Defying English Strictures

Lori Yvette Fernandez Lopez

Mr. Dominguez

AP Literature, Period 6

6 September 2011

            From the time a student learns to write in elementary school and well into high school, their teachers try to structure their words into what they believe to be the best possible format. However, their structured methods of writing are not always the most efficient in conveying the writer’s true thoughts. Haley Cavataro in her essay, “The Performance of Femininity in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s Herland and Simone de Beauvior’s Second Sex,” an analysis of the role of femininity during the turn of the century, does not always follow the rules of writing given to students throughout their school careers.

            The structure of this essay defies many of the rules we have learned over the years. Since entering Junior High we were told to never use rhetorical questions in an essay, however, Cavataro uses them throughout the entire response to incite deep intellectual thought in her readers. The questions reflect her thoughts on the books message, and inspire philosophical exploration into the issue of feminism during that era. Her paragraphs rather than being one topic per paragraph they bounce around. They sometimes include multiple ideas while others are a continuation of a previously touched upon thought. Rather than be blobs of information that many teachers seem to prefer her paragraphs—and the essay as a whole—reflect the natural flow of her thoughts. In addition, there are places during the essay in which her elevated language slips away to be replaced by the vernacular. For example, in her article she refers to herself as a part of a whole when she uses the first person pronoun “our.” In most academic settings this would result in the loss of a grade because it is not the “proper” way to compose a piece.

            Most noticeable of all the deviations from apposite wording in an English essay is her voice that radiates throughout the piece. In my experience a teacher would rather you report on an essay coldly, with little opinion to influence the tone of the piece. Rather than having a neutral tone throughout the piece as if merely reporting on a prompt rather than having an opinion on it. Her stand on feminism and the role of women permeates the article. Not only does she present the opinions of the original authors, she gives her audience hers as well. Cavataro even has the gumption to disagree with the authors’ sentiments. Though this is not unheard of, there are English instructors who believe that a student is not yet knowledgeable enough to disagree with a published author’s opinion. Cavataro disregards these instructors and writes with her heart and for herself rather than follow the conventional writing structures.

            Cavataro’s break from the strictures of formal writing, though initially shocking and appalling, is refreshing. To know that we as writers can use our voice to express our thoughts rather than the voice an English guru tells us we should assume. This article teaches me that there is no wrong way to express myself in words. There is unlimited freedom of expression. What you say and express is more important that whether or not you conform to the outlines of correct English.