An essay response is a type of essay that offers a response to a specific topic or answer to a prompt The purpose of the essay is to answer a specific question that the reader is supposed to answer through expressing their own opinion, argument, or point of view. When writing a response essay, the writer should assess the situation or prompt, develop an understanding of the topic, and then respond to the prompt in a well-crafted and organized essay. The essay should be written in a way that clearly shows the writer’s point of view and offers a critical evaluation of the issue presented.
Alice Walker offers one of the most influential and emotionally charged essays related to the African American experience. In her essay, “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” Walker discusses the need for African Americans to reclaim their true heritage and cultures, which were so brutally suppressed for centuries. Walker’s essay conveys the unyielding spirit of the African American people, which has been so strong that, despite all the obstacles, they continue to search for a way to express their identity, culture, and spirit. This essay can spark many different types of response essays. Here are five examples of interesting essay topics related to Walker’s “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens”:
1. In "In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens," Alice Walker's core message is that African Americans should reclaim their heritage. What practical steps can be taken in order to make this happen?
In this essay, the writer would assess Walker’s point of view and evaluate her proposal of reclaiming African American heritage. The essay should discuss the obstacles that the African American people have faced and the challenges that may still pose a threat to their reclaimed heritage, as well as the potential strategies for preventing these challenges from taking hold. Unique possibilities, such as cultural preservation projects, should be discussed in order to create a comprehensive picture of how African American heritage can be reclaimed and preserved effectively.
2. In “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” Alice Walker suggests that African American women should reclaim a creative spirit and identity. How can African American women use creative outlets to express themselves?
This essay should focus on the creative outlets that African American women can use to express themselves. This could include visual arts, music, dance, drama, writing, and more. The essay should discuss specific methods of self-expression through these mediums and discuss how these creative outlets can help to build an identity and foster a sense of cultural appreciation. Furthermore, the essay should discuss how these outlets can help African American women to find and embrace their true identity.
3. In “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” Alice Walker advocates for collective action amongst African Americans to reclaim their heritage. Is collective action necessary in order to reclaim African American heritage?
This essay should assess the role of collective action in order to reclaim African American heritage. The essay should discuss the pros and cons of collective action and evaluate whether or not it is necessary in order for African American heritage to be reclaimed. The essay should also discuss potential alternatives to collective action and how these could be used to reclaim African American heritage.
4. In “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” Alice Walker discusses the struggles African Americans have faced in reclaiming their heritage and culture. How can African Americans use the power of storytelling to reclaim their heritage?
This essay should discuss the power of storytelling for reclaiming African American heritage. The essay should discuss how stories can be used to pass down and preserve valuable cultural knowledge and how stories can help to shape an identity and create a sense of unity amongst African Americans. Furthermore, the essay should discuss how stories can be used to create a sense of pride in African American heritage and how they can be used to teach valuable lessons.
5. In “In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens,” Alice Walker talks about struggles African Americans have faced to reclaim their heritage. How have various African American communities reacted to historical injustices and how have they moved forward?
This essay should assess the various African American communities' reactions to historical injustices and how they have moved forward. The essay should discuss specific strategies African American communities have used to address inequalities and injustices, including advocacy, education, and social activism. Furthermore, the essay should discuss how African American communities have learned from their experiences and how they have been able to move forward in spite of these injustices.