new boy analytical essay

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Short film analysis: new boy.

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Review – New Boy by Steph Green

Directed by Steph Green, New Boy is a 2007 short film from Ireland that received critical acclaim upon release, ultimately garnering an Academy Award nomination as well. The film chronicles the first day of school for a new boy from Africa as he settles into his life in the West after a traumatic tragedy back home.

The acting is fantastic all around as each of the child actors are perfectly casted and suited to their roles.

Joseph is an intelligent and happy kid, content with his life in his home country when violent conflict shatters his life and he is forced to shift to Ireland. With a completely different way of life here when contrasted with his homeland, Joseph’s first day at school becomes a trial as he struggles to make friends in an unfamiliar classroom.

The acting is fantastic all around as each of the child actors are perfectly casted and suited to their roles. The script manages to capture the tension between Joseph and the other kids really well. Joseph’s reluctance to settle into the new environment is captured earnestly by cinematographer P.J. Dillion who also contrasts the ice cold feel of Ireland with the warm colorful palette of Africa shown through flashbacks.

The exasperated teacher, played to perfection by Norma Sheahan, is a welcome addition as well as her zany energy keeps the classroom alive and kids on their feet. The back and forth dialogue between the teacher and her students really makes the story come alive as one cannot help but smile at the quips the children come up with from time to time.

Another thing that the film does well is that it nails the classroom banter perfectly. There’s the geeky girl Hazel who is fond of Joseph, a bully Christian out to make Joseph’s life hell and the quiet kid Seth who is also a bit of a troublemaker. Together, the children have varying reactions to Joseph but they gradually learn to band together against their teacher, transforming into friends in the process.

The parallel timelines that fluctuate between the present when Joseph finds himself in an Irish classroom and the past, where Joseph studied mathematics under his father really drive home how alone Joseph feels in his new homeland. The music elevates the nostalgia factor as well with Joseph fondly remembering the great times that he had with his father before his life fell apart.

Funny, moving and ultimately inspiring, New Boy illustrates both the power of friendship and the ability of kids to bond over common interests. With themes of bullying and racism running deep throughout the narrative, New Boy provides an honest look at the uncomfortable and unfamiliar territory that children find themselves in when forced to switch their entire way of lives. We have all found ourselves in Joseph’s shoes at some point in our lives and thus, we can all appreciate with fondness Joseph’s journey from the fringe to acceptance by his new peers. New Boy is thus a powerful short that will move audiences everywhere to tears.

Director Biography – Steph Green

Steph Green is an Oscar and Emmy nominated film and TV director, whose cinematic projects range from independent features to award-winning television. Green was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009 for her short film “New Boy” which she wrote and directed in Ireland.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 5 steps to write a great analytical essay.

General Education

Do you need to write an analytical essay for school? What sets this kind of essay apart from other types, and what must you include when you write your own analytical essay? In this guide, we break down the process of writing an analytical essay by explaining the key factors your essay needs to have, providing you with an outline to help you structure your essay, and analyzing a complete analytical essay example so you can see what a finished essay looks like.

What Is an Analytical Essay?

Before you begin writing an analytical essay, you must know what this type of essay is and what it includes. Analytical essays analyze something, often (but not always) a piece of writing or a film.

An analytical essay is more than just a synopsis of the issue though; in this type of essay you need to go beyond surface-level analysis and look at what the key arguments/points of this issue are and why. If you’re writing an analytical essay about a piece of writing, you’ll look into how the text was written and why the author chose to write it that way. Instead of summarizing, an analytical essay typically takes a narrower focus and looks at areas such as major themes in the work, how the author constructed and supported their argument, how the essay used literary devices to enhance its messages, etc.

While you certainly want people to agree with what you’ve written, unlike with persuasive and argumentative essays, your main purpose when writing an analytical essay isn’t to try to convert readers to your side of the issue. Therefore, you won’t be using strong persuasive language like you would in those essay types. Rather, your goal is to have enough analysis and examples that the strength of your argument is clear to readers.

Besides typical essay components like an introduction and conclusion, a good analytical essay will include:

• A thesis that states your main argument
• Analysis that relates back to your thesis and supports it
• Examples to support your analysis and allow a more in-depth look at the issue

In the rest of this article, we’ll explain how to include each of these in your analytical essay.

How to Structure Your Analytical Essay

Analytical essays are structured similarly to many other essays you’ve written, with an introduction (including a thesis), several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Below is an outline you can follow when structuring your essay, and in the next section we go into more detail on how to write an analytical essay.

Introduction

Your introduction will begin with some sort of attention-grabbing sentence to get your audience interested, then you’ll give a few sentences setting up the topic so that readers have some context, and you’ll end with your thesis statement. Your introduction will include:

• Brief background information explaining the issue/text
• Your thesis

Body Paragraphs

Your analytical essay will typically have three or four body paragraphs, each covering a different point of analysis. Begin each body paragraph with a sentence that sets up the main point you’ll be discussing. Then you’ll give some analysis on that point, backing it up with evidence to support your claim. Continue analyzing and giving evidence for your analysis until you’re out of strong points for the topic. At the end of each body paragraph, you may choose to have a transition sentence that sets up what the next paragraph will be about, but this isn’t required. Body paragraphs will include:

• Introductory sentence explaining what you’ll cover in the paragraph (sort of like a mini-thesis)
• Analysis point
• Evidence (either passages from the text or data/facts) that supports the analysis
• (Repeat analysis and evidence until you run out of examples)

You won’t be making any new points in your conclusion; at this point you’re just reiterating key points you’ve already made and wrapping things up. Begin by rephrasing your thesis and summarizing the main points you made in the essay. Someone who reads just your conclusion should be able to come away with a basic idea of what your essay was about and how it was structured. After this, you may choose to make some final concluding thoughts, potentially by connecting your essay topic to larger issues to show why it’s important. A conclusion will include:

• Paraphrase of thesis
• Summary of key points of analysis
• Final concluding thought(s)

5 Steps for Writing an Analytical Essay

Follow these five tips to break down writing an analytical essay into manageable steps. By the end, you’ll have a fully-crafted analytical essay with both in-depth analysis and enough evidence to support your argument. All of these steps use the completed analytical essay in the next section as an example.

#1: Pick a Topic

You may have already had a topic assigned to you, and if that’s the case, you can skip this step. However, if you haven’t, or if the topic you’ve been assigned is broad enough that you still need to narrow it down, then you’ll need to decide on a topic for yourself. Choosing the right topic can mean the difference between an analytical essay that’s easy to research (and gets you a good grade) and one that takes hours just to find a few decent points to analyze

Before you decide on an analytical essay topic, do a bit of research to make sure you have enough examples to support your analysis. If you choose a topic that’s too narrow, you’ll struggle to find enough to write about.

For example, say your teacher assigns you to write an analytical essay about the theme in John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath of exposing injustices against migrants. For it to be an analytical essay, you can’t just recount the injustices characters in the book faced; that’s only a summary and doesn’t include analysis. You need to choose a topic that allows you to analyze the theme. One of the best ways to explore a theme is to analyze how the author made his/her argument. One example here is that Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters (short chapters that didn’t relate to the plot or contain the main characters of the book) to show what life was like for migrants as a whole during the Dust Bowl.

You could write about how Steinbeck used literary devices throughout the whole book, but, in the essay below, I chose to just focus on the intercalary chapters since they gave me enough examples. Having a narrower focus will nearly always result in a tighter and more convincing essay (and can make compiling examples less overwhelming).

#2: Write a Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the most important sentence of your essay; a reader should be able to read just your thesis and understand what the entire essay is about and what you’ll be analyzing. When you begin writing, remember that each sentence in your analytical essay should relate back to your thesis

In the analytical essay example below, the thesis is the final sentence of the first paragraph (the traditional spot for it). The thesis is: “In The Grapes of Wrath’s intercalary chapters, John Steinbeck employs a variety of literary devices and stylistic choices to better expose the injustices committed against migrants in the 1930s.” So what will this essay analyze? How Steinbeck used literary devices in the intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants could have it. Crystal clear.

#3: Do Research to Find Your Main Points

This is where you determine the bulk of your analysis--the information that makes your essay an analytical essay. My preferred method is to list every idea that I can think of, then research each of those and use the three or four strongest ones for your essay. Weaker points may be those that don’t relate back to the thesis, that you don’t have much analysis to discuss, or that you can’t find good examples for. A good rule of thumb is to have one body paragraph per main point

This essay has four main points, each of which analyzes a different literary device Steinbeck uses to better illustrate how difficult life was for migrants during the Dust Bowl. The four literary devices and their impact on the book are:

• Lack of individual names in intercalary chapters to illustrate the scope of the problem
• Parallels to the Bible to induce sympathy for the migrants
• Non-showy, often grammatically-incorrect language so the migrants are more realistic and relatable to readers
• Nature-related metaphors to affect the mood of the writing and reflect the plight of the migrants

#4: Find Excerpts or Evidence to Support Your Analysis

Now that you have your main points, you need to back them up. If you’re writing a paper about a text or film, use passages/clips from it as your main source of evidence. If you’re writing about something else, your evidence can come from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, quotes from knowledgeable sources etc. Any evidence that would work for a regular research paper works here.

In this example, I quoted multiple passages from The Grapes of Wrath  in each paragraph to support my argument. You should be able to back up every claim you make with evidence in order to have a strong essay.

#5: Put It All Together

Now it's time to begin writing your essay, if you haven’t already. Create an introductory paragraph that ends with the thesis, make a body paragraph for each of your main points, including both analysis and evidence to back up your claims, and wrap it all up with a conclusion that recaps your thesis and main points and potentially explains the big picture importance of the topic.

Analytical Essay Example + Analysis

So that you can see for yourself what a completed analytical essay looks like, here’s an essay I wrote back in my high school days. It’s followed by analysis of how I structured my essay, what its strengths are, and how it could be improved.

