Write a critical response essay analyzing, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurbur
Portfolio Requirements:
2 pages, double spaced, 11 pt font, in APA format
Has an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion
Has a clear thesis statement
Has 3 topic sentences that support the thesis statement
Has 1 or more specific supporting details from the story to support each topic sentence.
Has an APA format Works Cited page as well as APA format in-text citations
Title: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: A Journey of Escapism and Self-Discovery
Introduction:
James Thurber's short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," portrays the daydreams and fantasies of the eponymous protagonist as he navigates his mundane existence. Through an exploration of escapism, self-discovery, and societal expectations, this critical response essay aims to analyze the underlying themes in the story and shed light on their significance.
Thesis statement: "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" showcases the power of using imagination as a coping mechanism and a catalyst for personal growth, ultimately challenging societal norms and expectations.
Body Paragraph 1:
The story illuminates Walter Mitty's use of daydreams as a means of escapism. His dull life as an ordinary, passive individual prompts him to create vivid fantasies where he assumes heroic roles, enabling him to transcend the limitations of his mundane reality. For instance, in Mitty's fantasies, he is a skilled military officer and an accomplished surgeon. By daydreaming, he escapes the monotony of his everyday existence and explores a life filled with excitement and adventure.
Supporting detail 1: In his dreams, Walter Mitty envisions himself as a courageous pilot flying through dangerous situations, contrasting with his meek persona in reality.
Supporting detail 2: Mitty's imagination enables him to navigate exciting scenarios, such as performing a heroic rescue or winning a courtroom battle, which he feels unable to accomplish in his actual life.
Body Paragraph 2:
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" also explores the concept of self-discovery, as Walter Mitty's daydreams provide him with a platform for introspection and self-reflection. Through his fantasies, Mitty explores his unfulfilled desires, which he may not recognize or acknowledge otherwise. The dreams act as a lens through which he can evaluate his true aspirations, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of himself.
Supporting detail 1: Mitty's dreams often involve him making decisions and taking actions he wishes he could in real life. This suggests a hidden desire for more agency and control over his own existence.
Supporting detail 2: In one daydream, Mitty imagines facing a firing squad with bravery, symbolizing his yearning for recognition and courage that he may lack in his ordinary life. This reveals his subconscious longing for a meaningful and purposeful life beyond his mundane routine.
Body Paragraph 3:
Thurber's story challenges societal norms and expectations by highlighting the conflict between Walter Mitty's imagination and the reality in which he exists. Mitty's daydreams serve as a critique of a society that places emphasis on conformity and suppresses individuality and creativity. By daring to defy societal expectations, Mitty illustrates the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and pursuing personal fulfillment, even if it means deviating from the norm.
Supporting detail 1: Mitty's daydreams often involve him rebelling against authority figures or undertaking unconventional adventures, showcasing his desire to break free from societal constraints.
Supporting detail 2: The recurring motif of Mitty's wife repeatedly interrupting his fantasies and admonishing him exposes the societal pressure to conform to the role of a submissive husband, further emphasizing his need for an outlet to express his innermost desires.
Conclusion:
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" serves as a poignant exploration of the power of imagination and its ability to offer solace, self-discovery, and rebellion. By examining the themes of escapism, self-discovery, and societal expectations within the story, it becomes evident that Mitty's imaginative daydreams provide him with profound insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Thurber's masterpiece serves as a reminder that sometimes it takes fantastical journeys within our minds to recognize and prioritize our true desires, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling existence.
Make it more understandable for a 9th grade teacher.
Title: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: The Journey of Dreams and Finding Yourself
Introduction:
In James Thurber's story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," we follow the daydreams and fantasies of the main character, Walter Mitty, as he navigates his ordinary life. This critical response essay aims to explore the themes of using imagination as a way to cope with reality, discovering oneself, and breaking societal norms.
Thesis statement: "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" shows how imagination can help us deal with everyday life and find our true selves, even if it means going against societal expectations.
Body Paragraph 1:
Walter Mitty uses daydreams to escape from his dull and monotonous life. In his fantasies, he becomes a hero and experiences thrilling adventures. These daydreams give him a break from his ordinary existence and allow him to imagine a more exciting and adventurous life.
Supporting detail 1: In his dreams, Walter Mitty pictures himself as a brave pilot, which contrasts with his timid personality in real life.
Supporting detail 2: Mitty's daydreams often involve heroic acts and winning courtroom battles, things he feels unable to achieve in his actual life.
Body Paragraph 2:
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" also explores self-discovery, as Walter Mitty's daydreams give him a chance to reflect on his true desires and aspirations. Through his dreams, he can explore the things he may not realize or acknowledge in his everyday life. They provide him with insight and help him grow as a person.
Supporting detail 1: Mitty's dreams often show him making decisions and taking actions he wishes he could in real life. This suggests a hidden desire for more control and meaning in his own life.
Supporting detail 2: In one daydream, Mitty imagines himself facing a firing squad with courage, representing his longing for recognition and bravery. This shows his subconscious desire for a more purposeful and fulfilling life.
Body Paragraph 3:
Thurber's story challenges societal norms by highlighting the conflict between Walter Mitty's imagination and the reality in which he lives. Mitty's daydreams criticize a society that values conformity and suppresses individuality and creativity. By defying societal expectations, Mitty shows the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and pursuing personal fulfillment, even if it means going against the norm.
Supporting detail 1: Mitty's daydreams often involve him rebelling against authority figures or embarking on unconventional adventures, indicating his desire to break free from societal constraints.
Supporting detail 2: Mitty's wife frequently interrupts his fantasies and scolds him, reinforcing the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. This emphasizes his need for an outlet to express his innermost desires.
Conclusion:
"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of imagination to provide comfort, self-discovery, and nonconformity. By examining the themes of escape, self-reflection, and societal expectations, we can see how Mitty's daydreams offer him valuable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Thurber's story reminds us that sometimes, it takes imaginative journeys within our minds to understand ourselves and find true fulfillment in life.