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Bugs Bunny - different from other popular characters (Common App Essay)


CollegeFlowers7 6 / 5  
Dec 14, 2010   #1
Hey guys! This is probably THE most important essay I've ever written so I would REALLY appreciate some feedback. Please critique!

Prompt: Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence

As a child, Bugs Bunny was my idol for very much the same reasons as why people idolize Superman or Batman. He is the protagonist of his show; he always emerges from a battle victorious. Yet despite the way he fits into the mold of nearly every central cartoon character in existence, I always knew Bugs was different from other popular characters like Mickey Mouse or Spongebob Squarepants. Somehow, Bugs always managed to say things that were funnier, more interesting, and most uncharacteristic of a cartoon rabbit. As I grew older and drifted farther away from a majority of the cartoons I once enjoyed, my love and interest in Merrie Melodies shorts never dwindled and Bugs Bunny continues to influence me today. I still marvel at who he is, though now I see that I do so for other, more definitive reasons

To me, Bugs Bunny is more of a representation of how to combat life then just a witty rabbit. He is always faced with unexpected, often displeasing, events and people, but it is always his first instinct to retaliate peacefully. Bugs Bunny has rarely, if ever, outright started a conflict with someone. He often comes out of his hole to confront the antagonist and asks them outright to state their business on his property with a sly "What's Up Doc?". If the conflict doesn't end there, Bugs then deals with what he is saddled with with class and style. We see him take whatever means necessary to save himself from being crushed under the weight of problem that seems to be stronger, smarter, or overall more then him. It's the very clever and thoughtful way of looking at the world that has convinced me that I can follow in his example and work out any problem. To form a basic strategy, I need to be firm and unwavering in my own resolve to get past a bad thing and onto something better or a resolution of the conflict I've just been stuck with.

To come out on top, I've got to make the best of the situation and learn to think on my feet, another principle I've seen Bug's demonstrate. He's resourceful and quick to analyze a situation and think of just what he can or can't do to get away. An example of this can be found in "Shishkabugs" when he's trapped in King's Castle. He's to be cooked and served to the king for dinner, but Bugs, taking a moment to play along and see what he's dealing with, manages to save himself by climbing out of the oven when Sam is preoccupied. Though the situations I've come by in life are not nearly so dire, I've found I've used this very basic life skill quite a few times, either when confronting someone in a tense situation, or when walking in a strange, unfamiliar part of town. No one can take care of me other than me, so I should at least know how to do that.

The saying, "Though there are rocks on the path, you must keep walking," says all there is to be said about the way I want to live. There will be challenges, tests to study for, a job to do, a room to clean, classes to go to, but I will juggle these things respectively, though not as a super being. I'm not perfect; I have limits, but that does not mean I let my limitations interfere with everyday life. It's important to me to manage to give my absolute best performance, in all that I do, whether feeling up to it or not. Another idea I came by through Bugs. Heaven knows a rabbit has limits! Yet Bugs does not disappoint, demonstrating a remarkable sense of character that I strive to achieve myself.

The most important thing I've taken away from Bugs is the knowledge that there are billions of other people in the world and that each deserves a helping hand every now and again. I strive to make smart decisions and stay clear of trouble, but I've always made the effort to remember to be compassionate when dealing with others. I never want to loose that quality that makes us more than just walking bags of organs. Somehow, Bugs even brings this quality to life. The best example I've ever seen of his sympathy is found in "Dumb Patrol" when Bugs takes Porky Pig's place in an air raid, stating that Porky has a wife and six piglets to care for. This single act of kindness is something that goes beyond feeling or reason. To do things for people because you feel with them, not for them. To be strong enough to stand up for yourself when you must, but still human enough to know your place and feel with others is a combination that most people lack, but that one animated rabbit has brought to life among the spirit of men, and women, alike. It's the example I choose to follow.

In Merrie Melodies, characters such as Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, and even Daffy Duck to some extent have been representative of the problems life throws at you, and I admire Bugs because he is ultimately the ordinary guy. I've been Bugs Bunny at one point or another, we all have. Anyone can recall a time they've been thrown under the bus by a friend, tricked into believing something other then the truth, betrayed by those they thought they could trust. Bugs is that person who gets back up though things are pushing him down and instead of complaining about it, goes and fights to change it. That's the person I aspire to be. That optimistic, sharp, "wascally wabbit" is my idol and I will continue change, grow, and combat life while I nibble on my carrots and I walk on to the new challenges.
XueAmir 6 / 25  
Dec 15, 2010   #2
the only thing that seemed redundant was the hyphen between head and literally. other that i thought your essay was a bizarre in a good way.you analyzed the character so well that I can't find any more suggestions at the moment. good luck with applications ^_^
OP CollegeFlowers7 6 / 5  
Dec 15, 2010   #3
Thanks. I'm still not so sure though. It seems as though something about it lacks.
soccer123 1 / 1  
Dec 15, 2010   #4
Make sure you add a little bit about yourself. It is important to reveal something about yourself or send a message to the college that shows who you are and why you are unique. I really liked the essay! Just add a little more about yourself :)
corgilover 2 / 8  
Dec 15, 2010   #5
I agree with soccer123, I think you should add more about yourself and how it influenced you, not just about why you think bugs bunny's philosphy and approach to things is good. Its an essay about you, not bugs bunny.
OP CollegeFlowers7 6 / 5  
Dec 16, 2010   #6
Thank you for the suggestions. Is this any better?
EF_Kevin 8 / 13,321 129  
Dec 26, 2010   #7
Hi Danielle,

There is a little problem at the start, here:
As a child, Bugs Bunny was...
Can you see how this way of wording it causes a lack of clarity? It sounds like Bugs did something as a child. You can do it like this:

As a child, I idolized Bugs Bunny because ...

Somehow, Bugs always managed to say things that were funnier, more interesting, and most uncharacteristic of a cartoon rabbit. ---right here, it would be really good to add a thesis statement and then end the first paragraph. Let the reader get her bearings before moving on.

Paragraph 2:
As I grew older and drifted farther away from a majority of the cartoons I had once enjoyed, my love and...

:-)
Benn_Myers 8 / 46  
Dec 26, 2010   #8
This essay in interesting, its a great idea and its fairly well executed. My main bit of feedback would be that you need to ground your essay more.

The goal of a good essay (at least this sort of essay) is to propose interesting ideas and provide relevant examples (grounding the essay). You provide examples of Bugs Bunny but none of YOURSELF. I would add a part of your essay where you discuss a specific example of when Bugs Bunny example has influenced your actions. This will make your essay much, much stronger. College essays are about you, and by tying back and grounding the essay in your own experiences the reader will become much more involved and your abstract paper will become directly relevant.

I rarely stress advice this much but I'm positive that your essay will be much better if you add this example.

Best of luck!
collegegirl24 2 / 13  
Dec 26, 2010   #9
maybe talk about how you are like bugs bunny, and discuss the different aspects of him? i think it would be very compelling to read.

would you mind giving me feedback on my supplement for u of m? i would really appreciate it


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