Conclave (2024) | Movie Review

In light of the current global event—the death of Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, which is the talk of the town—the Christian ritual of electing a new pope is now under way. This ritual, traditionally called a “conclave,” is a private gathering of cardinals (the highest clergy, ranking just below the pope) from all over the world to cast their invaluable votes on the ballot for the next pope. A new pope must secure a two-thirds majority of the cardinals’ votes, and the conclave continues for as many days as necessary until a candidate is chosen.

The word 'conclave' fascinated me, and there happens to be an Oscar-winning (for Best Adaptation) movie, "Conclave", directed by Edward Berger and released in 2024, which depicts this event rather realistically. The film is adapted from Robert Harris’s 2016 novel of the same name.

As Michel Foucault said, power operates within every aspect of society—including religious institutions like churches and temples—and this is vividly depicted in the movie, where a kind of “war” erupts among the cardinals vying for the papacy to gain power. As I mentioned, the conclave takes place after the death Pope, so,  the movie begins with the death of the “Holy Father,” and in the next minute everyone is speculating about who will be the next pope. Cardinal Lawrence—masterfully portrayed by Ralph Fiennes—manages the entire conclave. Watching so-called religious leaders descend into petty childish fights is both compelling and surprising, since many people regard them as moral ideals.

The film delves into what happens behind the scenes of this private procedure, rather than simply showing us the announcement of the new pope. It’s all about religious politics—so common today, especially in India. We also get echoes of colonialism: historically, British colonial powers not only exploited natives and their lands but altered their faiths through Christian missionaries. This is reflected in the presence of cardinals from around the globe, including the African continent.

Yet even among them there is groupism based on language, which reminds me of the myth of the Tower of Babel. There might have been greater unity and fewer petty fights if they all spoke a single language—Latin. One problematic element I noticed is the latent racism among the white cardinals. For instance, when the Nigerian Cardinal Adeyemi is close to becoming pope, he is sidelined because of a youthful indiscretion—adultery (Lust: one of the seven deadly sins) that occurred nearly thirty years earlier. Historically, there has never been a Black pope; there have been bishops and cardinals of African origin, but never the papacy.

At one point, it felt like an Indian election campaign, where politicians go door to door for votes. Likewise, cardinals roam among groups, seeking that one precious vote that brings them closer to the papacy. Amid it all are conspiracy, mystery, and bribery—elements that keep viewers engaged despite what could be a dull subject: religion. Cardinal Tedesco’s dogmatism—he openly stereotypes Muslims as terrorists and lunatics after a bombing during the conclave—also highlights the issue of religious intolerance.

With its planning, plotting, and realism, the movie is, in my opinion, progressive as it tries to convey hidden truths about people and about such private religious gatherings. The climax is equally fascinating, as we discover the “secret” behind the newly chosen pope that I did not expect at the film’s beginning.

Here's the trailer of the movie...

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Book/Movie Reviews

 

Movie Reviews 

1. Black (2005)

2. The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

3. Kaidaisi Vivasayi (2022)

4. The Pianist (2002)

5. The Revenant (2015)

6. Conclave (2024)

7. Detachment (2011)

8. Jaggi (2021)

9. Companion (2025)

Book Reviews 

1. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway 

2. Edgar Allen Poe's Short Stories 

3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

4. Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev

The Only Story: Love, Loss, and the Disillusionment of Marriage

The Only Story: Love, Loss, and the Disillusionment of Marriage

Name:- Aakash Chavda

Batch:- M.A. Sem 4 (2023-2025) 

Enrollment Number:-5108230011 

E-mail Address:-aakashchavda637@gmail.com 

Roll Number:-01 

Assignment Details:- 

Topic:- The Only Story: Love, Loss, and the Disillusionment of Marriage

Paper & subject code:- Paper 207: Contemporary Literatures in English

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Abstract

Julian Barnes’s The Only Story (2018) is a poignant meditation on love, memory, and the quiet unraveling of romantic ideals. This assignment explores how the novel functions as a subtle yet powerful critique of marriage—not just as a social institution but as a deeply flawed framework for human intimacy. Through the unconventional relationship between the young narrator, Paul, and the older, married Susan, Barnes challenges traditional assumptions about love, commitment, and personal fulfillment. The novel's narrative structure, which shifts from passionate subjectivity to distant reflection, mirrors the emotional arc of disillusionment. This assignment highlights how The Only Story reveals marriage as a complex, often constraining force rather than a source of security or happiness.