One way Steinbeck illustrates the connections all migrant people possessed and the struggles they faced is by refraining from using specific titles and names in his intercalary chapters. While The Grapes of Wrath focuses on the Joad family, the intercalary chapters show that all migrants share the same struggles and triumphs as the Joads. No individual names are used in these chapters; instead the people are referred to as part of a group. Steinbeck writes, “Frantic men pounded on the doors of the doctors; and the doctors were busy.  And sad men left word at country stores for the coroner to send a car,” (555). By using generic terms, Steinbeck shows how the migrants are all linked because they have gone through the same experiences. The grievances committed against one family were committed against thousands of other families; the abuse extends far beyond what the Joads experienced. The Grapes of Wrath frequently refers to the importance of coming together; how, when people connect with others their power and influence multiplies immensely. Throughout the novel, the goal of the migrants, the key to their triumph, has been to unite. While their plans are repeatedly frustrated by the government and police, Steinbeck’s intercalary chapters provide a way for the migrants to relate to one another because they have encountered the same experiences. Hundreds of thousands of migrants fled to the promised land of California, but Steinbeck was aware that numbers alone were impersonal and lacked the passion he desired to spread. Steinbeck created the intercalary chapters to show the massive numbers of people suffering, and he created the Joad family to evoke compassion from readers.  Because readers come to sympathize with the Joads, they become more sensitive to the struggles of migrants in general. However, John Steinbeck frequently made clear that the Joads were not an isolated incident; they were not unique. Their struggles and triumphs were part of something greater. Refraining from specific names in his intercalary chapters allows Steinbeck to show the vastness of the atrocities committed against migrants.

Steinbeck also creates significant parallels to the Bible in his intercalary chapters in order to enhance his writing and characters. By using simple sentences and stylized writing, Steinbeck evokes Biblical passages. The migrants despair, “No work till spring. No work,” (556).  Short, direct sentences help to better convey the desperateness of the migrants’ situation. Throughout his novel, John Steinbeck makes connections to the Bible through his characters and storyline. Jim Casy’s allusions to Christ and the cycle of drought and flooding are clear biblical references.  By choosing to relate The Grapes of Wrath to the Bible, Steinbeck’s characters become greater than themselves. Starving migrants become more than destitute vagrants; they are now the chosen people escaping to the promised land. When a forgotten man dies alone and unnoticed, it becomes a tragedy. Steinbeck writes, “If [the migrants] were shot at, they did not run, but splashed sullenly away; and if they were hit, they sank tiredly in the mud,” (556). Injustices committed against the migrants become greater because they are seen as children of God through Steinbeck’s choice of language. Referencing the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s novel and purpose: to create understanding for the dispossessed.  It is easy for people to feel disdain for shabby vagabonds, but connecting them to such a fundamental aspect of Christianity induces sympathy from readers who might have otherwise disregarded the migrants as so many other people did.

The simple, uneducated dialogue Steinbeck employs also helps to create a more honest and meaningful representation of the migrants, and it makes the migrants more relatable to readers. Steinbeck chooses to accurately represent the language of the migrants in order to more clearly illustrate their lives and make them seem more like real paper than just characters in a book. The migrants lament, “They ain’t gonna be no kinda work for three months,” (555). There are multiple grammatical errors in that single sentence, but it vividly conveys the despair the migrants felt better than a technically perfect sentence would. The Grapes of Wrath is intended to show the severe difficulties facing the migrants so Steinbeck employs a clear, pragmatic style of writing.  Steinbeck shows the harsh, truthful realities of the migrants’ lives and he would be hypocritical if he chose to give the migrants a more refined voice and not portray them with all their shortcomings. The depiction of the migrants as imperfect through their language also makes them easier to relate to. Steinbeck’s primary audience was the middle class, the less affluent of society. Repeatedly in The Grapes of Wrath , the wealthy make it obvious that they scorn the plight of the migrants. The wealthy, not bad luck or natural disasters, were the prominent cause of the suffering of migrant families such as the Joads. Thus, Steinbeck turns to the less prosperous for support in his novel. When referring to the superior living conditions barnyard animals have, the migrants remark, “Them’s horses-we’re men,” (556).  The perfect simplicity of this quote expresses the absurdness of the migrants’ situation better than any flowery expression could.

In The Grapes of Wrath , John Steinbeck uses metaphors, particularly about nature, in order to illustrate the mood and the overall plight of migrants. Throughout most of the book, the land is described as dusty, barren, and dead. Towards the end, however; floods come and the landscape begins to change. At the end of chapter twenty-nine, Steinbeck describes a hill after the floods saying, “Tiny points of grass came through the earth, and in a few days the hills were pale green with the beginning year,” (556). This description offers a stark contrast from the earlier passages which were filled with despair and destruction. Steinbeck’s tone from the beginning of the chapter changes drastically. Early in the chapter, Steinbeck had used heavy imagery in order to convey the destruction caused by the rain, “The streams and the little rivers edged up to the bank sides and worked at willows and tree roots, bent the willows deep in the current, cut out the roots of cottonwoods and brought down the trees,” (553). However, at the end of the chapter the rain has caused new life to grow in California. The new grass becomes a metaphor representing hope. When the migrants are at a loss over how they will survive the winter, the grass offers reassurance. The story of the migrants in the intercalary chapters parallels that of the Joads. At the end of the novel, the family is breaking apart and has been forced to flee their home. However, both the book and final intercalary chapter end on a hopeful note after so much suffering has occurred. The grass metaphor strengthens Steinbeck’s message because it offers a tangible example of hope. Through his language Steinbeck’s themes become apparent at the end of the novel. Steinbeck affirms that persistence, even when problems appear insurmountable, leads to success. These metaphors help to strengthen Steinbeck’s themes in The Grapes of Wrath because they provide a more memorable way to recall important messages.

John Steinbeck’s language choices help to intensify his writing in his intercalary chapters and allow him to more clearly show how difficult life for migrants could be. Refraining from using specific names and terms allows Steinbeck to show that many thousands of migrants suffered through the same wrongs. Imitating the style of the Bible strengthens Steinbeck’s characters and connects them to the Bible, perhaps the most famous book in history. When Steinbeck writes in the imperfect dialogue of the migrants, he creates a more accurate portrayal and makes the migrants easier to relate to for a less affluent audience. Metaphors, particularly relating to nature, strengthen the themes in The Grapes of Wrath by enhancing the mood Steinbeck wants readers to feel at different points in the book. Overall, the intercalary chapters that Steinbeck includes improve his novel by making it more memorable and reinforcing the themes Steinbeck embraces throughout the novel. Exemplary stylistic devices further persuade readers of John Steinbeck’s personal beliefs. Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath to bring to light cruelties against migrants, and by using literary devices effectively, he continuously reminds readers of his purpose. Steinbeck’s impressive language choices in his intercalary chapters advance the entire novel and help to create a classic work of literature that people still are able to relate to today. 

This essay sticks pretty closely to the standard analytical essay outline. It starts with an introduction, where I chose to use a quote to start off the essay. (This became my favorite way to start essays in high school because, if I wasn’t sure what to say, I could outsource the work and find a quote that related to what I’d be writing about.) The quote in this essay doesn’t relate to the themes I’m discussing quite as much as it could, but it’s still a slightly different way to start an essay and can intrigue readers. I then give a bit of background on The Grapes of Wrath and its themes before ending the intro paragraph with my thesis: that Steinbeck used literary devices in intercalary chapters to show how rough migrants had it.

Each of my four body paragraphs is formatted in roughly the same way: an intro sentence that explains what I’ll be discussing, analysis of that main point, and at least two quotes from the book as evidence.

My conclusion restates my thesis, summarizes each of four points I discussed in my body paragraphs, and ends the essay by briefly discussing how Steinbeck’s writing helped introduce a world of readers to the injustices migrants experienced during the dust bowl.

What does this analytical essay example do well? For starters, it contains everything that a strong analytical essay should, and it makes that easy to find. The thesis clearly lays out what the essay will be about, the first sentence of each of the body paragraph introduces the topic it’ll cover, and the conclusion neatly recaps all the main points. Within each of the body paragraphs, there’s analysis along with multiple excerpts from the book in order to add legitimacy to my points.

Additionally, the essay does a good job of taking an in-depth look at the issue introduced in the thesis. Four ways Steinbeck used literary devices are discussed, and for each of the examples are given and analysis is provided so readers can understand why Steinbeck included those devices and how they helped shaped how readers viewed migrants and their plight.

Where could this essay be improved? I believe the weakest body paragraph is the third one, the one that discusses how Steinbeck used plain, grammatically incorrect language to both accurately depict the migrants and make them more relatable to readers. The paragraph tries to touch on both of those reasons and ends up being somewhat unfocused as a result. It would have been better for it to focus on just one of those reasons (likely how it made the migrants more relatable) in order to be clearer and more effective. It’s a good example of how adding more ideas to an essay often doesn’t make it better if they don’t work with the rest of what you’re writing. This essay also could explain the excerpts that are included more and how they relate to the points being made. Sometimes they’re just dropped in the essay with the expectation that the readers will make the connection between the example and the analysis. This is perhaps especially true in the second body paragraph, the one that discusses similarities to Biblical passages. Additional analysis of the quotes would have strengthened it.

Summary: How to Write an Analytical Essay

What is an analytical essay? A critical analytical essay analyzes a topic, often a text or film. The analysis paper uses evidence to support the argument, such as excerpts from the piece of writing. All analytical papers include a thesis, analysis of the topic, and evidence to support that analysis.

When developing an analytical essay outline and writing your essay, follow these five steps:

Reading analytical essay examples can also give you a better sense of how to structure your essay and what to include in it.

What's Next?

Learning about different writing styles in school? There are four main writing styles, and it's important to understand each of them. Learn about them in our guide to writing styles , complete with examples.

Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Literary devices can both be used to enhance your writing and communication. Check out this list of 31 literary devices to learn more !

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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What Is an Analytical Essay | Outlines and Examples

Unlocking the mystery of analytical essays can be a daunting task, but fear not! This ultimate guide has everything you need to know to write insightful and persuasive analytical essays with ease. Discover the key components of successful analytical essays and learn how to analyze texts effectively to craft compelling arguments!

Welcome to our blog post on "What is an Analytical Essay? | Outlines and Examples". Do you need help writing an analytical essay and need help figuring out where to start? Do you need some guidance on how to structure your essay effectively? If so, you're in the right place.

In this blog post, we'll explain an analytical essay and provide some examples and outlines to help you get started. But first, let us introduce you to Jenni.ai, the AI tool that can make your essay-writing process easier and quicker.

Jenni.ai is an innovative writing tool that uses AI technology to help students write better essays. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, Jenni.ai can help you create articles and essays to improve your writing skills. Whether you need help with grammar, structure, or citations, Jenni.ai has got you covered.

Now, let's return to the topic: analytical essays. An analytical essay is a type of essay that requires you to analyze and interpret a text or a piece of literature. The purpose of an analytical essay is to break down the reader into its various components and explore how they relate to each other to create meaning.

To write an effective analytical essay, you must understand the text and its context clearly. You also need to be able to use evidence from the text to support your analysis and interpretation. In this blog post, we'll provide some analytical essay examples to help you understand how to structure your essay and use evidence effectively.

