I wrote this essay for a class assignment. The context details a quote in a movie that I found emotionally powerful and grand. I explain why and how the short and simple quote is so moving and what it really means to me.
Writing That Moves Me
Todd Arnette
Professor Andrews
English 1102-008
4 September 2012
If you free your mind, loosen up, and expose yourself to any form of text, then with a little luck you will come across a quote from a book, movie, poem, or film that touches you like nothing else. This specific quote will introduce feelings that teach you something about yourself and the emotions that your body strives on to keep going even when the going gets tough. For me, this expression came from a film titled The Pursuit of Happiness. In the film, actor Will Smith says this, “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
Writing That Moves Me
Todd Arnette
Professor Andrews
English 1102-008
4 September 2012
If you free your mind, loosen up, and expose yourself to any form of text, then with a little luck you will come across a quote from a book, movie, poem, or film that touches you like nothing else. This specific quote will introduce feelings that teach you something about yourself and the emotions that your body strives on to keep going even when the going gets tough. For me, this expression came from a film titled The Pursuit of Happiness. In the film, actor Will Smith says this, “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. Not even me. You gotta dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they’re gonna tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”
During this scene of the film, Chris (Will Smith) is talking to his son (played my Jayden Smith, his actual biological son), who he has just discouraged from pursuing his basketball dreams, and upon realizing this, Chris attempts to increase the morale of his son and encourage him to chase his dreams. Chris released the same emotions from me as he did from his son in the film. The combination of sincere emotion, good eye contact, and the perfectly timed pauses within his speech creates the perfect recipe for motivation and will power. Just as an astounding football coach rallies his team together in the locker room, giving them the hope and the will power to continue playing with all of their strength, Chris, with the power of his words, makes me feel invincible. Physically seeing Will Smith tell his son this, not only in a movie setting, but in a real life setting, knowing that he humbly means the words he is speaking to his real life son, is awesome and inspiring to say the least.
Another aspect of this quote that attracted me was the construction of the sentences, as well as the total simplicity of the terms. The overall context of the expression is in no way above a third graders reading level, plus, a third graders cognitive abilities are definitely strong enough to fully understand the quote in its entirety. The most complex technique used in the quote is a short anaphora, which is present in the middle of the quote, here: “You gotta dream, you gotta protect it.” This anaphora, along with the other short and simple words and sentences, really create this quote and make it so unbelievable. The longest word in the quote is only ten letters, “themselves”, and the shortest sentence is only one measly word, “Period.” The film writer successfully conveyed a simple message (chase your dreams and never give up) with simple words and phrases. That is what makes this quote so great. Its simplicity makes it motivational for everyone because nearly everyone can comprehend what the speaker is saying. The words are not directed only toward the wealthy and educated, but to those less fortunate as well, because quite frankly, those are the ones who need to hear them more anyway.
I came across my favorite inspirational quote while in the movie theatre eating popcorn and you may do the same, but then again you may not. Therefore, be on the lookout for quotes or speeches that truly speak to you and draw emotion from within, because that is exactly what we need to get through this little journey called life.
Writing That Moves Me Reflective Commentary
When I learned of this assignment there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to use this famous scene from The Pursuit of Happiness. The first time I watched the film I felt revitalized and inspired. Honestly, I took Will Smith's words and used them in my own life. I watched the film while I was in high school and not really sure what I wanted to accomplish in life, but after many decision changes and life experiences I decided to go to college and pursue a Criminal Justice degree, which I currently am doing here at UNCC. As I said in my essay, I think it is actually very funny how you can find inspiration anywhere, even in a movie theater while munching on some popcorn. While I was writing this essay, I could not help but think of how much I wanted to be an inspiration to others in my own life, and I feel that with my career in the criminal justice system I will be able to do just that. There are so many options in the field where I could make a drastic difference in many people's lives. I could be a detective or agent and uphold the law and protect others, or I could be a parole officer where I would help felons turn over a new leaf and begin a new and improved life without the influence of crime.
I wrote the essay in the comfort of my dorm while listening to some Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky songs, which are two of my favorite hip hop artists. They are both very inspirational in their music as well, so that really helped to set the tone of my paper. The strongest point in my paper is simply just the quote itself, it is very powerful all on its own and I am very happy with my choice to use it in my paper. The context of the quote connected with any person in the world who strives to be successful, which is pretty much everyone. I enjoyed the fact that Will Smith said this to his biological son which really brought out his true emotions. While writing this essay I felt a sense of urgency to get my point across. I hope that someone out there will read this essay and also realize the power of this quote and be inspired to chase their dreams as well.
Writing That Moves Me Reflective Commentary
When I learned of this assignment there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to use this famous scene from The Pursuit of Happiness. The first time I watched the film I felt revitalized and inspired. Honestly, I took Will Smith's words and used them in my own life. I watched the film while I was in high school and not really sure what I wanted to accomplish in life, but after many decision changes and life experiences I decided to go to college and pursue a Criminal Justice degree, which I currently am doing here at UNCC. As I said in my essay, I think it is actually very funny how you can find inspiration anywhere, even in a movie theater while munching on some popcorn. While I was writing this essay, I could not help but think of how much I wanted to be an inspiration to others in my own life, and I feel that with my career in the criminal justice system I will be able to do just that. There are so many options in the field where I could make a drastic difference in many people's lives. I could be a detective or agent and uphold the law and protect others, or I could be a parole officer where I would help felons turn over a new leaf and begin a new and improved life without the influence of crime.
I wrote the essay in the comfort of my dorm while listening to some Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky songs, which are two of my favorite hip hop artists. They are both very inspirational in their music as well, so that really helped to set the tone of my paper. The strongest point in my paper is simply just the quote itself, it is very powerful all on its own and I am very happy with my choice to use it in my paper. The context of the quote connected with any person in the world who strives to be successful, which is pretty much everyone. I enjoyed the fact that Will Smith said this to his biological son which really brought out his true emotions. While writing this essay I felt a sense of urgency to get my point across. I hope that someone out there will read this essay and also realize the power of this quote and be inspired to chase their dreams as well.
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