Topic:

Bechdel raises deeply layered questions about how and why we become the individuals we become. She explores her identity by examining her childhood, evaluating her relationships, and reflecting on her therapy sessions. Doing so allows her to express the inner turmoil she has experienced for years and brings her closer to being able to lay her deeply felt emotions to rest. Reflect on the text and respond to the following: 

Prompt:

Identify a theme that Bechdel uses to explore her identity. Find examples of the theme within the text and analyze these examples in the body of your essay by discussing the significance of each example as well as the connections between these examples and the purpose of the text. Note: themes found in the text are childhood, familial relationships, psychoanalysis, internal/external life.

• Some items you can also address in the body of your essay:

Directions:

The essay must have a relevant title, be 3-4 typed pages in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with one-inch margins all around and no extra spacing before or after paragraphs. Develop a clear argument for your essay that is supported by examples from the reading for this unit. Quote the reading appropriately to support your argument. This essay should be guided by analysis rather than general, underdeveloped claims or a summary of the reading. A successful essay will use ideas from the unit reading and make compelling connections between the reading and the essay’s original ideas. Completion of all drafts is mandatory to receive full credit for this unit.

Reading: MLA (Style Citation)

Bechdel, Alison. The Ordinary Devoted Mother. Ways of Reading: An Anthology For Writers. 11th ed. Editors David Bartholomae, Anthony Petrosky, Stacey Waite. Bedford/St. Martin’s. pp. 73-109.