So, whether you're a high school or college student, or just someone who wants to improve their essay writing skills, Jenni.ai and this blog post can help you. Read on for some analytical essay examples and tips on how to write an effective analytical essay.

Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays: Best Practices and Examples

Data and statistics are crucial components of analytical essays. In any analytical essay, data and statistics are used to support the arguments presented by the author. Using data and statistics in analytical reports effectively adds credibility, depth, and relevance to the discussions.

They also help the author make their point more transparent and convincing to the reader. This article will explore the best practices for using data and statistics in analytical essays and provide examples to illustrate their application.

Best Practices for Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

Using data and statistics in analytical essays requires a thorough understanding of their application. The following are best practices for using data and statistics in analytical reports:

Choose Relevant Data and Statistics: The data and statistics chosen must be relevant to the topic under discussion. Irrelevant data and statistics only confuse the reader and weaken the argument presented.

Use Reliable Sources: The data and statistics used in analytical essays must come from reliable sources. Reliable sources are peer-reviewed, published in reputable journals, or provided by respected institutions.

Provide Context: Data and statistics should be presented in the context of the argument. Providing context helps the reader understand the data's relevance and statistics to the topic under discussion.

Use Clear and Concise Language: Data and statistics can be complex and challenging to understand. Therefore, using clear and concise language to explain their relevance to the presented argument is essential.

Use Visuals: Visuals such as graphs, charts, and tables can help illustrate the presented data and statistics. Visuals also make it easier for the reader to understand complex data and statistics.

Examples of Using Data and Statistics in Analytical Essays

The following examples illustrate how data and statistics can be effectively used in analytical essays:

Example 1: Gun Control

Argument: The United States needs stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence.

Data and statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2019, there were 39,707 gun-related deaths in the United States. Of these deaths, 24,090 were suicides, and 14,414 were homicides.

Context: These statistics illustrate the high number of gun-related deaths in the United States. They provide context for the argument that stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence.

Example 2: Climate Change

Argument: Climate change is a significant threat to the planet, and urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Data and statistics: According to NASA, the global average temperature has increased by 1.9 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. This increase is primarily due to increased greenhouse gases caused by human activity.

Context: These statistics prove that climate change is real and caused by human activity. They support the argument that urgent action is necessary to mitigate its effects.

Example 3: Education

Argument: Education is essential for economic and social development.

Data and statistics: According to the World Bank, countries with higher levels of education have lower levels of poverty and higher levels of economic growth. For every year of teaching, a person's income increases by an average of 10%.

Furthermore, it is also crucial to avoid misrepresenting or manipulating data and statistics to fit preconceived notions or biases. Doing so weakens the credibility of the argument and undermines the writer's integrity.

In addition, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations, and potential weaknesses of the data and statistics presented. By doing so, the writer can show that they have considered alternative perspectives and interpretations and can address possible counterarguments.

When incorporating data and statistics into analytical essays, it is also essential to consider the audience. For instance, technical jargon or complex statistical analysis may be appropriate for a more specialized audience, such as academic researchers.

However, for a broader audience, it may be necessary to simplify and explain the data and statistics to make the argument more accessible and understandable.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the ethical implications of using data and statistics in analytical essays. Using specific data or statistics may sometimes raise privacy concerns or violate ethical principles. In such cases, weighing the benefits of using the data and statistics against potential harm is essential to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect individuals' privacy and rights.

In conclusion, using data and statistics in analytical essays is a powerful tool that can add depth and credibility to arguments. However, it requires careful consideration of the best practices outlined in this article, including choosing relevant data and statistics from reliable sources, providing context, using clear and concise language, and using visuals. 

It is also crucial to consider the audience, acknowledge limitations and potential weaknesses, and address ethical considerations. By following these best practices, writers can use data and statistics effectively to support their arguments and make them more compelling and convincing.

Analyzing Historical Events: Writing an Analytical Essay on a Significant Event

Analyzing historical events is a crucial aspect of studying history. History is not just about memorizing dates and names; it is about understanding the significance of those dates and names. Analyzing historical events involves examining and interpreting the available evidence to conclude the past.

One way to do this is by writing an analytical essay on a significant event. This essay will discuss the steps in writing an analytical essay on a historical event, with specific examples and tips.

In this article, we will explore the steps involved in writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event, including how to develop a strong thesis statement, gather evidence, and organize your analysis. By following these steps, you can produce a well-researched and compelling essay that demonstrates your critical thinking skills and understanding of history.

Step 1: Choose a Significant Historical Event

The first step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event is to choose a significant event to analyze. This can be a major event that had a substantial impact on the world, a lesser-known event that is important in a particular context, or an event that is significant to you personally.

Choosing a possibility you are interested in and passionate about is essential, as this will make the writing process much more manageable.

Once you have chosen your event, it is important to research it thoroughly. This includes reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing photographs and other visual material, and conducting interviews with experts in the field. The more research you do, the better your understanding of the event will be and the more insightful your analysis will be.

Step 2: Develop a Thesis Statement

Developing a thesis statement is the next step in writing an analytical essay on a historical event. The thesis statement is the main argument you will make in your article. It should be a clear and concise statement summarizing your event analysis.

For example, suppose you were writing an analytical essay on the American Civil War. In that case, your thesis statement might be: "The American Civil War was a turning point in American history, as it led to the abolition of slavery and the beginning of a new era of civil rights for African Americans."

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Once you have developed your thesis statement, it is essential to outline your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all of the necessary points in your analysis. Your essay outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

In your introduction, you should provide some background information on the event and explain its significance. You should also include your thesis statement in the introduction.

You should provide evidence to support your thesis statement in the body paragraphs. This might include analyzing primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and newspapers, or secondary sources, such as scholarly articles and books. Using various sources to support your analysis and provide a well-rounded view of the event is essential.

In your conclusion, summarize your analysis and restate your thesis statement. You should also provide some final thoughts on the event's significance and impact on history.

Step 4: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed your thesis statement and outlined your essay, it is time to start writing. When writing your essay, it is essential to keep your thesis statement in mind and to use evidence to support your analysis.

When analyzing historical events, it is essential to consider the event's context. This might include the political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the event, as well as the cultural and ideological beliefs of the time. It is also essential to consider the event's impact on history and how it shaped the world we live in today.

Some tips for writing a successful analytical essay on a historical event include:

Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand.

Use evidence to support your analysis, and cite your sources.

Consider different viewpoints and perspectives on the event.

Avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims.

Use various sources to provide a well-rounded view of the event.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay on a significant historical event is a valuable exercise in understanding the significance of the past. By choosing a significant event, developing a clear thesis statement, and conducting thorough research, it is possible to provide a thoughtful analysis of the event and its impact on history. 

It is essential to consider the event's context, use evidence to support your analysis, and avoid making sweeping generalizations or unsupported claims. Following these steps and tips, you can write a successful analytical essay contributing to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

How to Develop a Strong Thesis Statement for Your Analytical Essay

A thesis statement is the backbone of any analytical essay. It is a concise statement summarizing your essay's central argument or point. Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial for a successful analytical essay as it sets the tone for the rest of your writing. This article will discuss the steps to develop a strong thesis statement for your analytical essay.

Step 1: Choose a Topic and Analyze It

The first step in developing a solid thesis statement for your analytical essay is to choose a topic and analyze it thoroughly. The case can be anything from literature, a historical event, or a social issue. Once you have selected a claim, you must analyze it and understand its nuances.

You need to read and re-read the source material to analyze your topic. Take notes and highlight key themes, characters, and events. Identify patterns and connections between different parts of the source material. Think about the context in which the source material was created and the message the author was trying to convey.

Step 2: Identify the Main Argument

Once you have analyzed your topic thoroughly, you must identify the central argument or point you want to make in your essay. This is the foundation of your thesis statement. Your main idea should be specific, clear, and concise.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," your main argument could be that the novel critiques the American Dream as unattainable and corrupt.

Step 3: Consider Counterarguments

A strong thesis statement takes into account counterarguments. Consider what objections someone might have to your argument and address them in your thesis statement.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the adverse effects of social media, you might consider a counterargument that social media has brought people closer together. Your thesis statement should address this counterargument and show why your argument is still valid.

Step 4: Make Your Thesis Statement Clear and Specific

Your thesis statement should be clear and specific. It should tell the reader precisely what your argument is and what you will analyze in your essay.

For example, if you were writing an analytical essay on the symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," your thesis statement could be: "Nathaniel Hawthorne's use of symbolism in 'The Scarlet Letter' reveals the hypocrisy and moral decay of Puritan society."

Step 5: Use Strong Language

Your thesis statement should use strong language that is assertive and confident. Avoid using words like "might," "could," or "possibly." Instead, use words like "will," "must," or "should." This makes your thesis statement more substantial and persuasive.

For example, instead of saying, "This essay might argue that," say, "This essay will argue that."

Step 6: Revise Your Thesis Statement

Once you have developed your thesis statement, revise it, ensure it is clear and specific, and address counterarguments. Make sure that your thesis statement is supported by evidence in your essay.

Step 7: Brainstorm Ideas

Before you start analyzing your topic, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Write down any thoughts or questions you have about the issue. Consider what interests you most about the issue and what you want to explore further.

Step 8: Research Your Topic

Once you have a list of ideas, start researching your topic. Look for scholarly sources such as books, academic journals, and reputable websites. Take notes as you read and highlight any critical information you want to include in your essay.

Step 9: Identify Key Themes and Patterns

As you analyze your topic, look for key emerging themes and patterns. These can help you identify the central argument of your essay. Consider how these themes and practices relating to the topic's broader context and implications.

Step 10: Formulate a Research Question

Using the information you have gathered, formulate a research question to guide your analysis. Your research question should be precisely focused and reflect your essay's central argument.

Step 11: Write a Working Thesis Statement

Using your research question as a guide, write a thesis statement summarizing your essay's central argument. Your working thesis statement should be flexible and open to revision as you continue to analyze your topic and gather more evidence.

Step 12: Write Your Essay

Now that you have developed a strong thesis statement, you can start writing your analytical essay. Be sure to structure your essay around your thesis statement, using your evidence to support your argument. Use clear, concise language and avoid making unsupported claims or generalizations.

Developing a solid thesis statement is crucial in writing a successful analytical essay. Choosing a topic, analyzing it thoroughly, and identifying the central argument are essential. Consider counterarguments and make your thesis statement clear and specific, using strong language.

