In “The Moustache” by Robert Cormier, the theme of growing up and the complexity of human relationships is poignantly explored through the protagonist’s interactions with his family and the symbolic significance of the moustache itself. The setting, primarily within the confines of a family home, creates an intimate backdrop that heightens the tension between the protagonist and his grandmother. This tension is encapsulated in the plot when the protagonist decides to grow a moustache, which serves as a symbol of his transition into adulthood. His grandmother’s response to the moustache reveals her deep-seated emotions, as she mistakes his adult appearance for his deceased grandfather, illustrating how the protagonist's attempt at maturity inadvertently forces a confrontation with loss and memory. Cormier writes, “For a moment, she looked directly at me, and I saw the recognition, the way her eyes sparkled with tears.” This moment encapsulates the theme that growing up means coming to terms with the multi-layered identities of those we love, highlighting that as one matures, they must confront the complexities of both their own identity and the memories and feelings of others. Through this poignant character dynamic and the symbol of the moustache, Cormier deftly illustrates the intricacies of family relationships in the journey towards adulthood.
Create: Write a Paragraph
Level 1: To show your mastery of the unit goals, write an analytical paragraph in which you use textual evidence about literary elements such as setting, character, plot, and symbol to identify a theme developed in “The Moustache.” Write your paragraph on a sheet of paper.
Your answer should include specific textual evidence and demonstrate understanding of how a theme is developed in a text through details about the setting, characters, plot, and symbols. Possible themes include that some conflicts can never be fully resolved and that growing up means fully seeing others as complete individuals in their own right.
the informations above is the you have to do so write a paragraph
9 answers
Yes, the paragraph provided is structured to meet the assignment requirements. It analyzes the theme of growing up and complexity in relationships in “The Moustache,” using textual evidence related to setting (family home), character (the protagonist and his grandmother), plot (the decision to grow a moustache), and symbolism (the moustache itself). If you feel it meets your understanding and covers the necessary elements of the assignment, you can certainly submit it to your drop box. Just make sure to review it for personal touch or any specific formatting guidelines from your instructor before submitting!
At the top of your sheet, you should include the following elements to ensure clarity and proper formatting for your assignment:
- Your Name: Write your full name.
- Date: Include the date you are submitting the assignment.
- Course Name: Specify the course name or code (if applicable).
- Assignment Title: Clearly state the assignment title; you might label it something like "Analytical Paragraph on 'The Moustache.'"
Here’s an example of how you could format the top of your sheet:
Your Name
Date
Course Name
Analytical Paragraph on "The Moustache"
After this header, you can proceed with the paragraph you wrote.
In “The Moustache” by Robert Cormier, the theme of the complexity of growing up and understanding others is vividly illustrated through the interplay of character, setting, and symbolism, enhanced by the use of figurative language and repetition. The setting, largely confined to the protagonist's family home, underscores the intimate yet strained relationships within the family. As the protagonist grows a moustache, it symbolizes his transition into adulthood and the weight of familial expectations. The recurrent imagery of the moustache, coupled with phrases like “the way her eyes sparkled with tears,” employs figurative language that evokes deep emotion, emphasizing the impact of memory and loss on personal identity. The plot unfolds as the protagonist realizes that his disguise as an adult forces his grandmother to confront her memories of his grandfather, leading to a moment of painful recognition. Cormier uses repetition in the grandmother's references to her late husband when she sees the moustache, heightening the intensity of her grief and illustrating how growing up involves grappling with the past while navigating one’s evolving identity. Ultimately, through its rich characterization, poignant setting, and powerful symbols, the story reveals that the journey into adulthood is fraught with the challenge of perceiving others as fully formed individuals with their own histories, capturing the essence of human connection and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your assignment!
1 answer