Planning Your Term Paper

Thesis Statement Answers the research question:

How is your novel a reflection of the time period in which it takes place?

Should do the following:A. Provides the title, author and genre information for

your novel.B. Identifies the history/culture you will relate your novel

to.C. Specifies some aspect(s) of that history/culture that

are reflected in your novel.D. Identifies a specific effect the aspect(s) of the

history/culture you choose have on the novel.

Practice Thesis Writing

Come up with a thesis statement for A Raisin in the Sun:

1. Identify the history or culture

2. Identify aspects of that history or culture that have an impact on the play

3. Identify the impact those aspects of history or culture have on the play

Thesis Writing Practice

1. History or culture of A Raisin in the Sun?

2. Aspects of that history that have an impact?

3. What is that impact?

Sample Thesis for A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun, a play by Lorraine Hansberry is a reflection of 1950’s America by showing how racism and segregation put strains on a poor African-American family.

A Raisin in the Sun, a play by Lorraine Hansberry, is a reflection of

A (TAG)

1950’s America by showing how the racism and segregation of the time

B (time period) C (aspects of time period)

put strains on a poor African-American family.

D (effect of those aspects)

Paper Sections

I. IntroductionA. Intro

a. thesisb. characters (2)c. theme

B. Plot Summarya. main characters b. conflictsc. resolutions

Paper Sections

II. History / Culture Section

A. Discuss historical/cultural background of novel

B. Focus only on aspects from thesis

C. Incorporate historical research

Paper Sections

III. Character SectionA. Character 1

-Discuss how s/he exhibits effect of history from thesis. (details/quotations/research)

B. Character 2-Discuss how s/he exhibits effect of history from thesis. (details/quotations/research)

Paper Sections

IV. Theme

A. What lesson have your characters learned, or should they have learned as a result of their experiences in this history/culture?

B. How has the time period caused them to learn this lesson?

(details/quotations/research)

Paper Sections

V. Conclusion

A. Summarize your main points.

B. Provide your reader with some insight into how knowing the

history is important to understanding your

novel.

YOUR TASK

Spend the remainder of the period coming up with ideas for a thesis statement for your term paper. Be sure to include:

A. Title author genre informationB. History or culture of your novelC. Aspects of that history or culture that

influence your novelD. Effects of that history or culture on your

novel.