Name: A Raisin in the Sun: Character Evolution Essay 1
A Raisin in the Sun: Character Evolution Essay Due dates: Completed Act 1-3 Chart Completed Outline Final TYPED Essay Deadline for turnitin.com (plagiarism software) submission Please note that you should not wait until the last day to submit your essay to turnitin.com. Computer problems do not excuse you from the deadline. Objective: To write an analysis which describes a character s evolution (change) from the beginning to the end of the play. Assignment: Choose one character. Trace that character s evolution from Act 1 through Act 3. Consider the following: conflicts in which that character is involved; significant actions or decisions of that character; statements made by other characters about that character; discoveries made by that character; changes that character undergoes throughout the play. Choose four pieces of text evidence that prove the character s evolution. The evidence must come from three separate acts. To clarify, your essay will include a total of four pieces of text evidence with parenthetical documentation to support your assertion that the character evolves throughout the drama. Example: For example, Travis complains, Gaaaleee! I don t ask her, she just gimme it sometimes (Hansberry 19). Format: (four paragraphs) Begin with an introductory paragraph that ends with a thesis statement or what you will prove-the purpose of the essay. You must include: G-genre (drama/play) + A-author + T-title + E-era/time period (GATE + purpose). You may use one of the following or write your own using one of these as a guide: In A Raisin in the Sun, a drama by Lorraine Hansberry set in the 1950 s South Side Chicago, Walter evolves from an angry man to a man of integrity. In A Raisin in the Sun, a drama by Lorraine Hansberry set in the 1950 s South Side Chicago, Ruth evolves from a judgmental wife to a happy, satisfied woman. In A Raisin in the Sun, a drama by Lorraine Hansberry set in the 1950 s South Side Chicago, Beneatha evolves from a self-centered young woman in search of her identity to a confident modern woman. Write two body paragraphs which show the evolution of the character through the text evidence. Write a concluding paragraph which shows a true summation/conclusion of the character s change. Editing and proofreading: Use present tense verbs when writing about literature. Use third person pronouns only (he, him, she, her, they, them). Do not use first person pronouns (I, we, us, our, ours) or second person pronouns (you, yours). For example, you should not say, I think or You see. Do not use this shows or this quote shows (check out page 4 for other choices) Type the essay in MLA format, which includes the following: double-spaced essay, including the heading; correct MLA heading (four lines); Arial; 12 font; no extra white space between paragraphs (You may have to manually remove this.) Turnitin.com: Submitting your essay to turnitin.com is a requirement. You will turn in a printed copy of your essay on the due date; then you will submit your essay to turnitin.com by the assigned deadline. Submitting the essay to turnitin.com is considered part of this assignment and therefore is not optional. 2
Word Choice: Transitional Words and Phrases Emphasis Show cause An example Addition Sequence Summary / Relationship and effect Generalize Above all As a result For example Additionally Afterward Accordingly Accordingly After all Consequently For instance Besides At last After all Alternatively Certainly Since Thus Equally important At length As a result Although Indeed So that In other words Furthermore Eventually Consequently As a result In essence Therefore As an illustration In addition Finally In any case At the same time In fact In particular Moreover Immediately In brief Consequently In other words In the meantime In short Conversely Of course In time In the long run Due to That is to say Meanwhile On the whole Even so Previously All in all However Respectively As a rule In contrast Subsequently As usual In the same way Today In general Likewise Tomorrow On the whole Nevertheless Yesterday Ordinarily Nonetheless Typically Notwithstanding Usually On the contrary On the other hand Similarly Therefore While Compare Ideas Contrast Ideas Granting a point Show time Show Place Show Importance Another Although At any rate Afterward Above In fact Even so However Even so At once Around Mainly In comparison In spite of However Before Before To begin Moreover Instead In any case Eventually Beyond Similarly Nevertheless In any event Finally Inside On the contrary In spite of this Furthermore There Nonetheless Meanwhile Thereafter Verbs=Author is neutral Verbs=Author suggests Verbs=Author argues Verbs=Author agrees Verbs=Author is uneasy Comments Affirms Alleges Acknowledges Belittles Describes Analyzes Asserts Admits Bemoans Explains Assesses Believes Agrees Complains Illustrates Concludes Claims Concurs Condemns Observes Considers Contends Concedes Deplores Points out Expresses Declares Confirms Deprecates Records Interprets Defends Derides Relates Predicts Disagrees Disputes Remarks Proposes Insists Laments Reports Reveals Maintains Protests States Speculates Warns Thinks Suggests Writes Supposes 3
