Huck Finn Argument Essay Weeds and Roses

Weed #1—Use of titles When using a title/name for the first time, use the entire name: – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain Italicize, don’t underline, titles of books (new MLA 2009). – Obviously when writing by hand, you’ll need to underline

Weed #2—Beef Up Commentary Commentary: it’s what’s for dinner

Weed #2—Enough metaphorical shenanigans, Ms. K. Really, What is Commentary? Commentary is the same as analysis It explains to your reader why your CD is important It explains how your CD proves your thesis Can you prove your thesis without CM/analysis?

Layers of Commentary “Initially, Huck had written the letter to Miss Watson to inform her of the location of her runaway slave, Jim. However, after further consideration, Huck finally decides that he cannot exonerate himself by unjustly condemning an innocent victim of society. By resolving this issue as well as similar conflicts, Huck has firmly configured his moral compass and demonstrated the importance of following what is ethically right, regardless of whether society endorses it or not. In essence, Huck has also shown that it is wiser to preserve one’s personal beliefs than to follow in society’s footsteps. Without the ability of morals and ethics to establish a personal sense of justice, people would become mindless drones of society instead of sentient beings.” Society at large Novel as a whole Specific CD

How do you write this? “Initially, Huck had written the letter to Miss Watson to inform her of the location of her runaway slave, Jim. However, after further consideration, Huck finally decides that he cannot exonerate himself by unjustly condemning an innocent victim of society. “ 1. Explain how CD proves thesis Go back to your thesis. What are you trying to prove? Explain how the CD illustrates your thesis. Don’t just say, “This shows…” NO—YOU show. Pick your brain. Why did you choose that quote, example, etc. What about it demonstrates your claim? THINK!!

By resolving this issue as well as similar conflicts, Huck has firmly configured his moral compass and demonstrated the importance of following what is ethically right, regardless of whether society endorses it or not. 2. What does this CD illustrate about the character/town as a whole? Go back to your thesis. What is Twain trying to say? Is this like something else you’ve read as well? Does this CD corroborate with other evidence? What does the evidence, collectively suggest? Dig deep. Be Oprah. Say something meaningful.

3. Relate this to society at large. Remember, this novel is a comment on society as a whole In essence, Huck has also shown that it is wiser to preserve one’s personal beliefs than to follow in society’s footsteps. Without the ability of morals and ethics to establish a personal sense of justice, people would become mindless drones of society instead of sentient beings.” What can we all take away from this? What lessons can be learned? What is the consequence if we don’t? What is the impact of the statement? What is the significance for all of us? Dig. Dig. Dig. Oprah deep.

Weed #3—Conclusions are not summaries! There is no need to restate more than one sentence/main idea from your paper. I know what you wrote before…I just read it! What can you do instead?

Ideas for a conclusion: Get philosophical—talk about serious issues as they relate to the topic Ask (and maybe even answer) a rhetorical question Begin a new line of reasoning or introduce a new but related idea Use an anecdote from the real world that illustrates just the point Twain attempted to prove

RER (Reflection, Editing & Revision) 1.Highlight CD in one color, CM in another. What is your ratio of CD:CM? 2.Add three more sentences of commentary/analysis to each body paragraph. Ideally the CM will relate to the same CD. The idea is to keep digging, keep digging. Go somewhere with the CM; say something. 3.Rewrite your conclusion. Wow me! Make me weep with joy at your insight. 4.Find two other issues with your paper (awkward sentence construction, weak thesis, etc.) and revise.