The EssayPop system prescribes an approach to conclusion writing that involves echoing the hook from the introduction, revisiting the thesis statement and providing some reflective thinking at the end. This series of posts focuses on the later. To see the whole chapter on conclusion writing check out this link.
The Philosophical Reflection
Connecting with the reader on a deeper, emotional or philosophical level not only allows the essayist to go beyond the boundaries of the assignment, but allows the reader to understand why the essay has been meaningful. This strategy helps to answer the question, “So what?”
Model 1
Type of essay: response to literature (short response*)
The prompt: In a text-evidence-based, multiple-paragraph essay, give your reaction to Denise Levertov’s short poem, “Moon Tiger”.
The imaginations of children truly can create some fantastic, if not hyperbolic results. In the mind of a child the normal becomes bizarre and the safe and secure are transformed into the treacherous. As we’ve seen, Denise Levertov portrays this phenomenon expertly in “Moon Tiger”. By transforming simple moonlight passing through blinds into a nocturnal predator, the poet skillfully allows us to journey into the mind of a child. And such journeys are often necessary, especially perhaps as we get older and a little more cynical. Transforming a branch scratching against a window pane into a werewolf or a hobgoblin was not only innocent and childlike, it was fun. As our imaginations become more jaded, we need more reminders, like the one we receive in this short poem, that it’s sometimes satisfying to let our fantasies get the best of us.
Why this reflection works
At three sentences, this reflection is not elaborate, but it does make an effort to explain how poems such as the one analyzed in the essay are critically needed if we are to understand ourselves. While the essay itself was focused on analyzing the poem’s message, the reflection takes the time on why the message is important. In short, it answers the question, “So what?”
Model 2
Type of essay: response to literature
The prompt: In a multiple-paragraph essay discuss a recurring theme that is addressed in Smokey Robinson’s two songs, “The Tracks of My Tears” and “The Tears of a Clown”.
So, what truly is the best way to express one’s love this Valentine’s Day? Perhaps the best answer is, “It’s complicated”. At least that’s the case with “Sonnet 130” and “My Funny Valentine”. At first glance these two declarations of love seem fairly one-dimensional. They seem rude, sarcastic, perhaps even a little bit cruel. But digging deeper into the words (and in some cases, into the music itself) reveals different levels of meaning. One reading suggests that when it comes to love, honesty is the best policy; sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. Another theory posits that the women in the literature are not being put down at all, but, rather, are gravely ill and being described in their final moments. These theories can be supported by the text and, in the case of “My Funny Valentine”, the music as well. And Just as there are multiple ways to interpret these two works, there too seems to be multiple ways that people in love express their romantic feelings to one another. Who are we to judge which method of expression is appropriate or inappropriate — heartfelt or insincere. There are probably as many ways to express love as there are to convey happiness, sorrow or regret. Perhaps these works are reminder of this — a reminder that love, like love poetry, can be is multifaceted.
Why this reflection works
The reflection suggests that just as works of love literature are open to multiple interpretations, so too are the ways people express love to one another. A philosophical parallel is being created that creates a sense of balance. Whereas the essay itself was dedicated to analyzing the themes of the works themselves, the reflection goes beyond the scope of the prompt and attempts to create a larger, more philosophical, connection.
