Writing Assignment:

Reflect on a selected visual image. Make a well-considered and objective point about the image in a short film. Apply the lessons from Chapter 3 of McWhorter's Reflections chapter in clear ways. Quote the part of the text that applies to your observations, critiques, and/or opinions about the impact of the image.

I expect you to use the descriptive and narrative skills you honed in Freshman Composition I (a prerequisite) to present the image to your audience. Use these skills again to precisely point out to at least three important image details that strengthen your discussion. These are three smaller things that make your larger point (e.g., It is great, awful, amusing, distressing, etc.).

Here is something else that I want you to do: Analyze each of the details in the selected image in terms of its appeal to ethos, pathos, logos, or kyrgios, its ability to persuade an audience to do something, think something or react in a certain way. (Access video> https://youtu.be/aUpiy67_nt4?si=YLgwF39_POYDJfpw if these terms are new to you.)

Step One: View the short film by Abdou Cissé "Slap".

Step Two: Write a short 100-word summary. Challenge: Summarize the plot of the movie without spoiling the ending;

Step Three: Select a key frame or moment in the film and note the timestamp. Select an image from the short that represents the most interesting, amusing, provocative, or unfortunate representation within the short film--apart from the credits. Save the image to a file on your computer. You will share it here--if you know how. Or, if you do not know how to upload it here, save it so that you can share it later in a draft.

Step Four: Write a 100-word visual/auditory description of the scene.

Step Final: Step Final: Compose an original 150-300-word visual analysis paragraph.

Apply the lessons from Chapter 3 of McWhorter's Reflections chapter in clear ways. See Table 3.11 "Guidelines for Writing a Response Paper" for guidance.

Start with a stem: "After viewing the image, I felt _____." Include a brief summary, and present a key reaction. Do not attempt to discuss all of your reactions. Instead choose one key idea, one question the selected image raises, or one issue it explores.

Quote the part of the text that applies to your observations, critiques, and/or opinions about the impact of the image if there is writing involved. Point out at least three important image details that strengthen your discussion. Analyze each detail in terms of one of its appeals, say to to ethos, pathos, logos, or kyrgios. Provide a response to the whole assignment Freshman Composition

In "Slap" by Abdou Cissé, the plot centers on a young boy who, after being slapped by his mother for playing soccer instead of helping with chores, seeks revenge by challenging her to a game. As the game progresses, the boy's determination to win intensifies, leading to unexpected consequences.

**Step Three: Key Frame**

The selected key frame/moment is at 02:17, where the boy stands defiantly, clutching the soccer ball, while his mother looks on with a mix of frustration and concern.

**Step Four: Visual/Auditory Description**

In this scene, the boy, dressed in worn clothing, stands in the foreground, his face set in determination as he holds the soccer ball close. His mother, standing behind him, is partially obscured, her expression a mixture of anger and worry. The background consists of a modest home and a dusty soccer field, setting the scene for the confrontation between mother and son.

**Final Step: Visual Analysis**

After viewing the image, I felt a mix of sympathy and admiration for the boy's resilience. Despite facing adversity, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice, embodying the spirit of perseverance highlighted in McWhorter's Reflections chapter. McWhorter emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in the face of challenges, stating, "Life's obstacles do not deter us, but fuel us to work harder." The image captures this sentiment perfectly, as the boy's defiance appeals to both pathos and ethos, evoking empathy for his struggle while also earning respect for his courage. His stance and expression convey a sense of purpose, appealing to logos by highlighting the rationality of his actions in response to injustice. Overall, the image invites viewers to consider the complexities of familial relationships and the power dynamics at play, prompting reflection on the ways in which individuals navigate conflicts and assert their agency.