Question

DUE TOMORROW (MAY 25, 2023) AT 3:00 PM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME

* Step 1: Identify a theme in the novel Ready Player One

* A theme is a full statement, not just one word. It is a lesson about life that is can be learned from what goes on during the course of the novel

* Step 2: Identify 3 literary devices that you feel like the author (Ernest Cline) uses to help bring that theme to life

* You do not want to use characters, setting, or diction. Those are too basic and too big. Think of ones like foreshadowing, symbolism, and things like that

* Step 3: Write your introduction

* Your intro needs a few basic things

* Title and author

* A brief (1 sentence or 2 at most) summary of the book

* Your thesis (the theme)

* The literary devices you are discussing (this is the preview)

* If done right, it will look something like this:


In (name of author with possessive "s" at the end) novel (title of novel) we see the main character, (name of protagonist), (brief, one-sentence summary of what they dealt with or went through). This novel contains many themes with one theme being (your thematic statement). This theme can be seen through the author's use of (lit device #1), (lit device #2), and (lit device #3)


* Step 4: Write your body paragraphs

* 3 body paragraphs, one for each literary element. Each paragraph needs at least 1 quote to show where these literary elements are

* Paragraphs should have the following formula

* Topic Sentence

* Concrete Detail (quote)

* Commentary (summarize the quote)

* "In this quote/Through this evidence the reader can see that . . ."

* Commentary (How does the evidence support your theme)

* "This shows the reader that . . ."

* The above formula is a bare minimum idea. This could (if good) get you to a meeting. It would not get you to exceeding

* To get exceeding you'd want one or more paragraphs to have 2 pieces of evidence that follow this formula, or you'd want even more commentary to help show connection between your evidence and your theme

* Step 5: Format the paper properly in MLA formatting


**Additional Tips


* This functions slightly like an argumentative paper. You are arguing that the elements you have chosen to allow the theme you have written to be evident to the reader

* An equation: Lit Element 1 + Lit Element 2 + Lit Element 3 = theme

* We are talking about the author here, not the plot, not the characters, not the setting!

* Its two parts involving the author: What they are trying to tell us (theme) along with how they are trying to tell us that (literary elements)

* I would create theme first and then find elements that actually showcase that

* Reminder that a theme must be a complete sentence

* Not one or two words

* Not some cliche

* Has to be defensible

Answer 1

The Use of Literary Devices in Ernest Cline's Novel Ready Player One to Convey the Theme of Escapism

In Ernest Cline's novel Ready Player One, we follow the main character, Wade Watts, as he navigates a virtual reality world called OASIS in a quest to find an Easter egg left by the game's creator. The novel explores various themes, including escapism. Through foreshadowing, symbolism, and allusion, Cline effectively brings this theme to life. She highlights the allure and consequences of the virtual world escape.

Foreshadowing is a literary device used by Cline to underscore escapism. One instance of foreshadowing occurs when Wade receives a clue about the first key, which leads him to a virtual school. He remarks, "I knew right away that I would start attending school as an avatar" (Cline 120). This foreshadows Wade's increasing reliance on OASIS as an escape from real-world problems, such as poverty and loneliness. Through this evidence, the reader can see that Wade's decision to escape into the virtual school hints at his desire to evade the difficulties of his everyday life. This emphasizes the theme of escapism.

Symbolism is another powerful literary device used by Cline to reinforce escapism. Symbolism is illustrated by Art3mis, an accomplished and confident avatar in OASIS. When Wade first encounters Art3mis, he describes her as "my equal in every way" (Cline 120). Art3mis symbolizes Wade's aspirations and represents the idealized version of himself he wishes to become in the virtual world. This symbolism illustrates how Wade and other characters in the novel use OASIS to create a persona that reflects their desires. This allows them to escape their real-life identities. Cline's symbolism reinforces the theme of escapism.

Additionally, Cline employs allusion to further explore escapism in Ready Player One. One notable allusion in the novel is the incorporation of numerous pop culture references from the 1980s. These references create a nostalgic atmosphere and serve as a form of escapism for both the characters and the readers. For example, Wade describes playing an OASIS simulation based on the movie WarGames, stating, "I loved the fact that I could play out the movie's final scenes in virtual reality" (Cline 76). By alluding to a popular film from the past, Cline emphasizes the allure of escaping into a simulated world. This is where players can relive cherished memories or experiences. This allusion further strengthens the escapism theme throughout the novel.

In conclusion, Ernest Cline effectively conveys the theme of escapism in Ready Player One through the skillful use of foreshadowing, symbolism, and allusion. The foreshadowing in Wade's decision to attend school virtually, the symbolism represented by the character Artemis, and the allusion to 1980s pop culture references collectively demonstrate the allure and consequences of seeking solace and identity in virtual realities. Cline's adept utilization of these literary devices enables readers to grasp the importance of confronting real-world challenges rather than relying solely on escapism.