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"Cloud Atlas" - has become more thought provoking that any novel I have read previously.


danieljacobs 2 / 4  
Dec 28, 2010   #1
What work of literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you

Hey, this a supplement question for the UVA application.
It says to do it in roughly 250 words or half a page, but mine is about 400 words.
So, any thing you hind in my essay that you think would make it better or telling me any grammatical errors would be much appreciated:

From the diverse yet mysterious oceans of the Pacific Southeast, to the ever continuous and magnificent mountains and plains of 18th century Hungary, to a not so future yet distant post apocalyptic world, "Cloud Atlas" has forever more intrigued me and has become more thought provoking that any novel I have read previously. Taking the reader on a journey from one distinct time period to another, Cloud Atlas envelopes the reader into a revelation that reveals how disparate people connect, how their fates intertwine, and how their souls drift across time like clouds across the sky. The central theme of the book emphasizes that despite the time period culture or place on the Earth, man's human nature remains constant. Essentially, the central question to the theme proposes: 'What does it mean to be human?' This general yet disillusioned theme is answer through a series of six stories that are intertwined with one another as the characters are connected by more than what it seems.

In a continuously changing society in which we live in, it is no wonder that society itself changes at such an alarming rate. With new simple technological innovations like the hottest new iphone or the newest environmentally friendly vehicle, the way we live or perceive life and its various and sometimes meticulous functions, may vary well change in an instant. With every increasing discovery in technology, there is an equally impact on society itself. To this very extent, no matter how much the world we presently live in changes despite the worlds diverse changing societies, nationalities or cultures, human nature is the one aspect of life that does not change and withstands the test of time. David Mitchell parallels this notion to the passage of clouds through the sky; clouds recycle themselves as testament to changes in climate and time but they will remain the same entity no matter the circumstance. Moreover, the clouds are a testament to time and culture that man's nature really never changes.

To me, this teaches that no matter the culture, time or nationality, we all share similar human nature. Despite misanthropic racial or prejudicial boundaries, we all can relate on some level on humanity. Indeed, we are all humans in relation to one another part of something bigger. In an extremely fitting end and testament to the book as a whole, David Mitchell states that human nature and time links us all: "Yet what is any ocean but a multitude of drops?"
shahjahan 2 / 4  
Dec 28, 2010   #2
I believe the 2nd sentence is a run-on.
I see that you like to use large sentences, you should try to sneak in some short ones just to balance out the long ones.

Good Luck!
OP danieljacobs 2 / 4  
Dec 29, 2010   #3
anything else?
like any other grammatical errors?
does it flow?
shahjahan 2 / 4  
Dec 29, 2010   #4
One thing I notice is that a lot of the essay is spent talking about the book and the author. (Take my advice with a grain of salt as I am not applying to UVA and I do not know the prompt) Try to generally describe the novel and then certain aspects of the book that personally connect with you. Then elaborate on those connections. I would think that adcoms want more of your opinion and thoughts pertaining to the book rather than than the thoughts of the author.


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