet are, unless otherwise formatted, anonymous and seldom entail immediate ramifications. Being creative will forever run the risk of criticism. To label creativity as 'more meaningful' may be contestable, but people like texting because its safe. Reading, writing and forming unique ideas can sometimes be anything but. – oteolis98 9 years ago
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Latest Comments

Aug 1, 2017 JennyCardinal I’m so happy to hear that! May the writing forces be with you 🙂	A Writer's Essential Steps to Staying Motivated
May 1, 2017 JennyCardinal I had a Literature professor who admitted that she enjoys re-reading the books she assigns because she re-interprets motivations and scenarios, bringing more to her students’ learning and understanding. Re-reading allows us to see elements of writing and stories from various angles. And it’s always fun to revisit old friends.	Why Reread Books? The Pros and Cons of Rereading
Apr 30, 2017 JennyCardinal I find that poetry is written abstract art. So many people allow themselves to get stuck in the language that they don’t pay attention to their emotions to the poem itself. You don’t need to immediately think about poetry; enjoy it first, then go deeper. Perhaps we should be taught to appreciate abstract art like “Homage to the Square: With Rays” prior to more complicated works that include people and landscapes.	Understanding Abstract Art
Sep 1, 2016 JennyCardinal I am so happy to hear that! Thank you.	A Writer's Essential Steps to Staying Motivated
Jul 9, 2016 JennyCardinal I enjoyed this article. I read Andersen’s stories when I was very young so their sudden twists in plot struck me hard and stayed with me as a morbid fascination.	In Defense of the Conclusion to "The Little Mermaid"
Jul 9, 2016 JennyCardinal Thanks.	A Writer's Essential Steps to Staying Motivated
Jul 7, 2016 JennyCardinal I like your writing style and you provided enough of a summary of the Batman story lines to help those unfamiliar with it understand your article in its entirety.	What Batman can Teach Us About Depression
Jul 7, 2016 JennyCardinal Happy to help!	A Writer's Essential Steps to Staying Motivated

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