Use the paper below as an example for the first draft of the evaluation paper-- I thought you might benefit from some type of example. Certainly your paper can be more serious or more extensive in description and explanation.

The “Fonz”

            For many years, a large number of Americans intently and regularly viewed the television program, “Happy Days”.  Although the cast included a number of interesting individuals, predominately adolescents coming of age during the 1950’s, one character, Arthur Fonzerelli, clearly captured the audience’s interest. At one point in the sitcom’s history, the producers intended to change the show’s name to “Fonzie’s Happy Days” in an attempt to acknowledge the public’s fascination with the Fonz and to encourage continued high ratings. Although this alteration never occurred, the sitcom’s popularity was unremitting evidenced by its immediate placement in syndication.

            Fonzie’s appeal may well have been related to his development through the seasons. Fonzie evolved from a “hood” to a responsible citizen with an interest in aiding others and contributing to his community. Changing in a positive direction garners attention, as many individuals share the struggle of transforming from someone feeling insignificant in and perhaps even shunned by his or her community to an individual who is an important, accepted citizen. The purpose of this paper is to document Fonzie’s development and to provide an explanation of the factors that likely facilitated his transformation.

            Arthur Fonzerelli’s first appearance on “Happy Days” portrayed him as a young “hood”, slightly older than the remaining teenage cast. He did not attend school, rode a motorcycle, and wore his hair somewhat longer on top than what was preferred for the day. Although Fonzie did not wear the black leather jacket in initial episodes, this article of clothing did appear later, further providing evidence of his “thug” status. Even without the leather jacket, Fonzie’s appearance clearly delineated him from his peers, and he appeared to be somewhat on the fringe of the “Happy Days” society.

In early episodes, Fonzie’s interactions with Richie and the gang were infrequent, often involving tension and some discord. Richie and his friends appeared to fear Fonzie and predominately sought Fonzie’s assistance when faced with the possibility of physical altercations. In fact, in the sitcom’s early years, Fonzie seemed to be more of an acquaintance than a friend or confidant. Fonzie rarely visited the Cunninghams’ home as did Ralph and Potsie and was often privately criticized by Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham for his choice of lifestyle.

Fonzie’s lifestyle was somewhat of a mystery during the sitcom’s beginnings. Fonzie did not appear to hold a job and seemed to spend a large amount of time at Arnold’s. He seemed to have a history with every undesirable bully that Richie confronted. As a result, Fonzie appeared to have experience with gangs and “rumbling”.

As the episodes progressed, Fonzie’s character seemed to develop, in appearance and lifestyle as well as socially, more than any other. Although his leather jacket remained, Fonzie abandoned his rough exterior on numerous occasions. In one episode, Fonzie wore traditional Japanese dress; in another he donned a tuxedo. In addition, when Fonzie began working in a garage, he was often seen in a mechanic’s uniform. As a result, Fonzie’s appearance revealed that he was exploring new identities beyond his “hood” persona.

Socially, Fonzie also developed considerably. He started as an acquaintance, became a friend, and grew into a valuable family member. As time progressed, Richie invited the Fonz to his home and Fonzie interacted on a greater number of occasions with Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham. Fonzie expressed his interest in family life often praising Mrs. Cunningham for her dinners and Mr. Cunningham for his support and advice. Eventually, Fonzie rented an apartment above the Cunningham home and seemed to move freely between the Cunningham house and his apartment. He celebrated the holidays with the Cunninghams and became more greatly involved with family concerns. For example, in one episode when Joanie tries to join a gang, Fonzie steps in with Richie to ensure her safety. However, when Joanie is safely returned to the Cunningham home, it’s not Richie who admonishes her for the inappropriate behavior, but Fonzie. This exchange occurs in the Cunningham living room in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham. Such interactions would not have occurred at the beginning of the sitcom’s history, as Fonzie was only later fully accepted by his peers and the Cunningham family.

Fonzie’s transformation was not limited to his appearance and social interaction; his lifestyle also reflected a more adult focus as the show progressed. Fonzie’s apparent unemployed status changed when he began working in a local garage. Eventually, the sitcom portrayed Fonzie as owning the garage and later still, teaching mechanics to high school students. In the final seasons, Fonzie owned a portion of Arnold’s and served as an employer to his nephew. He was committed to his community and interested in civic issues. As a result, Fonzie’s character was that of a responsible adult, rather than a late adolescent “hood”.

Fonzie’s transformation was ideal, which perhaps was the true impetus for the sitcom’s success. Viewers seemed interested in Fonzie’s movement from a potentially undesirable and threatening character to a true citizen. Perhaps viewers were further drawn to the show because of the natural progress that Fonzie appeared to make. Fonzie’s change occurred gradually and his character was always “the Fonz” first. His personality was consistent and his interests constant, yet he evolved. This is quite similar to real development that occurs in everyone. As a result, most could relate to Fonzie.

Many individuals have experienced the influence of their friends and family in a positive manner. Although Fonzie was truly an original individual, he appeared to value Richie’s advice and values. Because of this, he was willing to listen to Richie’s rationale and to even employ Richie’s recommendations across situations. Thus, the Fonz may have changed over time because he was experimenting with new behaviors suggested and modeled by Richie Cunningham. Fonzie experienced success using this strategy and increased his involvement with the Cunningham family. As time progressed, he took advantage of opportunities to be closer to the family and further learn from family behavior and interactions. Fonzie likely enjoyed the success of his new behavior. His decreasing involvement in “hood” activity probably reduced a number of consequences that he had experienced in the past, whereas his increasing involvement in family oriented tasks likely resulted in the opportunity to receive praise and experience positive feelings.

            Positive feedback and reinforcement would have facilitated Fonzie’s feelings of confidence in his ability to use his skills and knowledge to successfully solve life’s problems. As a result, Fonzie was more likely to experiment with new behaviors and roles. Fonzie took greater risks in his social interactions, and those risks predominately resulted in further positive feedback. As a result, his confidence continued to build and he continued to develop and change.

            The positive feedback Fonzie received was not only from his peers and the Cunninghams, but from society itself. With his employment and later entrepreneurial interests, Fonzie likely received messages from others that he was becoming more greatly valued. Information provided by the popular media praising those in stable employment, an increase in the ability to utilize credit, and solicitation by others to participate in civic activities all probably influenced Fonzie in a manner that reinforced his behavior and confidence.

            Few would argue that Fonzie possessed a definite confidence in his ability to use his skills and knowledge effectively. These feelings of efficacy, paired with a social environment that provided models of responsible behavior typical of the times created a situation where Fonzie was encouraged to develop in a healthy and effective way. One can only wonder Fonzie’s fate had he never met Richie and the Cunninghams.