Keywords: The Only Story, marriage, critique, love.

Introduction

Julian Barnes, a well known figure in contemporary British literature, is known for his incisive explorations of love, philosophy, memory, and the complexities of human relationships. In his 2018 novel The Only Story, Barnes delves into the emotional depths of an unconventional romantic relationship between a young man, Paul Roberts, and a much older, married woman named Susan Macleod. What begins as a passionate, rebellious affair gradually unfolds into a nuanced and somber reflection on the realities of love and the burdens of long-term emotional commitment.

This assignment seeks to examine The Only Story not simply as a narrative of love and loss, but as a critical commentary on the institution of marriage. Through its introspective protagonist, nonlinear narrative, and emotionally layered portrayal of dependence and disillusionment, the novel challenges idealized conceptions of marriage as a source of stability or fulfillment. Instead, it presents marriage as an institution often marred by silence, compromise, and emotional decay. By analyzing the novel’s characters, themes, and structure, this study aims to illuminate how Barnes critiques marriage from both emotional and societal perspectives.

Brief About Plot

"Would you rather love the more, and suffer the more; or love the less, and suffer the less? That is, I think, finally, the only real question" (Barnes)

The Only Story follows the life of Paul Roberts, a young man who, at the age of nineteen, falls in love with a forty-eight-year-old married woman named Susan Macleod. The two meet at a local country tennis club in a quiet suburban village in 1960s England, where their relationship begins as an unconventional romance that defies societal norms and expectations.

Despite Susan’s existing marriage to a controlling and abusive husband Gordon Macleod, she and Paul develop a deep emotional bond and eventually move in together outside the village. What starts as an idealistic and rebellious love story gradually becomes burdened by emotional strain, particularly as Susan’s mental health deteriorates and she increasingly turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

The novel is divided into three parts, reflecting the evolution of Paul’s perspective over time and his detachment from the relationship with Susan—from youthful passion and defiance, to mature disillusionment, and finally to reflective detachment. The narrative shifts from first-person to second- and third-person narration, symbolizing Paul's growing distance from his past and from the idealism he once held about love and relationships.

The novel is less about a singular event and more about the emotional consequences of love that endures, falters, and leaves lasting marks. Through Paul’s journey, Barnes examines the limits of romantic devotion, the quiet failures of marriage, and the painful reality that not all love stories lead to fulfillment or closure.

Marriage in the Novel

In Julian Barnes’ The Only Story, marriage is depicted not as a site of love or mutual understanding, but as an institution marked by emotional emptiness, disillusionment, and quiet suffering. Through the fragmented recollections of Susan, the older woman in a relationship with the much younger Paul, Barnes critiques traditional mid-20th-century British marital norms. Susan reveals that her marriage has been sexless for nearly twenty years, with her and her husband living in separate rooms. This striking admission undermines the conventional image of marriage as a space of intimacy and mutual care. Instead, what emerges is a portrait of domestic life filled with silence, repression, and resigned endurance.

Susan's coping mechanisms—occasional smoking, dry humor, and guarded storytelling—reveal the extent of her emotional fatigue. Her casual remark that she hasn’t “seen his eyes for years” (Barnes)is more than a physical observation; it symbolizes the total absence of emotional connection between her and her husband. Gordon’s grotesque routines—heavy drinking, belching, and rude table manners—transform the home into a space of discomfort rather than companionship. Barnes thus subtly exposes the hidden violence of domesticity, where emotional neglect and habitual disrespect erode whatever bonds might have once existed.