Remember to revise your thesis statement and ensure it is supported by evidence in your essay. Following these steps, you can develop a strong thesis statement that will set the tone for your analytical paper and persuade your reader of your argument.

In conclusion, writing an analytical essay can be daunting for many students, but it doesn't have to be. With a clear understanding of an analytical essay and how to approach it, anyone can develop the skills to write a high-quality paper. An analytical essay requires careful analysis of a topic or issue, using evidence to support your argument, and demonstrating critical thinking skills. 

It's essential to begin with a strong thesis statement that outlines the central argument of your essay and provides a roadmap for your analysis. From there, you should develop a detailed outline that organizes your ideas and evidence into a coherent structure.

To support your thesis statement and argument, you must gather evidence from various sources, such as books, articles, and data. Evaluating your sources carefully is essential, looking for credible and reliable information that supports your argument. 

Once you have gathered your evidence, you must analyze it carefully, considering how each piece supports your argument and identifying any patterns or connections between different parts of evidence.

With the help of tools like Jenni.ai , writing an analytical essay can be made easier and quicker. Jenni.ai's AI-powered auto-completion feature can help you develop a strong thesis statement, create detailed outlines, and produce high-quality articles. 

By utilizing these tools, you can save time and energy while still producing top-notch work. By following the steps outlined in this blog and using the features offered by Jenni.ai, you can master the art of writing analytical essays and achieving academic and professional success.

Sign up for Jenni.ai today and take the first step towards becoming an analytical essay-writing expert!

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The Ultimate Guide to Analytical Essay Writing: How to Craft an A-Grade Paper?

25 January, 2021

17 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

An analytical essay is often considered the most challenging piece of writing. However, those who have dealt with it at least once are a step closer to calling themselves masters of essay writing. This type of paper requires plenty of analytical skills to carry out an in-depth analysis of the assigned topic. Yet, the main goal of an analytical essay is not only to demonstrate your ability to learn the basics of the theme.

You also need to think critically, analyze facts, express your standpoint, and clearly show a deep understanding of key concepts. In short, your main task as an author is to prove the validity of your views by coming up with strong arguments that do not beg any questions.

The given guide provides a full analytical essay definition, as well as specifies its features and structural aspects. The following information will help you properly start your paper, choose a relevant topic, and come up with compelling conclusions. 

What is an Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a piece of writing aimed to provide a thorough analysis of a definite phenomenon using persuasive arguments and supporting assertions. Analysis in the analytical essay writing process stands for a method of research that allows one to study specific features of an object. Analytical papers also have to do with analysis of a specific problem; that is consideration of the problem itself and identification of its key patterns. The subject matter of analysis can be a well-known or little-studied scientific phenomenon, artistic work, historical event, social problem, etc.

The content of an analytical essay will totally depend on the object that has been chosen for analysis. Thus, when shedding light on any kind of scientific work, an analytical essay can be devoted to the analysis of research credibility, its relevance, or the adequacy of conclusions. When considering a work of art, an essay writer can focus on the analysis of the author’s artistic techniques or issues raised in the book. For this reason, it is essential to accurately determine the topic and subject matter of your future analytical essay.

Steps to Take Before Writing

The preparational stage of analytical essay writing cannot be omitted. It lays the basis for the A-grade paper and should be carefully completed. If you don’t know how to start an analytical essay, read a few handy tips that will ensure a solid foundation for your paper.  

Define a subject matter

You first need to clearly understand the issue you will base your essay on. Since analytical essays imply an in-depth analysis of a specific problem, you need to define its core. Try to split the analysis into several components and provide arguments taken either from a book, a research, a scientific work, or a movie (depending on the subject matter of your analysis), and support your views comprehensively.

Decide on the content of your analytical essay

If you are a student who was given an analytical essay topic, read the task several times before you are 100% sure that you clearly understand the requirements as to the analytical essay format. In case you were lucky to choose the topic of the analytical paper by yourself, make sure the theme you will be dealing with is familiar or at least seems interesting to you. 

Remember that different subject matters require a different approach to their analysis. If you examine some literature work, you can prove your opinion based on the deeds of a certain or several characters. But if you have been assigned the task to elaborate on some historic events, analyze their main causes, driving forces that have affected their course, and their global consequences.  

Take care of the proper start

Don’t forget to start your analytical essay with a thesis statement. It is a sentence or a couple of sentences that aim to summarize the key statements of your paper. A thesis statement should provide readers with a preliminary idea of what your essay is all about.  

Find extra reasoning

Make sure your thesis is supported by compelling arguments. To find enough evidence, you should carry out a thorough analysis of the assigned topic. List the crucial points of your research and ponder over the ways they can be used to prove your final opinion. 

Elaborate the outline

A sound outline elaborated at the preparation stage will help you ensure a proper analytical essay structure and make the overall writing process easier. As a rule, an analytical essay consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Your outline plan should include the key arguments you want to discuss in each paragraph. 

Analytical Essay Thesis

A thesis statement represents the central idea of your paper and must serve as strong proof of your standpoint. While elaborating your thesis statement, it is crucial to include it at the end of the first paragraph and thus set a direction for the overall paper. 

Analytical Essay Outline

An outline is not a required element of analytical essays writing and should not be included in the text, but it can greatly facilitate the whole process of paper writing.

The analytical essay structure looks as follows:

Introduction

In the introduction of an analytical essay, you will need to identify your paper’s subject matter. Mention the purpose of your work and specify its scope of research. Don’t forget to include a thesis to let readers know what your work is about.

Body Section

As has already been mentioned, the body section covers three or more main paragraphs, each being supported with arguments and details. Besides, you need to provide a small conclusion to each statement to make your essay sound professional and persuasive. 

At this stage, you need to summarize the points elucidated in your paper and make sure there is a smooth and logical transition from the body section to the concluding part of the text. If you don’t know how to conclude an analytical essay, try to restate the thesis statement without copying it word for word.  

Analytical Essay Examples

Writing an analytical essay may seem to be a thorny way. If you are still not sure how to properly craft one, try to find some examples that will help you go in the right direction. Below, there are some great examples of analytical essays. Take a look at their structure and try to write something similar based on your views and ideas:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JeR4i4RIZIj448W3KVFyHP-eS3QPN7gW/view

https://stlcc.edu/docs/student-support/academic-support/college-writing-center/rhetorical-analysis-sample-essay.pdf

https://www.germanna.eduhttp://handmadewriting.com/wp-content/uploads/tutoring/handouts/Literary-Analysis-Sample-Paper.pdf

30 Analytical Essay Topics

If you were allowed to choose the theme for your paper by yourself, check on the following analytical essay topics. Each of them can bring you the highest score:

General topics

• The influence of social networks on the life of teens
• Are salaries of football players too high?
• Wearing uniforms in schools should be banned
• A person in society: the problems of loneliness and privacy
• Sociology of corporate relationships
• Does the observation of space need more investments?
• Should the voting age in the UK be decreased?
• Reasons why capital punishment should be brought back in the UK
• A world with no rules: a new human era or a road to the global collapse?
• Life without technologies: will modern people survive?
• Should scientists test drugs on animals to fight cancer?
• The problem of keeping the balance between career and family life
• The importance of listening to your body 
• Problems caused by the lack of communication
• Food addiction and the problems it causes
• Problems of vaccination in the XXI century
• Does evil really rule the world?
• How does body size affect life quality?
• Pros and cons of video games 
• The role of a family model in the life and career of a person

Analytical Essay Topics on Literature

• “Robinson Crusoe”: fantasy vs reality
• Observation of the artistic uniqueness in the comedy by W. Shakespeare “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 
• Observe the social problems in the novel by John Steinbeck “The Grapes of Wrath”
• Convulsions and death of the “little man” in the networks of impersonal, alienated forces in the novel “The Metamorphosis”
• Observation of the problems of a man on a plagued land in the novel “The Plague”
• Revolt of the protagonist in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Observation of friendship and love in the fate of humanity in the XX century
• The triumph of immorality in the novel by F. Sagan “Hello Sadness”
• Observation of the personality of an American student in the novel by J. Salinger “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Eternal tragedies of humanity in the tragedy by W. Shakespeare “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”

How to Write a Well-Structured Analytical Essay With a Solid Argument

Writing an analytical essay with a clear structure might be challenging unless you are thoroughly prepared. We decided to help you out and create a detailed guide listing the main things to consider when creating an analytical essay outline. You need to explain your main idea in a concise way to bring your point across. As analytical writing has high requirements, it pays off to find an analytical essay example and analyze how this text was written. It will allow you to understand the analytical essay format better and learn how to provide substantive analysis on various topics. Read on to learn how to write a top-level analytical paper and submit it on time.

Main Tips for Writing an Analytical Essay

An analytical essay should provide a comprehensive analysis of a chosen topic. What makes an analysis essay different from other assignments is that it includes a personal opinion of an author. This is why analytical writing should be persuasive.

Below, we have rounded up the key tips you need to follow when producing an analytical essay outline and the main body of your text. Read on to learn more about the analytical essay format and create a text that will fully meet the requirements.

Select an Analytical Essay Topic

Before creating an analytical essay outline, make sure to pick a topic that you are interested in. It should be provocative enough to engage your readers. A widely-debated topic will help you write an analytical essay that grabs the attention of a wide audience.

Consider your goals and conduct thorough research to see if you have enough sources to support the main thesis of your analysis essay.

Come Up With a Strong Analytical Thesis Statement

When writing an analytical essay, start by formulating a thesis statement that includes the topic and the main goal of your text. It will help you create an analytical essay outline and show your readers what you will discuss in your analysis essay.

Add it to the last paragraph of your analytical essay introduction. Due to this, your analytical essay outline will look better structured. Look at any analytical essay example to see how you can introduce your subject. In most cases, one sentence will suffice to state your analysis essay’s goal. However, a complex analytical essay outline might require you to use two sentences for a thesis statement.

Write an Analytical Essay Body with a Clear Structure

Your analytical essay outline should include 3-4 paragraphs. However, a literary analysis essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. When it comes to analytical writing, it is important to cover a different point in each section of the main body of an analysis paper.

After writing an analytical essay, check whether each paragraph contains an introduction and the main point. Besides, it should contain evidence. An expertly written analytical essay outline will help you reach out to your target audience more effectively.

Conduct Research Before Writing an Analytical Essay Outline

While this step is preparatory, it is a must for those who want to write a well-grounded analytical paper.

• First, select the best ideas for your essay
• Then, emphasize the problems with works written by other researchers
• Finally, write your analytical essay outline to demonstrate what approach you want to take

Examine the context and find examples to illustrate the scope of the issue. You may draw parallels to emphasize your point and make your topic more relatable.

Analyze the Implications of the Evidence

After listing your pieces of evidence and demonstrating how it is related to your thesis, show why it is important. You need to explore it deeply and use it to support your argument. It will make your analytical essay outline well-grounded facts.

Write an Analytical Essay Conclusion

Whether you write a literary analysis essay or other types of assignments, there is no need to add any new data at the end of your analysis paper. Instead, summarize the arguments you mentioned in your analytical essay outline. The conclusion of your analysis essay should be short and clear. Here, you need to demonstrate that you have achieved your goals.

Analytical Essay Writing Tips

If you want to get the highest grade for your analytical essay, you need to know a little bit more than just the basics of paper writing. Read these handy tips to write a perfect essay you will be proud of:

• Double-check your paper for spelling and grammar mistakes. In case your essay contains too many errors, neither an in-depth analysis nor the elaborate writing style will make it look any better. Situations when essays of great value in terms of research and a message they convey are poorly assessed because of the abundance of mistakes are not rare. Make sure you have enough time to proofread your paper before submission. Also, you may consider asking somebody to take a fresh look at your essay and check it for you.
• Reading your analytical essay out loud helps you discover all types of errors or weak phrases. This method might seem a bit uncomfortable, but it has proved to be very effective for many students. Note that silent reading of your paper isn’t even half as helpful as reading it aloud. 
• Another great idea to check on the rhythm and flow of your paper is to ask someone to read it for you. While listening to the text, you could perceive it from another perspective and discover even more inconsistencies and mistakes.  
• Double-check the facts you use in your analytical essay. The names of people, books, research, publications, as well as dates of historical events are too important to be misspelled. Things like these show your professionalism and the way you treat your readers.

Write an Analytical Essay with HandmadeWriting

Writing an analytical essay requires time, strong writing skills, great attention to detail, and a huge interest in the assigned topic. However, life can be unpredictable sometimes, and students might find themselves at risk of failing their creative assignments. Stress, family issues, poor health, and even unwillingness to work on a certain topic may become significant obstacles on their way to the A-grade work.

If you have similar problems, there is no need to compromise your reputation and grades. You can always refer to HandmadeWriting professionals who are ready to help you with a paper of any type and complexity. They will understand your individual style and totally devote themselv

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New Boy by Tracy Chevalier review – if Othello were a schoolboy

T his novel is part of a series of retellings of Shakespeare’s work by writers including Margaret Atwood , Howard Jacobson , Jo Nesbø and Jeanette Winterson . The project pays tribute to the enduring relevance of the plays and the infinite possibilities of breathing new life into stories that were themselves reshaped from medieval tales, histories and the literature of the ancient world. New Boy is in the tradition of movies such as 10 Things I Hate About You or West Side Story , or Toni Morrison’s play Desdemona , in which she rewrites Othello as a conversation in the afterlife between the murdered wife and her African nurse Barbary. Chevalier takes what is possibly the most emotionally charged of Shakespeare’s plays and transplants it in time and place. 

The new boy of the title is Osei Kokote, the Ghanaian son of a diplomat, who joins the sixth grade late in the school year. This is Washington DC in the 1970s, a time when the partial armour of political correctness had yet to offer protection against blatant racism. Not only does Osei have to navigate new friendships and the brutal politics of the playground, he is also the only black child in the school. From the casual, unexamined bigotry and suspicion of the teachers and the outright hostility of some of his schoolmates, it’s clear that “settling in” is not going to be easy.

Chevalier’s cast of 11-year-old middle schoolers includes the duplicitous Ian, the lovelorn and gullible Rod and the always underestimated Millie, as well as the disapproving authority figure, Mr Brabant. Osei is quickly befriended by golden-haired Dee, a sensitive, imaginative girl who is fascinated by the exotic newcomer – she has eyes, and she chooses him. Chevalier writes her fascination well and there is also a deft examination of the accommodations a boy such as Osei must make wherever he goes. Even at this tender age, he is aware that his very being evokes fear, sometimes disgust. We are told that in his last school he had volunteered to be the goalie during football, conscious that it meant the other boys wouldn’t then have to touch him. Chevalier is delicate in her description of the emotional and mental cost of all this careful avoidance: Osei surveys the playground with “the bullies, patrolling and dominating. And himself, the new boy, standing still in the midst of these well-worn grooves, playing his part too.”

Like Othello , New Boy is very much the story of the betrayer; Ian’s playground machinations as he plots to use Rod’s desire for Dee to break up the friendship between her and the new boy are a basic transplanting of Iago’s deceptions in the original. Granted, there are some interesting innovations. Osei’s elder sister, Sisi, who has shed her Africanness in favour of the more appealing radicalised identity of her African American friends, with their exhortations of black empowerment and pride, provides convincing political context. And the strained relationship between the siblings serves to emphasise the isolation and insecurity that lead to young Osei’s ultimate downfall.

But in the end, I found it difficult to believe that I was reading the true lives of 11-year-olds. Setting the action over a single day telescopes the drama in a way that is perhaps too concentrated for a novel; too often the language, in dialogue and in the rendering of the children’s internal thoughts, takes on the distinct intonations of adult conversation. For example, early on Dee attempts to engage Osei in conversation, thinking to herself, “You may be a different colour … but I know you.” This may well be true, but it is hard to believe that an 11-year-old would articulate it in quite that way.  

The too faithful adherence to the original is what makes this novel less than successful for me. Shakespeare’s audacious appropriation, or, if you like, reshaping of known stories to make them relevant to a new audience has given us the classics that still reso–nate today. It is not the detail of the plotting in his work that is important but the interrogation of human motivation, the exploration of the range of human emotion and experience. My wish, as I read Chevalier’s ambitious novel, was for a more radical interpretation of Shakespeare’s play. I wanted to believe absolutely in these characters without necessary reference to their originals. New Boy ’s direct transfer of the play from stage to page does not allow for a full development of the characters who are summoned into being.

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Richard Kuklinski the Project Boys Analysis

This essay about Richard Kuklinski, also known as “The Iceman,” explores the stark contrast between his life as a notorious contract killer and his role as a family man. Despite his reputation for cold-blooded violence in his professional life, Kuklinski portrayed himself as a loving husband and father at home. The essay examines how he managed to keep his criminal activities hidden from his family, maintaining a façade of a normal businessman. It delves into the psychological impact on his family once his true identity was revealed, highlighting the challenges they faced, including public scrutiny and personal betrayal. Additionally, the essay reflects on Kuklinski’s own views about his dual life, where he rationalized his actions as a means to provide for his family, demonstrating the complex layers of his personality and the capacity for humans to lead compartmentalized lives. The discussion raises questions about the nature of evil and the psychological mechanisms that allow individuals to live such contradictory existences.

How it works

Richard Kuklinski, known infamously as “The Iceman,” was a convicted murderer and notorious contract killer associated with various organized crime families in the United States. While his criminal activities have been widely documented, the dynamics of his family life present a complex juxtaposition of normalcy and deception. This essay explores the dual aspects of Kuklinski’s life, focusing on how he managed his family relationships alongside his clandestine activities.

Born in 1935 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to a violently abusive father and a devoutly religious mother, Kuklinski’s early life was marred by extreme instances of physical and emotional abuse.

These early experiences shaped his later life and behaviors, contributing to his reputation as a cold and ruthless killer. Despite his violent profession, Kuklinski married and raised a family, presenting himself as a dedicated father and a loving husband. This stark contrast between his public persona and his private activities raises intriguing questions about the nature of his interpersonal relationships.

Kuklinski’s wife, Barbara, and their children were reportedly unaware of his criminal activities for many years. He maintained a façade of a normal working life, claiming to be a businessman involved in various legitimate enterprises. His ability to compartmentalize his life was remarkable, managing to keep his family in the dark about his real profession. Barbara once noted that Richard was a doting father who could be exceptionally tender and caring towards his children. This duality in Kuklinski’s character—being a caring family man and a ruthless killer—highlights the complexities within human psychological and emotional capacities.

The revelation of Kuklinski’s true identity and his subsequent arrest in 1986 were shocking to his family. The discovery that he was a professional hitman involved in numerous killings left his family grappling with betrayal, fear, and public scrutiny. The impact on his family was profound. His children faced bullying and isolation as they dealt with the stigma of their father’s notorious legacy. Meanwhile, Barbara had to reconcile the man she loved and the father of her children with his heinous acts. This turmoil showcases the psychological and emotional toll on families who find themselves linked to criminal activities through no fault of their own.

Despite his confessions and convictions, Kuklinski expressed a deep love for his family in various interviews, suggesting that he saw his criminal activities as a means to provide for them. His statements reflect a twisted rationale where he viewed himself as protecting and providing for his family, separate from his identity as a killer. This dichotomy presents a chilling insight into the compartmentalization often necessary for individuals living dual lives.

In conclusion, Richard Kuklinski’s family life illuminates the stark contrasts that can exist within an individual. While he was a notorious killer who instilled fear and commanded power in the criminal underworld, at home, he was a different man, showcasing tenderness and care. The duality of Kuklinski’s existence raises fundamental questions about the nature of evil and the capacity for humans to lead double lives. His family’s story serves as a sobering reminder of the complex layers that make up personal identities and the profound impact of these dualities on loved ones.

Remember, this essay is a starting point for inspiration and further research. For more personalized assistance and to ensure your essay meets all academic standards, consider reaching out to professionals at [EduBirdie](https://edubirdie.com/?utm_source=chatgpt&utm_medium=answer&utm_campaign=essayhelper).

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92 Exceptional Topics for Othello Essay

Shakespeare’s Othello is an extraordinary play that incorporates a huge variety of themes and symbols. You can find examples of allusions and imagery that are intriguing to analyze.That’s why our team prepared this list! Check our topics and choose one to write an outstanding Othello essay.

