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Antiwar and Antiracist Messages in Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind"

In this analytical essay, the student argues that Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" expresses universal themes and messages beyond the immediate context of its writing. The student notes that while the Civil Rights Movement informed the composition, for example, ongoing racial inequality today means the lyrics are still relevant. The student touches on antiwar themes and topics like the neglect of U.S. veterans, as well.
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This essay received a B by one of Kibin's paper graders. Click here to see what was done well and what needs improvement.

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This essay received a B by one of Kibin's paper graders. Click here to see what was done well and what needs improvement.

More essays like this:

Not sure what I'd do without @Kibin
- Alfredo Alvarez, student @ Miami University
Exactly what I needed.
- Jenna Kraig, student @ UCLA
Wow. Most helpful essay resource ever!
- Chris Stochs, student @ UC Berkeley

View other essays like this one:

Bridget's feedback:

"I like how engaged your discussion is with the themes and lyrical empathy. In terms of ethos, this creates a foundation for the analytical claims about the power of the song. I'm curious if you can use outside sources to firm up the claims a little more about Dylan's intentions and about context, which are otherwise currently pretty general ("A war", "the military", etc. in your opening). Even when arguing about the universality of the messages (e.g., in your conclusion), the song was written in a historical context that should inform any subsequent claims.

There are also opportunities to tighten up the discussion at the levels of writing (syntax, diction) and intraparagraph organization. The current paragraphs are being asked to hold a lot of ideas and information. Review within each to eliminate redundancies and overlaps and to spot where signposting and language can be more purposeful and precise. Some confusing claims include the difference between limiting and prohibiting and the difference between a protest song and a song that "expos[es] problems" (conclusion). If these are conceptual points you want to make, guide the reader through the definitions that inform your contrasts; if these are diction issues, brainstorm more precise word choice that will help narrow the claims."

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