Moreover, Susan’s comment that she was called “frigid” by her husband, not during their intimacy but after it ended, highlights how patriarchal marriages often shame and suppress women’s sexuality. Rather than offering space for healing or intimacy, her marriage became a source of judgment and dismissal. Her past trauma—hinted at in her story of abuse by an uncle—adds another layer to her emotional detachment and reveals how the wounds of the past are often carried silently into marriage. Barnes critiques how societal expectations of marital roles, especially for women, offer little room for vulnerability or complexity.

Susan’s declaration that her generation is “played out” (Barnes) connects her personal disillusionment to broader historical and cultural exhaustion. While Paul, in the idealism of first love, believes that love can overcome all obstacles, Susan’s realism and world-weariness suggest otherwise. For her, marriage is not a romantic ideal but a performance, and love—though present in her affair with Paul—is not necessarily redemptive. In this way, The Only Story presents marriage not as a culmination of love, but as its distortion; not a shelter, but a structure in which individuals are often spiritually and emotionally diminished.

Barnes’s portrayal of marriage can be seen as a poignant critique of its conventional foundations. He explores how love, when constrained by societal expectations and haunted by personal trauma, can fade into quiet tragedy. Through Susan’s life and her failed marriage, Barnes exposes the emotional cost of maintaining appearances, the silence women are forced to bear, and the illusory promises of marital happiness. The novel suggests that while love may begin as a source of hope, it often collides with the painful realities of human vulnerability and the societal structures that fail to support it.

Narrative Structure as Critique

Julian Barnes structures The Only Story in three parts that reflect Paul’s emotional journey and serve as a critique of love and marriage. The first part, told in an idealistic first-person voice, captures Paul’s youthful belief in the power of love to defy societal norms, especially the traditional institution of marriage.

In the second part, the narrative becomes more detached and shifts toward a second-person voice, reflecting Paul’s growing disillusionment as he confronts Susan’s trauma, alcoholism, and the emotional cost of their relationship. Here, love begins to unravel, and the reality of failed intimacy takes center stage. The final part adopts a third-person voice, signaling Paul’s emotional distance and introspection. This shift mirrors his attempt to make sense of the past, revealing the limitations of love and the illusions that shaped his younger self.

Through these narrative transitions, Barnes critiques not just marriage but also the romantic idealism that often precedes it, showing how both can erode under the weight of reality.

Critique of Marriage in the Novel

The Novel gives a scathing critique of conventional marriage by exposing the stark contradictions and inherent injustices of the institution. In the novel, Barnes unpacks the myth that physical violence or other forms of control can be interpreted as signs of love or passion. The narrator reflects on widely held, though outdated, beliefs—such as the notion that it is preferable for a husband to inflict violence rather than commit infidelity—only to counter them with the brutal reality of abuse. This confrontation is particularly evident in Paul’s uncompromising judgment of Gordon Macleod’s actions, as he is held accountable without any possibility for justification. The insistence that a husband’s violent behavior is a “crime of absolute liability” symbolizes a broader condemnation of a marital structure that not only permits, but often conceals, such transgressions behind a veneer of respectability.

The novel presents a powerful critique of marriage by using vivid metaphors and deeply personal experiences to expose the institution’s shortcomings. Marriage is compared to various everyday objects—a jewelry box that mysteriously turns precious metals into base metals, or a disused boat that is no longer seaworthy. These metaphors suggest that, over time, marriage deteriorates, losing its original value and becoming a burden of routine and disillusionment rather than a celebration of love.