We suggest you the following ideas:

• Elaborate on religious symbolism. What hell & heaven imagery is present in “Othello”? Explain how Desdemona can be compared to the Virgin Mary; how both Othello and Iago are associated with the Devil. Describe Othello’s “fall from grace.”
• Explore the deception and bending the reality . Who doesn’t lie in the play and why? Who does? Comment on various types of deception that are apparent in “Othello”: from lying out of love to manipulating through trickery.
• Talk about Othello’s weaknesses . What character traits or views do you consider crucial for the plot? How does Iago use Othello’s weaknesses against him? Mention how Othello’s feelings and mood change throughout the play due to his flaws.
• Comment on Iago’s manipulations . Who does Iago control? How and why does he create his web of lies? Add how Iago views himself as a director of his play. Who is hurt due to his lies and actions?
• Examine Emilia’s lines in Act 4, Scene 3. What does she say about marriage and infidelity? Why is her speech about womanhood considered a feminist one? Elaborate on whether such thoughts were common for Shakespeare’s period and why the author decided to include them in the play.
• Compare Desdemona and Bianca. How are the women often contrasted in the play? How does the critical contrast, Desdemona’s virtue vs. Bianca’s sexual freedom, affect men’s attitude towards the respective women? Explore how both characters are more complex than the characteristics above.
• Analyze the topic of redemption in “Othello.” Who found redemption by the end of the play? For whom is it unattainable? Explain the journey of a tragic hero in terms of his downfall and the necessity of redemption.
• Elaborate on Iago’s motivation. Why does he start his play within “Othello”? What motivates him to control, hurt, and even murder other characters? Explain why there are many possible reasons as Iago may hide the whole truth even from the audience.
• Discuss heroism in “Othello.” Whose actions may be considered heroic? Who sincerely tries to act like a hero? Speculate on whether Iago may desire to be viewed as a heroic figure. Does Othello show heroism?
• Talk about Cassio’s character. What do we know about his flaws and strength? Mention his problem with alcohol and attitude towards Bianca. How does the end of the play change his character? Add how this change may be the reason for his happy ending and success.
• Explore the villain of the play. Who can be considered the main antagonist? Comment on a few characters in the play who act as villains, including the main one, Othello.
• Analyze the conflict of passion and love in “Othello.” What does Othello feel towards Desdemona? Which of the emotions prevails? Explain why his actions and words are easy to interpret as passion, while his suicide may prove that he was in love with Desdemona.
• Comment on the central conflict. When does it arise in the plot? Why did Shakespeare introduce the conflict later in the play? Explain how every event from this moment leads to a catastrophe. How is it both natural and staged by the villain?
• Examine the irony in “Othello.” What type of irony is present in the play? For what purposes does Shakespeare use it? Mention how humor adds more value to the characterization and the play’s tone.
• Consider the tone of the play What atmosphere is introduced in Act 1, and how does it change in Act 2? Mention how the stormy weather corresponds to this shift. Comment on the drastic changes in the tone that are apparent by the end of the play.
• Compare “Othello’s” Desdemona to “Hamlet’s” Ophelia. How do these female characters affect the plot of the respective plays? What influence do they and their fates have on the main Othello and Hamlet? Consider both of their tragic stories and their relationships with the main characters.
• Analyze the character of Desdemona. What are her essential qualities? How do men in the play treat her? Explore her disobedience to her father, banter with Iago, and death. Dive into her relationships with Othello and Emilia. How do Desdemona’s character traits and actions make her a perfect woman of the time?
• Discuss gender roles during the Elizabethan period How are male and female roles presented in “Othello”? How does Shakespeare comment on his time? Express what Elizabethan society expected from women and what sins were considered unacceptable.
• Comment on “Othello” as an Aristotelian Tragedy. What is a tragedy, according to this Greek philosopher? Explain how the play satisfies all the qualifications for tragedy as defined by Aristotle.
• Talk about Othello’s gullibility. What makes Othello so naive? Do his straightforwardness and gullibility make him more or less realistic and relatable? You can compare him to such characters as Hamlet, who lack naivety yet suffer through similar tragic events as Othello.
• Elaborate on Desdemona’s and Othello’s relationship. How does it change throughout the play? Explain how Othello’s capability of creating a healthy and loving relationship that we see at the beginning of “Othello” goes against prejudice.
• Explore the theme of racism in “Othello.” What characters have prejudice about Othello due to his race? Express how Othello’s speech and actions during the significant part of the play run contrary to the unreasonable expectations of his enemies.
• Consider Othello’s suicide. What leads Othello to it? Why may an audience respect it and view it as a redemption for a fallen hero? Does suicide strengthen Othello’s heroism? Elaborate on this action in terms of Othello as a tragic hero.
• Compare and contrast “Othello” and “The Blind Owl.” What is the role of women and love in these literary works? Compare the main characters of “Othello” and “The Blind Owl,” comment on the murder and suicide.
• Examine Emilia’s short interaction with Bianca in Act 4. Why is Emilia so harsh towards Bianca and disapproves of everything she says? Does she protect her husband’s deeds, or is she simply biased about Bianca? Comment on misogynistic behavior even among women during the period when the play was written.
• Analyze various symbols from the play. Speculate on the meaning of such objects as wedding sheets from Act 4 Scene 3. What is the significance of a candle from Act 5 Scene 2? Provide a short analysis of each one with examples from the text.
• Elaborate on Brabantio’s character. What’s his attitude towards Othello before he learns about his marriage to Desdemona? Why is he so opposed to this marriage anyway? Comment on Brabantio’s hurt honor and later death.
• Talk about Desdemona’s devotion to her husband . Where does it come from? Do her loyalty and devotion prevent her from understanding Othello’s anger towards her? Speculate why they can’t reach each other at the end of the play and solve their problems by discussing them.
• Consider Iago’s control over Roderigo. How does Iago manipulate Roderigo? Why does Roderigo trust him and obeys up to giving Iago his jewelry? Mention how Roderigo tried to escape the control once, but Iago didn’t let it happen.
• Compare Othello’s and Desdemona’s relationship with that of Iago and Emilia. Which relationship was first to be struck by jealousy? Elaborate on Iago’s control and lack of interest towards Emilia instead of Othello’s devotion to Desdemona. Has Iago ever experienced the same level of jealousy (in his love life) as Othello?
• Discuss the significance of race in the play . Was racism a standard way of thinking when “Othello” was written? Explain how the play reflects the Elizabethan era, its racial prejudice, and its cultural context.
• Comment on Desdemona’s and Emilia’s friendship. Are they close? What do they discuss, particularly in Act 4, Scene 3? Express how Emilia proved her devotion to her mistress in Act 5 Scene 2. Why did Emilia lie to Desdemona about the handkerchief a few scenes before?
• Analyze Iago’s hatred . Who doesn’t Iago hate? Where do his hatred and anger come from? Speculate on his nature and hidden reasons for his negative emotions. Mention the language that he uses and what’s unique about it.
• Talk about Roderigo’s character. What’s his goal? Why does he trust Iago and follow his demand? Elaborate on the moment when he tries to escape Iago’s control and fails. What’s his role in the play?
• Explore animal imagery in “Othello.” Why is Othello constantly compared to animals throughout the play? Provide quotes where Iago calls him “Barbary horse” and so on and explain what it means concerning racism and prejudice.
• Compare two plays: “Othello” and “Oedipus.” What are these tragedies based on? How do “Othello” and “Oedipus” end? Explain the reasons for the downfall of the hero that happens in both plays. What characters tried to prevent such a tragic end?
• Examine Othello’s pride and honor. How are these aspects tied to his race and reputation? Mention how his uselessness during the war could’ve affected his pride and make Othello more susceptible to Iago’s manipulation. How does a thought of Desdemona’s infidelity hurt Othello’s pride?
• Compare Othello’s and Bianca’s jealous behavior. Who takes the possibility of their lover’s infidelity better? Summarize their reasons for jealousy and their actions after gaining such a suspicion. Why is it intriguing that Bianca trusts her love interest more than Othello does?
• Consider Othello as the outsider . When do we find out that he doesn’t belong to the community? Mention how it’s uncommon for tragic heroes to be an outcast from the start of the play. How does Iago use it against Othello? How does his status as an outsider contribute to his downfall?
• Discuss Iago’s misogyny. What does he say about women? How does he treat women in the play, particularly his wife? Analyze his banter with Desdemona in Act 2, Scene 1, and his point of view.
• Talk about Desdemona’s independence from her father. Why does Desdemona decide to disobey Brabantio’s will and elope with Othello? Was it common for the time? Explain how Desdemona both showed her independence and immediately became obedient to another man.
• Compare the treatment of women in “Othello” and “Oedipus.” How did Shakespeare and Sophocles describe women in their plays? What role do these characters play in the stories? Analyze how men treat and talk about women in the plays. How does it reflect the period when “Othello” and “Oedipus” were written?
• Elaborate on Emilia’s assistance to Iago. Why does she help him in obtaining Desdemona’s handkerchief? Did she know anything about Iago’s plan? Express how Emilia tried to gain her husband’s approval covering his deeds. Why does she betray him in Act 5 Scene 2?
• Compare two movie adaptations of the play. Find two films based on “Othello” and analyze the alternations from the play in each of them. Which movie is more accurate to the source material? Which one do you prefer?
• Comment on Iago’s control over Othello. Why does Othello believe him more than Desdemona or any other character in the play? Did Iago do anything to gain this trust? Explain how Iago uses language to make Othello blind to his manipulations.
• Explore the theme of jealousy Who suffers from jealousy in the play? Elaborate on various types of jealousy presented in “Othello” (professional and personal) and how characters deal with this emotion.
• Analyze Othello’s changes throughout the play. What traits and behavior does he obtain and why? Does he become more himself by the end of the play than he was before, or it’s the opposite? Add a few examples of more animalistic behavior that Othello showed. Why did its features escalate and then disappear during Act 5 Scene 2?
• Discuss Iago’s plan. When does Iago come up with an idea? Who helps him? Add a couple of sentences about Iago’s motivation and his enjoyment that comes from manipulating people around him.
• Compare and contrast Othello and Oedipus Rex . What character traits do they have in common? What features of their respective journeys do they share? Elaborate on each person and their stories, analyzing the challenges that they face.
• Examine “Othello” in Shakespearean Theater. How did theatres look like when “Othello” was written? Could actors propose ideas and changes during the repetitions of a play? Express how “Othello” was initially performed and what these early performances looked like. When was it published?
• Explore the relationship between Othello and Cassio. Was their friendship strong before Iago’s web of lies? Why was it easy for Othello to believe that Cassio had an affair with Desdemona? Explain how their relationship changed throughout the play.
• Talk about murders in “Othello.” Why did Othello and Iago kill their respective wives? Why did Iago decide to kill Roderigo? Speculate on what causes murders in the play and how it’s connected to the themes of the play. Why did Cassio, whose death was planned by Iago early in “Othello,” survived?
• Analyze Tim Nelson’s 2001 movie “O.” How did the director adapt the play? How did the change of the setting affect “Othello”? Explain why this play is cinematically adaptable. How did Tim Nelson change the characters?
• Comment on the language of the play. What does the way Othello speaks say about him? How is the power of words highlighted in the play? Explain how Iago uses ambiguous and deceptive language to manipulate other characters.
• Examine Othello’s misogyny. What words and actions indicate that sexism has an impact on Othello’s worldview? How does he treat women around him? Mention how quickly he believes that Desdemona cheats on him, even though he doesn’t see any “ocular proof.”
• Elaborate on the way Iago changed by the end of the play. What causes changes in his behavior? Does he become eviler and more himself? Explain how he started from verbal manipulation and ended with murdering two people. Why did he get caught?
• Talk about possible interpretations of “Othello.” How may a person analyze Shakespeare’s works? How have interpretations of “Othello” changed over the years? Comment on the power of historical context.
• Explore the meaning behind the handkerchief. What’s its role in the play? What does this object symbolize? Express how it has a different meaning for every character: Desdemona considers it a symbol of love, while Othello starts to see it as a symbol of betrayal. Add how the handkerchief’s meaning changes.
• Express how “Othello” is experienced by a reader . Given that this is a play primarily performed on stage rather than written analyze it as a text. Are stage directions clear? What’s the focus of each scene? What catches your attention?
• Compare an Elizabethan audience’s reaction to “Othello” with today’s reception. How was the play perceived during Shakespeare’s time? Why do critics find more and more flaws in “Othello” over the years? Mention the role of historical context and how Shakespeare used classical references to entertain his audience.
• Analyze Othello’s character traits. What are his essential qualities? What traits are obtained (or revealed) due to Iago’s manipulations?
• Speculate on the moral of the story . What did Shakespeare want to say? Was it a lesson about jealousy and trust? Or did he try to show how a person can ruin a perfect life via his actions? Analyze all the possible explanations about the moral of the play. What’s Shakespeare’s comment on deception?
• Examine Iago’s jealousy. What’s Iago jealous about? Who is he jealous of? List and analyze all his professional and personal reasons to be jealous of Othello and Cassio. Does he explain them to the audience?
• Shakespeare’s influence on the Renaissance period . How does “Othello” represent this period? What common motifs for the Renaissance did Shakespeare develop in the play? Comment on the author’s contributions to the time via “Othello.”
• Discuss Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Othello.” What changes did Verdi make in his opera? Why did he exclude Act 1 of the play? Add data about first performances and Verdi’s demands concerning the leading singers.
• Elaborate on the Willow song. Where does it appear? Why does Desdemona recall it? Speculate period what this song may symbolize and mention circumstances that forced Emilia to recite it in Act 5 Scene 2.
• Compare the play with its movie adaptation. How did the director of the film modify “Othello”? Is this play cinematically adaptable? Elaborate on changes in the movie and the director’s goal (whether it was adapting the story to fit another period or making it more accurate and close to the text).
• Explore the setting of “Othello.” Where do the events take place? How did the historical context affect the choice of scenery? Mention the details that highlight differences between Cyprus and Venice. What influence does the change of location have on the characters?
• Talk about Othello’s leadership skills . Do we see them in the play? How did these skills help Othello in gaining his reputation? Elaborate on Othello as a leader according to Machiavelli’s ideas.
• Comment on the theme of family. Who keeps in contact with their family in “Othello”? Who has a strong emotional connection to their roots? Elaborate on the relationship between Desdemona and her father.
• Consider Shakespeare’s impact on theatre . Was the social influence theme unusual for the theatre of his time period? What was new about the play for this era? Explain what themes and contemporary tone theatre borrowed from “Othello.”
• Examine Othello’s soliloquy in Act 5 Scene 2. What does it explain to the audience about his character? Does it count as a part of his redemption? Comment on the lines that convey Othello’s intelligence and racism. Can it be considered a suicide note?
• Compare Othello and Leontes from “The Winter’s Tale.” What traits do the characters have in common? What similar issues and conflicts do they face? Elaborate on the different ways that characters chose to solve their problems.
• Talk about Emilia. What role does she play in “Othello”? Does she change throughout the play? Explain why she helps her husband during the significant part of the play but then betrays him, revealing his plan to the characters around. Analyze the moments when she decides to keep silent or talk during the events of the play.
• Compare Othello’s jealousy to Iago’s one. What are the key differences? What is the foundation for their jealousy? Analyze the roots of the jealous behavior of Othello and Iago. How do they deal with this feeling?
• Elaborate on the point of view. What’s intriguing in watching or reading the play from Iago’s point of view? Why does Iago talk to an audience? Explain how the villain makes the listeners or readers his accomplices.
• Comment on Othello’s emotions . Analyze his feelings throughout the play. Explain how he’s eager to follow his emotions and base his decisions on them. How does it affect his journey?
• Explore the banter in Act 2, Scene 1. What do Iago and Desdemona argue about? Is it a serious discussion? Comment on each point of view and how Desdemona doesn’t take Iago’s words seriously.
• Examine the theme of betrayal. Why is loyalty presented as both a curse and virtue? Who uses it to their advantage, and who suffers from it? Express how Iago uses the fear of betrayal against Othello. How does the handkerchief start to symbolize betrayal to Othello?
• Analyze violence in “Othello.” Who acts violently in the play? How do characters fight and commit murder? Elaborate on Othello’s and Iago’s cruelty that they demonstrate in Act 5.
• Consider one of Iago’s monologues. Elaborate on the purpose of him explaining his plans and motivation. Does he tell only the truth or hide something even from the audience? Are there moments when he gains sympathy from the listeners?
• Discuss Iago’s moral grounds . Does he have any? Or is he inherently evil? Analyze his evil actions and schemes, providing examples from the play. Does he have a line that he can’t cross?
• Elaborate on the appearance vs. reality theme. How does Iago hide the reality of things from almost every character? Who is too straightforward and naive to suspect Iago? Mention how characters are blind to Iago’s lies up to the last scene of the play, when Emilia understands everything and reveals Iago’s plan.
• Talk about Desdemona’s death. How did she die? Did she suspect that Othello may want to murder her? Analyze Desdemona’s last attempt to protect her husband, claiming that he’s innocent, and she committed suicide. Does it make her a perfect wife for that time?
• Speculate on Othello’s transformation from a hero to a villain . What unique features does his journey demonstrate? What does Othello’s path have in common with Macbeth’s one? Elaborate on the role of fear and hope in Othello’s story. Did he redeem himself in the end?
• Comment on the passage of time. How many days does the play take? Why are there inconsistencies? Examine various theories about the duration of action and scenes where time could’ve elapsed.
• Explore Cassio’s misogyny. How does he treat his girlfriend to her face and behind her back? Analyze his dialogue with Iago in Act 4, where they talk about Bianca. Why does he act more attentive around Desdemona?
• Elaborate on the minor characters . Who are the critical minor characters? What role do they play in the plot progression? Briefly explain why they are vital for the story, as minor characters help us see the action from the inside, determine the path of the tragic hero, and develop the world of “Othello.”
• Examine the character of Iago . What are his crucial character traits? What role does he play in “Othello”? How does he affect other characters? Explain his motivation and his actions in the play. Why does he have a few soliloquies?
• Discuss the theme of love. How does love affect the characters of the play? Who suffers from love? Explain how “Othello” explores both platonic and romantic love; how love is often mistaken for other feelings.
• Consider the significance of evidence in “Othello.” How does the play demonstrate the significance of “ocular proof”? Explain how “Othello” can be helpful for policemen, lawyers, and other people who deal with evidence regularly.
• Analyze the clown scenes (Act 3, Scenes 1 and 4). Why did Shakespeare introduce the clown? What role does it play in the play? Elaborate on why “Othello” needs comic relief and a moment to take a breath.

