OPEN PROMPT 2: 2009

Exam: 2009
Question 3: A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. You may choose a work from the list below or another novel or play of comparable literary merit.

Symbols are often ordinary objects yet they play a pivotal role in conveying a profound and possibly new meaning to a work as a whole. Edward Albee criticizes the seemling dazzling and superficial nature of the American Dream along with the deterioration of emotion and morality. In The American Dream, Edward Albee communicates his desire to return back to traditional values and an uncorrupted American dream by utilizing the symbol of boxes to contrast Mommy and Grandma.

The symbol of Grandma’s boxes represent the American dream. As Mommy and Daddy sit on their armchairs of their living room, Grandma hurries about and drops her heap of boxes off. Grandma does not ask Mommy or Daddy for help nor does she expect help from them. This not only depicts her diligent and earnest nature but symbolize her active drive to work toward the American dream. On the other hand, Mommy and Daddy sit while they complain about their late guest and unkempt apartment. However, they never take action by fixing their apartment utilities or helping Grandma with her boxes. They have a shallow view of the American dream, one that is consumeristic and materialistic, and feel entitled to having satisfaction despite never actually working for it.

In Mommy’s absurd anecdote about Grandma and her lunches, Mommy brags about having a beautifully wrapped box but never opening it for the food inside. She indulges in the other school kids’ compliments but never reveals that leftovers that our inside. Grandma was poor and thus the leftovers would reveal this to the other kids. Instead she goes to the lengths of starving to hide this. However, Grandma always ate the leftovers as dinner. Grandma is willing to make the sacrifices in order follow her American dream. Unlike Mommy, Grandma explicitly shows her emotions and insults the other characters. Grandma is grateful for the leftovers despite it being old. Mommy is obsessed with her appearance even as a young kid and marries solely for money. Her American dream is facile and she is consumed with obtaining satisfaction.

Throughout the course of the novel, Mommy fawns over the beauty and elegance of the wrapping over the boxes with no actual curiosity for what’s inside of them. Mommy constantly worries about her reputation, obsesses over material goods, craves to fit the “nuclear family” ideal, and desires money. She disregards the substance within because she is artificial and only cares about the surface-level of things. Grandma fills the boxes with “a couple of regrets...eighty-six years of living.” She did not want to wrap them as "it hurt [her] fingers, and it frightened [her]" but she does so anyway. She keeps the American dream close to her, staying true to her identity even if it pained her to see her past. To Grandma the American dream is worth the toil and responsibility whereas to Mommy it can be easily bought.

In Edward Albee’s The American Dream, the symbol of boxes is used to highlight Mommy and Grandma’s distinct views of the American dream. While Mommy’s life appears to be lovely and grand, Albee portrays her as shallow and overall just empty. Grandma appears sickly and is insulted by the other characters. However, she does not feel the pressure to achieve satisfaction and is content. By illustrating Mommy’s futile attempts at perfection, Edward Albee discredits the consumeristic, materialistic, and artificial nature of the modern American Dream.

OPEN PROMPT 1: 2009

Exam: 2009
Question 3: A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot. You may choose a work from the list below or another novel or play of comparable literary merit.

S T U D E N T   3 A
I was actually surprised at how well and analytical this student response was written. I honestly found the introduction to be poorly organized, being very general and vague. I have not read the play, The Wild Duck. I found the plot summary to be helpful, beneficial to the prompt, and not too excessive. The student’s essay flowed impressively as their transitions were quite strong. Their claims become clearer and more concise throughout the essay (much better than their train wreck of an introduction). Their complex exploration of duck as a symbol of Hjalmar family and the family as one of Greggers is complex and warranted skillfully. Student 3A’s sample student response not only mentions the symbols, the duck, but reveals how it affects the other characters sophicatedly. Despite their wEaK thesis and introduction in general, I would give Student 3A a score of 8 for their insightful analysis of the work to the prompt.

S T U D E N T   3 B
While this sample student response seemed to have a stronger introduction than that of Student 3B’s response, I found much of their response to be very surface-level and showed less maturity. Their first claim has a very simple and pretty shallow. Their connection of Blanche’s fear of aging to the lampshade makes sense but it is not warranted in a captivating or insightful way. The second claim is barely explained in regards to the symbol. There is a rushed reference to the lampshade at the end with no thoughtful connection. The last paragraph is actually done quite wonderfully as it provides a myriad of evidence as well as an in-depth analysis. Student 3B’s last claim beautifully brings together the symbol and the theme as portrayed by the characters, Blanche and Alan. The conclusion ties together all of their claims and the prompt cleverly. Student 3B has a sufficiently written essay despite the flaws. Taking this into account, I would give Student 3B a score of 6.

S T U D E N T   3 C
This student sample response immediately begins with an introduction that seems to be all over the place. It is obvious that Student 3C shows a lot less maturity and control over their writing. The student constantly paraphrases Things Fall Apart but they do not aid in answering the prompt whatsoever. While the essay contains the right skeleton and idea for an response to the prompt, the execution is quite weak. They make claims that the machete is used as a defense weapon and a symbol of pride. However, they do use evidence from the book to back this up or make elaborate warrants. The student does not eloquently tie in the symbolism to the meaning of the work nor do they ever thoughtfully reference it. There is no complete conclusion as the student brings up prude randomly. They make a statement about no pride in killing oneself which is not entirely valid or proved through evidence that is insightful. Due to this, I would give Student 3C a score of 4.