This symbolic decay is mirrored in the lives of the characters, particularly in Susan’s story. She endures a sexless, emotionally neglectful, and physically abusive marriage, yet remains trapped by societal expectations of propriety and the shame attached to admitting failure. Her inability to confront the legal system and document her suffering highlights how deeply ingrained social conventions prevent women from escaping unhappy marriages or even acknowledging their pain. Susan’s situation also reflects a broader truth about middle-class respectability: many people suffer in silence, maintaining appearances while privately bearing the weight of unspoken trauma.

Paul’s growing disillusionment with marriage reinforces this critique. As he watches Susan struggle to break free, he comes to see the institution less as a bond of love and more as a social contract rooted in control, power, and compromise. His moral absolutism, especially in the face of Gordon Macleod’s abuse, underscores a key theme in the novel: that marriage, as it is traditionally constructed, can often serve to preserve appearances at the cost of personal freedom and emotional authenticity. Through these interwoven narratives and reflections, the novel condemns the idealized vision of marriage and instead portrays it as a flawed and often damaging institution.

By juxtaposing the expectations of middle-class dignity with the harsh realities of domestic abuse and moral compromise, Barnes sharply critiques the institution of marriage. The portrayal is unflinching: marriage is not a sanctuary or a romantic idyll but a complex web where emotional alienation, societal pressure, and personal shame converge, leaving its participants damaged rather than fulfilled. This critique is woven through the narrative, not only through the characters’ dialogues and reflections but also through the narrator’s internal conflict as he grapples with the disparity between the ideal of romantic love and the pragmatic cruelty of marital life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Only Story offers a layered critique of marriage by exposing its emotional, social, and psychological complexities. Through its shifting narrative voices, fragmented structure, and vivid metaphors, the novel reveals how marriage can often mask control, silence suffering, and constrain individual freedom. Characters like Susan and Paul embody the struggle between romantic idealism and societal expectation, showing how love, once entangled in the conventions of marriage, can become compromised. Barnes ultimately challenges the reader to question the authenticity and sustainability of traditional marital roles, emphasizing the need for honesty, autonomy, and emotional truth in human relationships.

References

Barnes, Julian. The Only Story. Jonathan Cape, 2018.

Barad, Dilip. “The Only Story - Julian Barnes.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2022/02/the-only-story.html. Accessed 8 February 2025.

Chavda, Aakash. “The Only Story | Flipped Learning Activity.” Blogger, 7 February 2025, https://aakashchavda.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-only-story-flipped-learning-activity.html. Accessed 16 April 2025.

"Theme of Marriage | Critique of Marriage Institution | The Only Story | Julian Barnes." DoE-MKBU, YouTube, 3 Feb 2022, https://youtu.be/SCrSyV2jXzI?si=iLvkpeE_LlO67jpC

AI and the Mechanics of Writing: Enhancing Creativity, Precision, and Productivity in the Digital Age

AI and the Mechanics of Writing: Enhancing Creativity, Precision, and Productivity in the Digital Age

Name:- Aakash Chavda

Batch:- M.A. Sem 4 (2023-2025) 

Enrollment Number:-5108230011 

E-mail Address:-aakashchavda637@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 01 

Assignment Details:- 

Topic:- AI and the Mechanics of Writing: Enhancing Creativity, Precision, and Productivity in the Digital Age 

Paper & subject code:- Paper 209: Research Methodology

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

Abstract

This assignment explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the mechanics of writing, examining how AI tools are transforming the way we write, edit, and communicate. By analyzing key components of writing mechanics—such as grammar, syntax, and coherence—and the role of AI technologies like Natural Language Processing, this study highlights how AI enhances writing accuracy, creativity, and efficiency. It also addresses the limitations and ethical considerations of AI-assisted writing, offering a balanced view of its potential and challenges. The paper concludes with insights into the evolving relationship between human writers and intelligent systems in the digital age.