Thanks for checking our topics out! We hope now you’re ready to write your Othello essay. For more information, consider other articles about the play below or try our topic generator .

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Guest Essay

I Thought the Bragg Case Against Trump Was a Legal Embarrassment. Now I Think It’s a Historic Mistake.

By Jed Handelsman Shugerman

Mr. Shugerman is a law professor at Boston University.

About a year ago, when Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, indicted former President Donald Trump, I was critical of the case and called it an embarrassment. I thought an array of legal problems would and should lead to long delays in federal courts.

After listening to Monday’s opening statement by prosecutors, I still think the district attorney has made a historic mistake. Their vague allegation about “a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election” has me more concerned than ever about their unprecedented use of state law and their persistent avoidance of specifying an election crime or a valid theory of fraud.

To recap: Mr. Trump is accused in the case of falsifying business records. Those are misdemeanor charges. To elevate it to a criminal case, Mr. Bragg and his team have pointed to potential violations of federal election law and state tax fraud. They also cite state election law, but state statutory definitions of “public office” seem to limit those statutes to state and local races.

Both the misdemeanor and felony charges require that the defendant made the false record with “intent to defraud.” A year ago, I wondered how entirely internal business records (the daily ledger, pay stubs and invoices) could be the basis of any fraud if they are not shared with anyone outside the business. I suggested that the real fraud was Mr. Trump’s filing an (allegedly) false report to the Federal Election Commission, and that only federal prosecutors had jurisdiction over that filing.

A recent conversation with Jeffrey Cohen, a friend, Boston College law professor and former prosecutor, made me think that the case could turn out to be more legitimate than I had originally thought. The reason has to do with those allegedly falsified business records: Most of them were entered in early 2017, generally before Mr. Trump filed his Federal Election Commission report that summer. Mr. Trump may have foreseen an investigation into his campaign, leading to its financial records. He may have falsely recorded these internal records before the F.E.C. filing as consciously part of the same fraud: to create a consistent paper trail and to hide intent to violate federal election laws, or defraud the F.E.C.

In short: It’s not the crime; it’s the cover-up.

Looking at the case in this way might address concerns about state jurisdiction. In this scenario, Mr. Trump arguably intended to deceive state investigators, too. State investigators could find these inconsistencies and alert federal agencies. Prosecutors could argue that New York State agencies have an interest in detecting conspiracies to defraud federal entities; they might also have a plausible answer to significant questions about whether New York State has jurisdiction or whether this stretch of a state business filing law is pre-empted by federal law.

However, this explanation is a novel interpretation with many significant legal problems. And none of the Manhattan district attorney’s filings or today’s opening statement even hint at this approach.

Instead of a theory of defrauding state regulators, Mr. Bragg has adopted a weak theory of “election interference,” and Justice Juan Merchan described the case , in his summary of it during jury selection, as an allegation of falsifying business records “to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 election.”

