1. 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 Next These materials are A. Woestman, Towson University, ©, all rights reserved. Developing a thesis statement responding to a complex question about literature may seem rather daunting. This exploration will guide you through reflective pre-writing tasks. By working through the tasks, you will have all the material needed to develop a thesis statement responding to the question above. 2011 Anniina Jokinen, luminarium.org

2. Magical Realism- a literary element characterized by the use of magical or supernatural characters, events or places. The red mist at the doorway of 124 is a great example of magical realism. Non-linear Narrative- a way of telling the story by flashbacks, switching perspectives, or sudden changes in time or place. Review this worksheet before moving on.worksheet 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 Next These materials are 2012 A. Woestman, Towson University, and all rights reserved. 2002 J. Parise, Carnegie Mellon University

3. We have just explored two key aspects of Beloved: genre (magical realism) and its narrative type (non-linear). Now it is time to organize your unique reflection to answer our two questions. Use this table to cite specific textual pieces of Beloved exemplifying the categories we have explored. An example has been provided (you may download this presentation and type into the box below). 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 Next Magical Realism Non-linear Narrative Beloveds disappearance from the porchFlashback to Denvers birth These materials are © 2012 A. Woestman, Towson University, all rights reserved.

4. Your table provides you with the exact textual evidence needed for a literary essay analyzing elements of the novel. Based on some or all of this evidence, develop a three-pronged thesis answering our original question. You may also submit an essay idea revolving around another aspect of Beloved you find important and engaging. How does Morrisons use of magical realism and non-linear narrative reflect the way people remember and make meaning of their lives? HereHere is a rubric for your thesis statement. 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 Next These materials are 2012 A. Woestman, Towson University, all rights reserved.

5. Into Beloveds Context Within Literary History… A Handful of Slave Narratives from the Library of Congress A Class-Specific Worksheet Created For Your Brainstorming Or Into Magical Realism… Fast Facts about Magical Realism in Black Literature More Awesome Magical-Realist Novels 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 Next These materials are © 2012 A. Woestman, Towson University, all rights reserved. Into Non-Linear Narrative… (Movie Recommendations!)

6. This lesson is intended for an 11 th or 12 th grade literature language arts class. It was created as an introductory post- reading preparation for a literary essay. The enrichment materials however, could well serve as another lesson for a new historicism reading. Internet access is required for all enrichment materials. * MD Standards Satisfied: 1.2.5 The student will extend or further develop meaning by explaining the implications of the text for the reader or contemporary society. * Expectation 2.2 * student will compose texts using the prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing strategies of effective writers and speakers. 1111 2222 3333 6666 5555 4444 These materials are © 2005 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved.