Assignment

Students are to write an essay on one of the following:

1. Do we live in a matrix? Discuss ways our society enslaves us.
   [This question asks students to consider what it means to live in a "matrix," where an unseen source is controlling your life. Students quickly see parallels between a matrix and advertising, fashion, politics, etc.]
2. If you were faced with the choice of reality vs. the matrix, which would you choose and why? Would you fight for freedom, like Neo and the rest of Morpheus's crew, or would you decide "ignorance is bliss," like Cypher does, and get reinserted into the matrix?
   [This question asks students to weigh each side and make a decision. I've had very good arguments for both sides, from fighting for freedom is the "right" thing to do or why suffer the horrible reality of the destroyed world when you can literally not know about it and live a happy life?]
3. Discuss symbolism in The Matrix.
   [This question is quite broad, but there is so much symbolism in the movie that students enjoy finding it! Some of the more popular symbols include the sunglasses, the color red, and mirrors.]

Length of assignment and genre can vary according to your needs. I usually ask for 4-5 pages of a standard essay, but there are other possibilities. Students who have the option of doing a brochure, for example, could create persuasive brochures for Zion, the "real world," the matrix, etc.