I'm having extreme trouble with an homework assignment. Any help or spark of the mind will help. It is referring to "Thomas Jefferson on George Washington". The assignment is as follows...
Write in the manner of Jefferson" a characterization of an important figure in public life today.
Consider whether this manner (as Jefferson wrote in) enables you to present what you think is essential truth and whether the attempt brings to light any special problems concerning either the task itself or public life today.
Obviously, you need to know enough about Jefferson to "get into his mind" and not only write in his style, but write as he would think. Do you know that much about him. If not, then you need to do some reading.
The first four links in here are to pieces of writing of Jefferson's:
http://www.google.com/search?q=written+by+thomas+jefferson&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGIE_en
And of course -- the Declaration of Independence:
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
Once you are immersed in his writing and thinking, then you'll be ready to choose someone in our country or world today about whom Jefferson would have had an opinion. Then plan and write.
To write in the manner of Thomas Jefferson, you will need to understand his style and approach to writing. Jefferson was known for his eloquence, use of logic, and his ability to present ideas in a persuasive manner. Here are some steps to help you complete the assignment:
1. Research Thomas Jefferson's writing style: Start by reading some of Thomas Jefferson's works, such as the Declaration of Independence or his personal correspondence. Analyze his language, sentence structure, and use of rhetoric.
2. Choose an important figure in public life today: Select a current figure who is prominent in politics, government, or any other area of public life. It could be a politician, activist, or public intellectual. Make sure this figure is well-known and has had a significant impact.
3. Identify essential truths about the chosen figure: Reflect on the important qualities, actions, or beliefs of the figure you have chosen. Consider what you believe are the essential truths that define this person and their contribution to public life.
4. Outline your characterization: Create an outline or an organizational chart to structure your characterization. Start by introducing the figure and providing some background information. Then, proceed to highlight the essential truths you have identified in separate paragraphs or sections.
5. Emulate Jefferson's writing style: Utilize Jefferson's writing style, incorporating his use of persuasive language, logical arguments, and rhetorical devices. Use descriptive language to present your characterization and support your claims about the figure.
6. Analyze the effectiveness and challenges: Evaluate whether writing in the manner of Jefferson enables you to present the essential truth about the figure. Consider if adopting this style brings any special problems regarding the task or public life today. Think about how Jefferson's style may influence the perception and understanding of a contemporary figure.
Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of Jefferson's writing while analyzing a current figure in public life. Good luck with your assignment!