English Begin Catcher in the Rye Thesis and Outline for Poetry Paper

Opening Writing In the introduction to OUR TIME IS NOW. NOTES FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL UNDERGROUND, author Kurt Vonnegut Jr. wrote: ‘High school is closer to the American experience than anything else I can think of, which is why this book is so full of shocks of recognition for Americans in almost any walk of life. We have all been there. While there, we saw nearly every form of justice and injustice, kindness and meanness, intelligence and stupidity which we were likely to encounter in later life.’ In what ways is Vonnegut right and or wrong in his assertion?

Two Poems on America Prompt: Which poem more accurately reflects America as a whole or a significant element of American society? Thesis: Unlike the inscription on the Statue of Liberty,“The New Colossus”, Claude McKay’s poem “America” accurately reflects the love-hate relationship Americans have with their country.

Example Thesis Statement In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit. Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning).

And… In Willa Cather’s short story, “Paul’s Case,” Paul exhibits suicidal behavior that a caring adult might have recognized and remedied had that adult had the scientific knowledge we have today. Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

Thesis Paragraph Ingredients Possible Ingredients in no particular order: What American is, should be, could be, must not be, sadly is et cetera Titles and author of both poems Thesis A commonality between both poems Why the (in)accurate depiction matters Generally what the poets get right / wrong A real-life example of a concept illustrated in the (in)accurate poem to draw reader in What has changed (as reflected in the poems) in America since 1883 The importance of analyzing and measuring our society Why poetry (any art) is helpful for that analysis or reflection

Body Paragraph Construction Topic Sentence in includes poem, poet, and angle (what about the poem…) Context for quote: Plot of poem or concept (like “opportunity”) Your characterization of plot or concept (is it accurate) Set-up for quote: Before quote show the reader how to interpret quote Quote: ______________, “______________________.” Follow-up quote: Discuss what the quoted words mean, what they imply, and how they help to prove thesis Option 1: Transition to next paragraph Option 2: Repeats parts of the construction to set up another quote in the same paragraph

Outlines Option 1 1.Thesis paragraph 2.How poem 1 depicts America 3.How poem 2 depicts America 4.Which one is most accurate and why Option 2 1.Thesis Paragraph 2.The accurate poem (how and why) 3.The less accurate poem (how and why)