Wonder Woman Shouldn't Be a Sidekick
Over the years, the big screen has seen an abundance of Superman and Batman movies, but female superheroes have remained conspicuously absent. Now, Wonder Woman is making her film debut -- as a side character in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman film. The author of this article, Noah Berlatsky, takes issue with that, and uses diction, imagery, and language to argue about why Wonder Woman is deserving of a film of her own.
Berlatsky uses diction to add to his argument. He describes the situation of Wonder Woman constantly being a sidekick as "sadly familiar," implying that this is an issue that is becoming more and more of an issue in the comic world. Batman and Superman are the "popular priorities," meaning they are constantly being put ahead of Wonder Woman even though they already have plenty of films and comics for fans. He also says that the situation is a familiar one to anyone who has "subjected themselves to DC comics superhero products throughout the years." By using the word subjected, Berlatsky is making a point -- reading DC comics isn't pleasant for anyone looking for more than the average tough-guys-fighting superhero comic.
The author also uses imagery to make his point. He describes Wonder Woman as "a kind of super-powered cheerleader for one or the other of the big two tight-clad boys." This image pretty accurately describes the situation, in which Wonder Woman, who should be a star just like Batman or Superman, is put into more of a supporting role. That clear visual, of someone who should be an equal being shoved into the background, helps readers understand the situation.
Throughout the article, Berlatsky uses simple, straightforward language to convince reader of his point. He clearly lays out all of his arguments and gives them plenty of supporting evidence. For example, after using a long quote from the creator of Wonder Woman, the article states that "Marston's goal with Wonder Woman, then, was to create a figure who would convince both girls and boys of the value of women and femininity." This statement is straight to the point, and uses fairly simple language, which allows just about anyone to read and understand the article. At another point, Belatsky asks why "[Wonder Woman] is always telling [Superman] how much the world needs him, and not the other way around?" This simply-worded question clearly highlights some of the article's main points.
Yes! A feminist article featuring comic books and superheroes? I love you Emma. I'm tempted to go on a rant about why I hate DC comics, but alas, I'll save that for another day. Your thesis statement is really good and you introduce the three types of rhetoric you'll be using without spoiling your essay before the reader can read it. In your first body paragraph, you did a really good job of using multiple examples to get your point across about the author's use of diction. Although the second body paragraph uses a really great example, I think one more would really solidify your argument on imagery. Your final body paragraph is golden and uses more than one example, which is what I live for (hyperbole??). You end the essay wonderfully and concisely. Amazing job!
ReplyDeleteHello Emma,
ReplyDeleteThis close reading analysis was thorough and well organized.
I found this article to be rather interesting. I did not realize that are not many female super hero movies until now, and I do believe that Wonder Woman should have a movie if her own where she is the one in charge.
Your essay had a coherent thesis and you adeptly analyzed how the author used three of the five facets of DIDLS to bolster his claim. You concluded your essay well, too.
I have no criticisms here, except for the fact that you do not have a separate paragraph for your conclusion (which, I think, is required for our AP Exam Essays).
This close reading analysis was well written and it thoroughly analyzed the article through DIDLS.
Hello Emma,
ReplyDeleteThe topic of this article was pretty interesting; I read a similar article discussing that despite strong female characters becoming more popular (such as The Hunger Games's Katniss), such characters still have some issues. The upcoming depiction of Wonder Woman may well be another flawed interpretation of what is supposed to be a very independent and capable character.
I really liked how this post is written, with its clear format and thesis, as well as a nice opener to the post. The body paragraphs are also well organized, with clear statements backed by good evidence and tied together with reasoning. The only issue I have, really, is that there is no conclusion paragraph.