Lens
Sample Outline of An Essay Which Examines Disney’s Snow White Through a Feminist Lens
• Introduction
• Overview • Brief summary/info about Disney’s Snow White: who wrote script; when it came out; remastering, etc • Thesis: “Snow White is full of rigid gender stereotypes; we deserve a fresh re-telling of this story which makes the protagonist a full being, an active agent with volition, and a complex person rather than a passive, child-like toy of witches and brave princes.” • Background Information • Define “stereotype” and explain/summarize female stereotypes in the west: • Tom Boy (misbegotten man) • Dumb Blonde • Great Mother • Conniving Bitch • Nature Goddess • Etc. • Why stereotypes matter (include excellent quotation found in research) • Body (Support for Thesis) • Close Reading of Film (by scene) • Prominent scenes in which female character is rigidly stereotypical • Example: opening scene (summarize scene; describe character and explain how she does/doesn’t fit X type) • Example: meeting the prince (same as above) • Example: temptation by the witch (same as above) • Etc. • Exceptions (scenes which show female character as unique being who shows volition, strength • Example: • Problems with this exception: • Other possible arguments against my thesis, and refutation • Outside Sources (quotations and summaries of historical discussion about the film which support my thesis and help to give my idea authority) • Conclusion • Reaffirm thesis • Forecast (looking ahead; imagining an all- new Snow White)
An alternative way to structure the body of the essay (here I structure the body of the paper by stereotypes rather than by scene): • Body (Support for Thesis) • Close Reading of Film (by specific stereotype) • Nature Goddess • Define, describe, and discuss this particular stereotype • Example: opening scene (summarize scene; describe character and explain how she is magically
• Overview • Brief summary/info about Disney’s Snow White: who wrote script; when it came out; remastering, etc • Thesis: “Snow White is full of rigid gender stereotypes; we deserve a fresh re-telling of this story which makes the protagonist a full being, an active agent with volition, and a complex person rather than a passive, child-like toy of witches and brave princes.” • Background Information • Define “stereotype” and explain/summarize female stereotypes in the west: • Tom Boy (misbegotten man) • Dumb Blonde • Great Mother • Conniving Bitch • Nature Goddess • Etc. • Why stereotypes matter (include excellent quotation found in research) • Body (Support for Thesis) • Close Reading of Film (by scene) • Prominent scenes in which female character is rigidly stereotypical • Example: opening scene (summarize scene; describe character and explain how she does/doesn’t fit X type) • Example: meeting the prince (same as above) • Example: temptation by the witch (same as above) • Etc. • Exceptions (scenes which show female character as unique being who shows volition, strength • Example: • Problems with this exception: • Other possible arguments against my thesis, and refutation • Outside Sources (quotations and summaries of historical discussion about the film which support my thesis and help to give my idea authority) • Conclusion • Reaffirm thesis • Forecast (looking ahead; imagining an all- new Snow White)
An alternative way to structure the body of the essay (here I structure the body of the paper by stereotypes rather than by scene): • Body (Support for Thesis) • Close Reading of Film (by specific stereotype) • Nature Goddess • Define, describe, and discuss this particular stereotype • Example: opening scene (summarize scene; describe character and explain how she is magically