Keywords: AI, writing, grammar, ethics

Introduction 

The transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on modern communication, particularly within the realm of academic writing is noteworthy. As AI-powered writing assistants become increasingly prevalent, they offer robust solutions to longstanding challenges in academic communication, such as ensuring grammatical accuracy, structural coherence, and proper citation practices. These tools not only streamline the writing process but also elevate the overall quality and efficiency of scholarly work. Furthermore,  the critical importance of mastering writing mechanics—such as maintaining a formal tone, employing precise terminology, and adhering to rigorous referencing standards—which are essential for effective academic communication and the preservation of academic integrity. These demands can be especially daunting for non-native English speakers, making the integration of AI tools a valuable asset in overcoming linguistic and structural barriers.  AI is an indispensable ally in navigating the complexities of academic writing, ultimately fostering clearer and more impactful scholarly communication.

Understanding the Mechanics of Writing 

The mechanics of writing refer to the technical aspects that ensure clarity, coherence, and correctness in written communication. These include grammar, which governs sentence structure and word usage; syntax, which dictates the arrangement of words and phrases; punctuation, which clarifies meaning and enhances readability; style, which reflects the writer’s tone and voice; and coherence, which ensures logical flow and connection between ideas. In academic contexts, mastering these components is crucial for presenting research findings clearly and persuasively. In professional environments, precise writing can influence decision-making and reflect organizational credibility. Creative writing, meanwhile, relies on stylistic fluency and coherence to engage audiences and convey deeper meanings. Despite their importance, mastering writing mechanics poses several challenges. Many writers struggle with complex grammar rules, inconsistent punctuation, or maintaining coherence in long texts. Non-native speakers face additional difficulties with academic tone and discipline-specific vocabulary. Moreover, the pressure to produce original, well-structured content under tight deadlines can lead to stress and compromise quality. As highlighted in recent research, such as the systematic review by Khalifa and Albadawy (2024), even experienced researchers often find it difficult to balance accuracy, creativity, and formal conventions, especially when dealing with vast and complex information. 

In professional settings, clear and concise communication is essential. Whether preparing reports, proposals, or strategic documents, professionals must tailor their writing so that it is both persuasive and accessible to diverse audiences. The challenges here often relate to organizing information logically under time constraints and ensuring that the language is both precise and appropriate to the context. Although the article primarily focuses on academic writing, many of these challenges—such as ensuring structural coherence, managing data responsibly, and editing for clarity—are equally relevant in professional communication.

Creative contexts also demand a high level of proficiency in writing. Creative writing tasks require an interplay between originality and structure—crafting narratives or content that engages readers while still maintaining an underlying form or set of conventions. The article’s insights on the pressure to “publish or perish” in academia can be paralleled with the pressure creative writers face to produce work that is both imaginative and of high quality under deadline pressures. In each case, one common thread is the need to balance rigorous form with personal style and creativity.

Across all these contexts, common writing challenges include:

• Managing complexity: Writers must distill and accurately convey large quantities of information—whether empirical data in a research paper, strategic insights in a business report, or nuanced ideas in a creative piece of writing. This process requires clarity in exposition and logical structuring of ideas, a point underscored in the article’s discussion of academics. 

• Maintaining integrity and credibility: Whether in scholarly work or professional communication, every claim needs to be supported by credible evidence. The commitment to academic integrity through precise referencing and proper citation is highlighted as both time-consuming and challenging, impacting the overall quality of the work.

• Balancing formality and accessibility: In academic and professional documents, the tone must be formal and authoritative; meanwhile, creative contexts might require a more personalized style. Striking the right balance is essential for engaging readers and conveying complex ideas effectively.

• Overcoming language and stylistic barriers: Mastering discipline-specific terminology and a formal tone can be particularly challenging for non-native English speakers. Similar difficulties can arise for professionals and creative writers who need to adapt their language to fit different audiences and purposes.

To address these challenges, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is necessary, which can offer writing assistance in grammar checking, structural optimization, and even content suggestion. AI tools can help streamline the writing process by providing predictive text, autocompletion, and automated editing features that support clarity and coherence. In doing so, they not only enhance productivity and efficiency in academic writing but also hold promise for improving professional documents and facilitating creative expression by reducing the mechanical burdens of editing and formatting.