As a reality check: It is legal for a candidate to pay for a nondisclosure agreement. Hush money is unseemly, but it is legal. The election law scholar Richard Hasen rightly observed , “Calling it election interference actually cheapens the term and undermines the deadly serious charges in the real election interference cases.”

In Monday’s opening argument, the prosecutor Matthew Colangelo still evaded specifics about what was illegal about influencing an election, but then he claimed , “It was election fraud, pure and simple.” None of the relevant state or federal statutes refer to filing violations as fraud. Calling it “election fraud” is a legal and strategic mistake, exaggerating the case and setting up the jury with high expectations that the prosecutors cannot meet.

The most accurate description of this criminal case is a federal campaign finance filing violation. Without a federal violation (which the state election statute is tethered to), Mr. Bragg cannot upgrade the misdemeanor counts into felonies. Moreover, it is unclear how this case would even fulfill the misdemeanor requirement of “intent to defraud” without the federal crime.

In stretching jurisdiction and trying a federal crime in state court, the Manhattan district attorney is now pushing untested legal interpretations and applications. I see three red flags raising concerns about selective prosecution upon appeal.

First, I could find no previous case of any state prosecutor relying on the Federal Election Campaign Act either as a direct crime or a predicate crime. Whether state prosecutors have avoided doing so as a matter of law, norms or lack of expertise, this novel attempt is a sign of overreach.

Second, Mr. Trump’s lawyers argued that the New York statute requires that the predicate (underlying) crime must also be a New York crime, not a crime in another jurisdiction. The district attorney responded with judicial precedents only about other criminal statutes, not the statute in this case. In the end, the prosecutors could not cite a single judicial interpretation of this particular statute supporting their use of the statute (a plea deal and a single jury instruction do not count).

Third, no New York precedent has allowed an interpretation of defrauding the general public. Legal experts have noted that such a broad “election interference” theory is unprecedented, and a conviction based on it may not survive a state appeal.

Mr. Trump’s legal team also undercut itself for its decisions in the past year: His lawyers essentially put all of their eggs in the meritless basket of seeking to move the trial to federal court, instead of seeking a federal injunction to stop the trial entirely. If they had raised the issues of selective or vindictive prosecution and a mix of jurisdictional, pre-emption and constitutional claims, they could have delayed the trial past Election Day, even if they lost at each federal stage.

Another reason a federal crime has wound up in state court is that President Biden’s Justice Department bent over backward not to reopen this valid case or appoint a special counsel. Mr. Trump has tried to blame Mr. Biden for this prosecution as the real “election interference.” The Biden administration’s extra restraint belies this allegation and deserves more credit.

Eight years after the alleged crime itself, it is reasonable to ask if this is more about Manhattan politics than New York law. This case should serve as a cautionary tale about broader prosecutorial abuses in America — and promote bipartisan reforms of our partisan prosecutorial system.

Nevertheless, prosecutors should have some latitude to develop their case during trial, and maybe they will be more careful and precise about the underlying crime, fraud and the jurisdictional questions. Mr. Trump has received sufficient notice of the charges, and he can raise his arguments on appeal. One important principle of “ our Federalism ,” in the Supreme Court’s terms, is abstention , that federal courts should generally allow state trials to proceed first and wait to hear challenges later.

This case is still an embarrassment, in terms of prosecutorial ethics and apparent selectivity. Nevertheless, each side should have its day in court. If convicted, Mr. Trump can fight many other days — and perhaps win — in appellate courts. But if Monday’s opening is a preview of exaggerated allegations, imprecise legal theories and persistently unaddressed problems, the prosecutors might not win a conviction at all.

Jed Handelsman Shugerman (@jedshug) is a law professor at Boston University.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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New Boy Summary & Study Guide

New Boy Summary & Study Guide Description

The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Chevalier, Tracy. New Boy. Hogarth Shakespeare, 2017.

On a warm May morning in 1974 Washington, D.C., Dee was on the playground waiting for school to start. Then she saw the new boy, a surprise at the end of the school year who stood out as the only black child on the playground. Dee couldn’t help but stare at him as she fetched her friends Mimi and Blanca to join her in Mr. Brabant’s class line. Waiting to enter the school, she stood behind him nervously. To her shock, the new boy turned around and spoke to her, introducing himself as Osei “O” Kokote, the son of a Ghanian diplomat. She was immediately charmed by his formal, accented voice.

Ian was bullying younger children when he noticed O. He was upset at the sight of him, a black boy disrupting the fragile playground hierarchy, and grew furious when he saw O speaking with Dee. When his friend Rod approached, whining as usual about his crush on Dee, Ian said they would have to do something to put a stop to O. Meanwhile, his reluctant girlfriend Mimi watched Dee and O in awe. They seemed to have a magical aura around them, much like the kind she would see before her frequent, painful headaches.

As O surveyed the playground, he was disappointed but unsurprised to realize he was the only black student. In the past several years, he had lived in Rome and New York City, each time facing racist prejudice. However, as he spoke with Dee, he realized he might have an ally at the school. When she agreed to switch her Snoopy pencil case with his embarrassing pink strawberry one, he was delighted.

At morning recess, Mimi and Blanca listened as Dee gushed about her crush on O. Mimi, unhappy with Ian and jealous of Dee’s affection for O, warned her that kids would make fun of her if she went out with a black boy. Dee brushed her off to watch O play kickball. O loved sports, and he knew that playing well would make him well liked among the boys. When he kicked a homerun, albeit out of bounds, popular boy Casper congratulated him. However, when Dee hugged him, the other children were shocked by her physical crossing of racial lines. Wanting to get away from their judgmental peers, Dee led O to the more isolated sand pit. O told her about his adventurous life, first in Ghana and then around the world. Their affection for each other grew, and they touched hands to each other’s cheeks. They were interrupted when the furious Mr. Brabant yelled at them for inappropriate touching. Ian was equally enraged by the sight of their caresses, and as recess ended he began to think up a complex plan to undermine the new boy as well as the other popular children at his school.

When the lunch bell rang, Mimi had a horrible headache. On her way out she was waylaid by Ian, who wanted something of Dee’s for an undisclosed reason. She didn’t have anything, but after she left for the cafeteria, she saw Dee’s strawberry pencil case fall from her bag and picked it up.

Meanwhile, O was facing the eternal first day problem of with whom to sit at lunch. To his surprise, both Casper and Ian offered him a seat, and he chose to sit with the friendlier Casper. After he had eaten, he went out on the playground. Ian joined him and pointed out Dee, who had returned from lunch at her home and was feeding Casper a strawberry. Ian implied there was something between the two, causing O to feel a surge of jealousy. This pleased Ian, but he knew he needed to push O farther to make him truly suspicious of Dee and Casper. He told Rod to rile Casper into punching him by saying something nasty about his girlfriend Blanca, and Ian watched from afar as his plan was put into action. Oblivious to Ian’s shady dealings, Dee was shocked by the punch, and even more surprised when O refused to listen to her defense of Casper. Back in class, she realized her pencil case was missing, and she nervously lied to O that she had left it at home.

At the start of afternoon recess, Mimi pulled Ian aside and gave him the strawberry pencil case on the condition that he agree to breakup. He agreed, and quickly came up with a plan for it. While playing the outfield in kickball, he approached Blanca and told her the case was a gift from Casper, who might be gone for a long time if he was suspended. Blanca was delighted, and at the first opportunity Ian approached O to point out that she now had the case. O was visibly upset. When Dee approached him, she was so shocked by his anger with her that she wanted to cry. She tried to ask what was wrong, and he shoved her hard so that her head cracked on the asphalt. O was immediately ashamed of what he had done. The teachers rushed to the scene, but Dee lied for him, saying she had tripped. Mimi took her to the nurse’s office, where Dee cried, confused by her beau’s change of heart.

During art class, O asked Dee to meet him on the playground after school. Before she met him, she went to check the Lost & Found box for the strawberry pencil case, with no luck. Meanwhile, Ian was lurking around the playground. He spotted O on the jungle gym and took the chance to place even more doubt in his mind, implying that Dee went with both Rod and Casper, and was only trying out things with O because he was different. When Dee approached O on the jungle gym, he was even angrier with her. When he pointed out the pencil case and told Dee what Ian had been saying, Dee realized that Ian had been stirring up trouble and went to confront him. However, before she could call out the bully, O began screaming at her from the jungle gym, calling her terrible names and saying she was easy so that the whole playground could hear. Dee was mortified and ran sobbing from the playground.

Mimi approached O and demanded an explanation. However, as she climbed up the jungle gym to join him, she fell from the rungs. Ian had realized that she would give him away, so he had pulled her down. Mimi was in terrible pain and couldn’t move. The children all began screaming and their teachers rushed to the scene. Suddenly understanding what had happened, Mimi explained that Ian was to blame for everything. Mr. Brabant, however, immediately blamed O for the drama and Mimi’s fall, revealing his barely hidden racism. Defiant, O raised his hand into a fist and jumped from the jungle gym, joining the possibly paralyzed Mimi.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Boy, 14, killed in crash named and pictured

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The family of a boy who died in a car crash in Yorkshire over the weekend have paid tribute to their ‘little joy’.  

Ellis Lockley, 14, died from injuries sustained in the collision on a country lane in Keighley on Sunday afternoon.

A 21-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been bailed pending further enquiries.  

Ellis’s family paid tribute saying: ‘We as a family are totally devastated at the loss of our beautiful boy Ellis, he has left such a massive hole in our hearts.    

‘We have received so much love and support from the community, he is so loved by everyone who knew him.  

‘Whilst we appreciate people will want to pay tribute to our little joy Ellis, we hope that they do this with respect.’

Police were called at 2.19pm to reports a silver Vauxhall Corsa had crashed in a single-vehicle collision on Tarn Lane while travelling towards Black Hill Lane.

Ellis, who was in the passenger seat, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver was taken to hospital for treatment, then arrested and remains in police custody.

Two other passengers in the car suffered minor injuries.  

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy said: ‘This is a tragic incident where a young boy has lost his life in a serious road traffic collision.  

“Specially trained officers are continuing to support Ellis’s family at this tragic time.

‘We are keen to trace anyone who was travelling along Tarn Lane, which is known locally as ‘Yorkshire Bumps’ junction of Black Hill Lane and Green Sykes Road who may have seen a silver Vauxhall Corsa driving in the area.

“In particular we are keen to trace the drivers of an Audi and a Yaris who were in the area between 1.30pm and 2.20pm.

‘I would appeal to anyone who was in the area yesterday who saw the vehicle or collision of who may have dash cam footage to come forward.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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