1. Planning Your Term Paper

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. 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)

7. Paper Sections I.Introduction A. Intro a. thesis b. characters (2) c. theme B. Plot Summary a. main characters b. conflicts c. resolutions

8. Paper Sections II.History / Culture Section A. Discuss historical/cultural background of novel B. Focus only on aspects from thesis C. Incorporate historical research

9. Paper Sections III.Character Section A. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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.

12. 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 information B. History or culture of your novel C. Aspects of that history or culture that influence your novel D. Effects of that history or culture on your novel.