Journal January 8th

Today was devoted to developing a thesis for the comparative essay. Brittany, Katrya and Kirsten set out to determine how to precisely state the argument of their essay.

The group collectively decided that they would not attempt to argue the universality of Dr. Seuss' work but rather, explore a statement that is more specific and more unique to the story of Yertle the Turtle. So the group began to pursue a discussion about the themes presented in Yertle the Turtle. Brittany suggested addressing the idea that the higher up you are, the greater the fall will be. Kirsten noted that those who are on the lower rungs of society tend to be the ones who initiate change but, she added, they very rarely manage to alter their own situations. Katrya questioned how the group could present this idea with further clarity, suggesting a more direct focus on the fall from the top while comparing a high-up figure, such as Yertle, to a low-end figure, such as Mack.

At large, the group talked about how Dr. Seuss seemingly predicted the fall of the last Nepali monarchy in Yertle the Turtle. Though he died long before the occurence, the book follows an eerily similar plot to that which occured in Nepal. They also thought about drawing upon other real life situations to further support the thesis.

Eventually, they determined this rough thesis:

"Yertle the Turtle explains that it is the lower rungs of society who initiate change however, it is those who are highest with the farthest to fall."

After talking to Mr. Blauer, they plan to develop this thesis further using these ideas:

- Yertle built his power upon the weak. Therefore, they had the ability to take it away.
- As individuals, there was little they could do. But as a group, they were stronger than Yertle.
- There's also a difference in the specifics of their concerns, between Yertle and the lower turtles. While Mack was concerned about his shell cracking, Yertle was looking at the moon which had risen above him.

Now, they will begin to sift through the sources and find the evidence that will best back up their thesis.