Phase 2 Writing Prompts for Oct. 8

Here are the writing prompts for Phase 2. Don't forget to post your 500–750-word reading responses by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 8. As always, I am available during office hours and via email if you need any advice during the writing process. The Writing Center is also a valuable resource; they are open 9:00 to 5:00, MWF, on the first floor of the Philosophy building next door.

Prompt 1: Names seem to be very important in Huxley's A Brave New World. For this response, gather research on some of the different names in the novel and present what you find. Make sure that your thesis statement makes a claim about why these names are important and how they bring new meaning to the novel's overall themes (be specific about what those themes are). Use textual evidence to support your claims and be sure to cite all of your research (including where you researched the names).

Prompt 2: Huxley's A Brave New World is a dystopian novel originally published in 1932—are the themes in this novel still relevant today? For this response, compare A Brave New World with a dystopian or post-apocalyptic novel, short story, or film produced since 1990. In what ways are the two stories similar or different from one another? (Be careful not to get stuck on obvious similarities and differences. Think in terms of overall themes rather than plot points.) Is the message from Huxley's Brave New World mimicked, modified, or completely different in the post-1990 film? Be sure to include evidence from both stories to support your claims.

Prompt 3: Prompt 2 calls A Brave New World a "dystopian" novel, but could it also be read as utopian? For this response, make an argument about why Huxley's futuristic society is actually utopian. Be sure to support your claims with ample textual evidence. Consider comparing A Brave New World with other utopian or dystopian societies from other books, films, or stories throughout time if this will help you make your case.

Already have an idea of what you want to write about? Great! Go for it. I do, however, require that if you do not follow one of the above prompts, you must email me in advance your thesis statement or the question of your own that you want to answer. This way, I can give you helpful feedback concerning scope and depth, and you can rest assured that you are on the right track for this assignment.