While academic writing demands strict adherence to evidence-based argumentation and high structural standards, similar imperatives resonate in professional and creative contexts. The common challenges—managing complexity, maintaining integrity, balancing formality with accessibility, and overcoming language barriers—highlight the need for advanced tools and strategies. The article’s discussion on leveraging AI as a productivity-enhancing tool underscores its potential to mitigate these challenges across multiple writing contexts 

These challenges underscore the importance of both continuous writing practice and the potential supportive role of tools like AI in improving writing quality of scholarly work. 

Role of AI in Writing 

The advent of AI-driven large language programs such as ChatGPT has transformed the writing landscape and prompted educators to reconsider what writing-related skills students need to develop. At its core, writing is about articulating and clarifying one’s thoughts, a process that cultivates both personal insight and effective communication. As Tom Rochon argues, writing disciplines one’s mind by organizing thoughts, much like the reflective practice of journaling, which not only facilitates creativity but also deepens self-understanding.

AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot represent a powerful new set of supports in the writing process. These tools integrate advanced machine learning techniques and natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, enabling them to generate text that is both contextually relevant and structurally sound. For instance, ChatGPT tailors its output precisely to a writer’s prompt, effectively assembling an essay that resembles a rough draft—albeit one that is generated entirely from external data rather than the writer’s personal cognitive process. This capability highlights the distinction between AI-assisted writing and traditional writing: while the AI can model proper spelling, grammar, and organizational structure, it does not substitute for the individual’s own process of formulating original ideas (Rochon).

In the classroom, this human-AI partnership suggests a revised pedagogical approach. Instead of merely revising an initial draft, teachers can encourage students to begin with an AI-generated essay and then critically analyze it. By writing a critique that identifies what the AI has included or omitted—evaluating logic gaps, alternative perspectives, and evidential support—students actively engage in the core purpose of writing: the formulation and clear communication of ideas. This critical exercise reinforces that, despite the efficiency of AI, the true value of writing lies in the human capacity to reflect, evaluate, and personalize content (Huff and Rose).

Moreover, such a revised teaching method leverages tools like the ERB Writing Practice program, which provides automated scoring and feedback. These systems allow students to observe how revisions—whether derived from traditional drafts or AI-generated material—affect the clarity and strength of their writing. By comparing their own drafts to those produced by AI, students can develop a nuanced understanding of both the mechanics and the creative aspects of writing. While AI assists with routine tasks such as formatting, grammar checking, and data organization, the ultimate goal remains for the student to claim full ownership of their thinking and expression.

The responsible use of AI is underlined by the need for transparency and critical oversight. As Rose Sokol, PhD, notes, reliance on AI must be balanced with rigorous human control; over-reliance could lead to a dangerous outsourcing of one’s intellectual labor. In the context of academic and creative writing, both the ethical management of AI output and the preservation of genuine authorship are essential. This means that while AI can serve as an aid—particularly in polishing language, organizing facts, and even stimulating creative thought—it must never replace the deep, reflective engagement that genuine writing demands. .

Enhancing the Writing Process with AI

Grammar and Style Correction

AI-driven tools offer an unmatched level of consistency by producing work that adheres rigorously to established grammatical norms. They eliminate the common pitfalls of human writing—such as inadvertent punctuation errors or awkward phrasing—by operating as precise, rule-based systems. This results in text that is mechanically flawless, ensuring that every sentence meets formal standards. However, while this uniformity guarantees clarity and error-free communication, it can inadvertently strip the writing of its spontaneous or idiosyncratic flair, potentially leading to prose that feels sterile and overly conventional.

