"Power of the Moon" Essay

Power of the Moon

Now that you’ve determined what aspect of life in your family operates like the power of the moon, create an essay based on your brainstorm. In The Color of Water, McBride sees “the question of race like the power of the moon” is his family. What, for you, operates the same way?

Fill in this statement: _______________________________________________is like the power of the moon in my family.

Next think about how and why?

• How does this power play a vital role in your family? What examples can you think of that illustrate this power?
• Why is it such an important part of your family? Why is it a silent force?

Assignment: Write a personal essay focusing on the “power of the moon” in your own family. In your opening, present your thinking about what the moon’s power is and how it works as a metaphor in relation to your own family. You should also include a thesis, which in this case is simply stating what that power is and how it operates. Next, in about 3 detailed body paragraphs, provide evidence to show how this power operates in your family. Think of particular moments and stories that work well as examples. Analyze the examples so that it’s clear how they connect to the moon’s silent power. And be sure to wrap it up with a detailed and evocative concluding paragraph.

Tips

Think about the following in planning, writing and revising this paper:

• Use of I – Because this is a personal essay, the use of the personal pronouns like “I” and “me” will be a vital part of your essay.
• Use of Example – Like a formal essay, you will need evidence to support your thesis. This evidence will come from your personal experiences, so include as many vivid and specific details as possible. Show the reader how this power is part of your family.
• Analysis – This essay requires analysis. The analysis will come primarily from asking the question why. Why is the power you mention like the power of the moon? What is at the root of it?
• Language – This essay is like a formal essay in that it requires specific, descriptive language. It also requires avoiding conversation language and words like thing and stuff that tell the reader very little.

First Draft Due Monday, April 11