Advanced Sophomore English

Name______English 1

A LESSON BEFORE DYING THEME ESSAY

Directions: Choose ONE of the themes below to write an analytical essay that is *FIVE PARAGRAPHS total- 1 intro, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph, typed and double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font. 2 pages *Your essay must include a minimum of ONE quote per body paragraph. *Make sure to analyze the theme by explaining thoroughly WITHOUT SUMMARIZING. Make connections to the theme through examples from the novel to prove your points.

THEMES/ESSAY TOPICS:

1) The idea of manhood and what it means to be a man rather than a “hog” is a central theme in the novel. Explore the importance of this theme in a well-developed essay. As you do so, focus on the key characters related to this idea, their internal and external conflicts surrounding the concept of “manhood”, and key examples in which the characters grapple with this challenge of stepping up as “men”. Conclude your analysis by reflecting upon whether or not Jefferson (and possibly Grant as well) is able to stand as a man at the end of the novel. Support your position, providing evidence to strengthen your case.

2) Faith and lack of faith are key elements in Gaines’s text. Explore how this theme is developed and the impact “faith” has on the characters in the novel and the lessons they learn throughout the story. As you approach the question, consider the key characters that represent different ideas about faith, looking at important things they think and say about this idea. (Reverend Ambrose vs. Grant vs. Tante Lou and Miss Emma). Consider important character conflicts surrounding this idea and explore if and how those conflicts are ultimately resolved. Does faith ultimately play an important role in the events that took place at the end of the novel as seen through Jefferson and Grant’s characters?

3) The ideas of lessons, teaching, and learning are central to this novel. Identify which characters are teachers and which characters are learners. Explore the possible lessons taught and how successfully they are received and learned, and by whom. Be sure to include an analysis of the title of the novel in the course of your explanation. In the end does Jefferson learn a lesson? Does Grant learn a lesson? Prove your points in an analysis of the lessons including plentiful examples from the text to prove your points.

*There are more on the back!!! Turn page… 4) Racism and inequality were defining aspects of life in Louisiana in the 1940s. Explore the way in which these themes dominate the plot and moral teachings of the novel. Explain the many ways in which racism and inequality affect this community and the lives of the individuals who live there, focusing on Jefferson, Grant, and minor characters such as Miss Emma or Tante Lou. Consider how these characters are treated by others like Mr. Henri Pichot, Sheriff Guidry, etc.

5) The protagonists in the novel are male. However, the female characters are critical in the development of the piece and the ultimate outcome of the story. Characters such as Tante Lou, Miss Emma, and Vivian all moralize Grant and/or Jefferson and play a large role in the lives of the men in their lives. Identify the key female characters and assess their respective roles and the impact they have on the lives of the characters within the story. Analyze the importance of their specific actions, words, and interactions with the males in their lives.

6) The idea of obligation is a dominant theme in this novel, especially when we consider the reasons why Grant stays in the town he despises and goes to see Jefferson in the jail cell in spite of his complaining. Explore the nature of obligation as it is portrayed in the story, looking at both the burden it creates, as well as the good outcomes that happen as a result of certain characters fulfilling their obligations to one another. Use examples from the novel to demonstrate your points.

Essay Writing Tips:

1. Attention getter: Start with an emotional or attention-getting opener before jumping into a discussion of the novel. Do not even mention the title or characters’ names until your second or third sentence in the intro. Try relating the topic to society, a truth about life, or something about the true nature of mankind.

2. Necessary Information: Discuss the novel and how it relates to your overall topic that you chose to argue for this paper. State the author’s name, title of the book, and several sentences discussing the context of the book (set the scene but don’t summarize the whole book!).

3. Thesis Statement: It should be at the end of your intro paragraph and referenced again in your conclusion. When persuading, you must state your argument clearly. Be specific in your thesis statement and include a debatable argument that you can defend passionately later on. It must not only state an arguable position, but also use a phrase at the end of the sentence like: “this can be seen through…examples” or “this is evidenced by…. examples.” Make it clear HOW you will prove your points or WHY your argument is true.

4. Topic Sentences: Each topic sentence should state a clear, arguable position or main idea. It should be an assertion or claim, not an example or discussion of the novel. 5. Transitions: Use transition buzz words to signal a change within your essay’s direction at the beginning of body paragraphs, and also within the paragraphs as you go from one idea to the next. Transitions show me where your thoughts are going and redirect my attention to another idea. They also let me know if you are building off of another idea or stating a new idea. *Ex: In addition to this, furthermore, for instance, as evidence by, one can see, it is evident that, ultimately, all in all, etc.

6. Content of Body Paragraphs: Have ONE MAIN IDEA as the focus of each body paragraph. Make sure that all of the main ideas that you mentioned in your INTRO paragraph are referenced throughout your paper. If you ever feel lost, go back to your thesis and ask yourself, “WHAT POINT AM I TRYING TO PROVE?”

7. Analysis: Avoid summarizing and stating the obvious. Use plot points as examples to further your points after making assertions or stating a significant fact about your theme. Make your statements, and then back them up with plot examples and quotations from the novel.

8. Conclusion: Your conclusion should not only wrap up your points, but also refer back to your thesis statement. It should be clear throughout the paper that you had a strong central idea about your theme that you explored and explained in detail. Make sure to end with an impact statement that is bold and leaves the reader wanting more.

ORGANIZATION: What will be the main idea for each of your body paragraphs?

Body Paragraph 1- Main Idea:

Examples to support main idea:

Quote(s) to support my examples and main idea: