INTRODUCTIONS AND HAMLET

CONCLUSIONS ELS 2024

AN ESSAY IS LIKE…. A
HAMBURGER!
STRUCTURING INTRODUCTIONS – CCS
THE CHARACTERS IN OF MICE AND MEN USE THE ILLUSION OF DREAMS TO HELP THEM
SURVIVE. DISCUSS.

Context This is the first sentence of your introduction. It should outline the title/author and identify the
context of the text – usually linking to a setting, time period, etc.
Set in dustbowl America, John’s Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men explores the lives of migrant
workers during the depression of the 1930s.

Contention What is your answer to the essay question?

Faced with extraordinary hardship, many characters find solace in reimagining better lives for
themselves.

Signpost What are your key ideas going to be?

1. Some people use the illusion of dreams as a means to cope
2. Others try to find answers for their unfair realities
3. The people who can accept their reality can achieve some success in life.
THE CHARACTERS IN OF MICE AND MEN USE THE ILLUSION OF

DREAMS TO HELP THEM SURVIVE. DISCUSS.

INTRODUCTION: (C, C, S)
C: Context statement
C: Contention
S: Signpost arguments
Set in dustbowl America, John’s Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men explores the lives of
migrant workers during the depression of the 1930s. Faced with extraordinary
hardship, many characters find solace in reimagining better lives for themselves.
While some do this as a means to cope, others seek to find answers for their unfair
realities. Those who are able to accept their lot are the most successful.
C: CONTEXT STATEMENT
C: CONTENTION
S: SIGNPOST ARGUMENTS

How does Hitchcock explore the difficulties of maintaining relationships?

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film, Rear Window, explores the multifaceted lives of those living in a small
apartment building in bohemian Greenwich Village. Many characters struggle to maintain healthy
relationships, due to isolation and the complex pressures placed upon them by society. These strains
are further illuminated through Hitchcock’s clever direction. Together, they work to convey the notion
that personal fulfilment can only be achieved if a community is able to show that they care.
C: CONTEXT STATEMENT
C: CONTENTION
S: SIGNPOST ARGUMENTS

Set in the rigid social context of the 16th century, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet explores the
complexities of living within a deeply religious and patriarchal society. While the playwright presents
revenge as a necessity, he also challenges the morality and difficulty of killing, especially when an
individual is struggling with their sense of purpose. The play presents revenge as a masculine deed and
a filial duty that is performed to restore the great chain of being.
WRITING CONCLUSIONS

 Don’t tell the reader you are concluding. EVER.

 Reference the playwright/author/readers-viewers

 Restate (rephrase) your contention.

 Summarise main points.

 Say something cool to sum it all up.

Sample conclusion one

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film explores the varied roles of women in society. The film examines how women are
belittled by their male counterparts and how many women conform to their expected gender stereotype.
However, Hitchcock does present women who are able to challenge the voices that oppress them.

Sample conclusion two – elevate it!

In a social environment where the norm was to emotionally degrade women, Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950s film
challenges this paradigm to a degree. While the film does reinforce traditional gender roles, it also critiques
them, particularly through strong characters like Lisa Fremont and Stella. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers
with the sentiment that to be a woman at this time would have been extraordinarily challenging. Those
willing to defy the norms that dictate their behaviour were rewarded with some success, while those who did
not were left to sit around and “wait for their happiness” to find them.
INTRODUCTIONS… AND
CONCLUSIONS
CAN YOU IDENTIFY CCS.
Introduction:

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film, Rear Window, explores the multifaceted lives of those living in a small
apartment building in bohemian Greenwich Village. Many characters struggle to maintain healthy
relationships, due to isolation and the complex pressures placed upon them by society. These strains are
further illuminated through Hitchcock’s clever direction. Together, they work to convey the notion that
personal fulfilment can only be achieved if a community is able to show that they care.

Conclusion:

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film depicts a disconnected American society. He encapsulates the challenges of
maintaining healthy relationships in a deeply suspicious McCarthyist society. His purpose built set
emphasises the isolation experienced by individuals, especially those who struggle to uphold social
pressures and expectations. Ultimately, Hitchcock celebrates relationships that are formed between
people, and neighbourhoods, who are able to show they care for one another.