Content Generation and Idea Brainstorming

AI platforms can serve as rapid ideation engines, assembling collections of relevant facts and phrases drawn from extensive textual repositories. By instantly offering a draft foundation, they help writers overcome initial creative hurdles and provide a springboard for further development. Yet, this speed comes with the cost of predictability; the generated content often tends to revert to familiar patterns and clichés. Although effective as a starting point, these conventional output patterns may lack the originality or innovative nuance that typically emerges from human insight and spontaneous creativity.

Editing, Summarizing, and Paraphrasing Tools

When it comes to refining text, AI excels at distilling lengthy passages into concise summaries and rephrasing content to conform to standard conventions. These tools streamline the revision process and save significant time by efficiently reorganizing material and clarifying meaning. Despite this, they fall short in capturing the subtle, context-specific adjustments that a human editor might apply—such as emphasizing particular ideas or injecting a distinctive tone. The AI’s revisions, while technically sound, often miss the deliberate stylistic twists and deep contextual understanding that arise from an editor’s reflective decision-making process, thereby limiting the text’s capacity for a robust, personal voice.(Hartenberger)

The Future of AI in Writing: Ethical Challenges and Expanding Horizons

As AI-driven language models like ChatGPT become deeply integrated into the writing process, they raise urgent ethical questions and reshape traditional roles in education and authorship. These tools generate text by drawing on vast databases, often without clear attribution and acknowledgement, complicating notions of originality, intellectual property, and authorship. Their ability to mimic voices and reproduce stylistic patterns blurs the lines between influence and imitation, urging a redefinition of academic integrity and creative ownership (Huff and Rose). Moreover, the reliance on AI risks diminishing the intellectual rigor and reflective effort that writing demands, making it imperative for educators to balance technological efficiency with the cultivation of critical thinking and personal expression (Rochon).

Looking ahead for future scope, AI holds promise not just as a drafting tool but as a responsive co-writer or mentor, capable of offering personalized feedback and structural suggestions. As this role expands, writers will need to evaluate AI-generated content critically, ensuring their voice remains central. Educators must shift focus from mechanics to deeper rhetorical skills, guiding students to use AI as a means of reflection rather than replacement. Future innovations in NLP may lead to tools that better adapt to audience, purpose, and genre, but they must be matched by clear ethical frameworks around data use, attribution, and access. Ultimately, the future of AI in writing depends on preserving the human spark that makes writing meaningful—intentionality, connection, and the pursuit of authentic voice ( Rochon).

Conclusion 

The integration of AI into the writing process offers powerful tools for grammar correction, content generation, and editing, streamlining many of the mechanical aspects of writing. However, as AI becomes a more active collaborator, it also challenges traditional ideas of authorship, originality, and intellectual labor. To harness AI’s potential responsibly, writers and educators must focus not only on efficiency but also on preserving creativity, critical thinking, and intentional expression. The future of writing lies in a thoughtful partnership between human insight and machine support—where technology enhances, but never replaces, the uniquely human voice.

References

Hartenberger, Laura. “What AI Teaches Us About Good Writing.” NOEMA, 25 July 2023, https://www.noemamag.com/what-ai-teaches-us-about-good-writing/. Accessed 16 April 2025.

Huff, Charlotte, and Rose Sokol. “The promise and perils of using AI for research and writing.” American Psychological Association, 1 October 2024, https://www.apa.org/topics/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning/ai-research-writing. Accessed 16 April 2025.

Khalifa, Mohamed, and Mona Albadawy. “Using artificial intelligence in academic writing and research: An essential productivity tool.” Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine Update, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666990024000120. Accessed 16 April 2025.

Modern Language Association of America. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 7th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2009.

Nordquist, Richard. “The Mechanics of Writing Composition.” ThoughtCo, 18 July 2020, https://www.thoughtco.com/mechanics-composition-term-1691304. Accessed 16 April 2025.

Rochon, Tom. “What Is to Be Done? Teaching Writing in the Era of AI.” erblearn.org, 13 July 2023, https://www.erblearn.org/blog/teaching-writing-with-ai/. Accessed 16 April 2025.