prompt-
“An Animal’s Place Actions ” focuses on the relationship between humans and the animals that some of us eat. It is also a model of the kind of writing we will ultimately be doing in this project, a long-form argument. Pollan makes a clear argument, but upends our expectations of how such an argument is usually constructed. There is no initial thesis statement, and the essay follows Pollans thought process as he questions his own assumptions and engages with a range of writers and thinkers on this issue, many of whom challenge his own arguments. It is not at all stream of consciousnessit is highly crafted. But it unfolds in a complex way.
After reading this essay, Id like you to answer the following:
What is Pollans argument/conclusion?
Through most of the essay, it seems pretty clear that we have a terrible and exploitative relationship with the animals around us. What evidence did you find most compelling on this side of the argument? You can cite multiple examples here.
What evidence did you find most compelling in support of Pollans conclusions? Feel free to cite multiple examples.
Where did you land on this issue? Do you agree with Pollans point of view?
teachers initial comments-
Pollan takes us right to our moral responsibility to animals, and asks some very difficult questions. We will be reading this text together early in the week, and you will likely focus on slightly different places with this argument, with some focusing on the potential solution offered int he conclusion, and others considering the complications related to that conclusion – there are no easy solutions here!
I don’t want to talk too much about this text before you’ve had a chance to respond, but just a note about its structure, since this will be important as we move forward. I chose Pollans essay in part because of its form. It will serve as a model for the kind of writing we will be doing for the upcoming project, though I wont be expecting that you engage with this kind of a range of sources! Its more a way of building an argument that doesnt limit the reader to a single inevitable conclusion, and doesnt give itself away right away. What is striking about this essay is the way Pollan takes us along on his ride thinking through this issue. He engages with many different perspectives and does not simply reject any of them before exploring them. Its a strong model for grappling with a difficult question. Of course, this creates some challenges for readers, especially keeping Pollans voice distinct from the many arguments he explores. He presents arguments that he opposes with equal vividness as the arguments he finds convincing. I will be interested to see what each of you responds to most in the essay!
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]