Analysis of Freedom Writers

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Freedom Writers- Theme Essay:

The film Freedom Writers directed by Richard La Gravenese is an American film based on the story of a dedicated and idealistic teacher named Erin Gruwell, who inspires and teaches her class of belligerent students that there is hope for a life outside gang violence and death. Through unconventional teaching methods and devotion, Erin eventually teaches her pupils to appreciate and desire a proper education. The film itself inquiries into several concepts regarding significant and polemical matters, such as: acceptance, racial conflict, bravery, trust and respect. Perhaps one of the more concentrated concepts of the film, which is not listed above, is the importance and worth of education. This notion is distinctly displayed through the characters of Erin, Erin’s pupils, opposing teachers, Scott and numerous other characters in the film. It is also shown and developed through the usage of specific dialogue, environment, symbolism, and other film techniques.

The importance and worth of education is first conveyed at the beginning of the film through the conflicts and differences between Erin, several of the other teachers and members of the school board. An extract from one of the first dialogues between Erin and Margaret, is the first sign of how education is going to be perceived throughout the film. The quote, “By the time you’re defending a kid in a courtroom, the battle’s already lost. I think the real fighting should happen here, in the classroom,” said by Erin to Margaret, evidently displays her view that acquiring an education is vital to secure a sound and prosperous future. By “fighting” I believe Erin is trying to indicate her belief that guiding some students along the correct path can ...

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...arriage and may not have felt as though he was the “wife” in the relationship. It is due to this portrayal of Erin being far more content with her life than Scott with his that the importance and worth of education is presented vividly.

To conclude: Through these characters, conflicts and film techniques, Richard La Gravenese has clearly portrayed that education, is vital to unlock opportunities, break stereotypical perceptions, overcome certain obstacles and find fulfillment. He plainly underlines that a person’s ethnic background, financial situation and personal or familial obligations should not determine the level of education received or the resources given for educational usage. In many ways the film and story of The Freedom Writers recognises, analyses and conveys how various concerns frequently supersede the strong need for an acquirement of education.

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