This quote shows What can I say instead? Commentary: How to begin discussing text evidence In order to discuss a piece of evidence or analyze a passage, you need to think. Figure out what you are trying to say or prove. Do not just being with This quote shows. Using the word quote is obvious and redundant. When your readers see they will know you have used a quotation without you having to state the obvious. #1 ORIGINAL In the beginning of the novel he says to Mr. Spencer he feels trapped on the other side of life (Salinger 8). This quote shows how Holden does not feel that he belongs in the world he lives in. Holden wants to be the catcher in the rye #1 REVISED In the beginning of the novel he says to Mr. Spencer he feels trapped on the other side of life (Salinger 8). Holden s frustration stems from the fact that he does not feel that he belongs in the world he lives in; in other words, Holden wants to be the catcher in the rye. #2 ORIGINAL The red hunting hat is shown when it says, she reached in my coat pocket and took out my red hunting hat and put it on my head all the parents and others and everybody went over and stood right under the roof of the carrousel, so they wouldn t get soaked but I stuck around on the bench for quite a while My hunting hat gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway (212-213). This shows how he is using his red hunting hat as protection from the rain instead of going with the parents under the carrousel. The hat can be a case for his alienation from society. #2 REVISED The red hunting hat is shown when it says, she reached in my coat pocket and took out my red hunting hat and put it on my head al the parents and others and everybody went over and stood right under the roof of the carrousel, so they wouldn t get soaked but I stuck around on the bench for quite a while My hunting hat gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway (212-213). Here readers see yet another instance in which Holden uses his red hunting hat as protection from the rain instead of going with the parents under the carrousel; therefore, the hat can be a case for his alienation from society. SAMPLE Starters: The hyperbole in this passage amplifies His (adjective) tone illustrates The author alludes to suggesting that The (+ or -) connotation of the word implies The (adjective) mood/imagery/atmosphere emphasizes Symbolically, represents The shift to (adjective) diction reveals The characters actions/motivations/interactions reflect The ironic twist parallels The author metaphorically compares to, signifying The repetition of demonstrates The language of the passage illuminates The symbolizes This event in the novel proves/explains POWER VERBS: EXPLAIN HOW THE EVIDENCE COMMUNICATES MEANING: demonstrates, links, relates to, connects, proves, involves, stresses, reminds, foreshadows, compares, contrasts, reveals, mirrors, explains, means, accentuates, clarifies, illuminates, negates, highlights, strengthens, weakens, intensifies, diminishes, affects, sounds like 4
Name: A Raisin in the Sun Essay Outline Completing the outline on the following pages will ensure that you do not leave out any important sentences/steps in writing the essay. Your paper will be graded according to the instructions, so you must meticulously follow the instructions. Paragraph 1: Introduction A. Interesting Hook Sentence: B. Elaborate/Explain Hook Sentence: C. Thesis: Paragraph 2: Character s Personality and Dream in Acts 1-2 A. Topic Sentence: B. Write the quote beginning with For example, + character + verb, (Hansberry ) C. Explain the quote: D. Write the quote beginning with In addition, + character + verb, (Hansberry ) E. Explain the quote: F. Conclusion: Paragraph 3: Character s Personality and Dream in Act 3 A. Topic Sentence: B. Write the quote beginning with For instance, + character + verb, (Hansberry ) C. Explain the quote: 5
D. Write the quote beginning with Furthermore, + character + verb, (Hansberry ) E. Explain the quote: F. Conclusion: Paragraph 4: Conclusion A. Restated Thesis: B. Concluding statement about the character: C. Concluding statement about the drama: 6
Catherine Manthei Manthei English III 17 March 2017 As Langston Hughes claims, "What happens to a dream deferred?" Dreams create a purpose to life; therefore, without a dream there is no meaning to life. In A Raisin in the Sun, a drama by Lorraine Hansberry set in the 1950 s South Side Chicago, Lena or Mama evolves from a judgmental mother to a happy, satisfied woman. topic sentence Lena, better known as Mama enjoys being the head of the household. For example, Mama states, I ain't meddling (Underbreath; busy-bodyish) I just noticed all last week he had cold citation cereal (Hansberry 22). Mama constantly corrects Ruth s parenting style; in other words, Mama enforces her will on everyone. In addition, Mama claims, And there ain t going to be no investing in no liquor stores. I don t aim to have to speak on that again (Hansberry 53-54). Angrily Mama chooses what to do with the check; as a result, she refuses to ask for anyone s advice or opinion. In the beginning of the drama, Mama, a strong and stubborn woman, exerts her authority over everyone, from parenting her grandson to deciding how to spend the insurance check. topic sentence commentary Interesting hook transitional phrase Mama criticizes and controls her children until she realizes her son can lead. For instance, Mama explains, I am afraid you don t understand. My son said we was going to move and there ain t nothing left for me to say (Hansberry 121). Finally, Mama grasps that it is her time to turn over the baton; as a result, she gladly gives the head of household position to her son. Furthermore, Mama asserts, He finally come into his manhood today, didn t he? (Hansberry 123). With pride, Mama recognizes her son s growth; in other words, she knows it is time for Walter to lead. In the beginning of the play, Mama, a tough and tenacious woman, wields her power over her family, but by the end of the drama she willingly surrenders her leadership to Walter. citation thesis statement citation commentary citation HIGHLIGHT & LABEL THESIS, TEXT EVIDENCE, AND CITATION transitional phrase commentary Concluding sentence transitional phrase transitional phrase commentary Concluding sentence 7
Restated thesis statement In Lorraine Hansberry s 20 th century drama, A Raisin in the Sun, Lena or Mama changes from a critical parent to a contented woman. Lena quietly resigns her parental power to her son Walter. Hansberry s drama stresses the necessity for dreams and their fruition. 8
Name: Thesis Statement & Paragraph Peer Editing for A Raisin in the Sun Introductory Paragraph and Thesis Statement for A Raisin in the Sun: 1. Interesting hook? 2. An effective thesis statement which includes the author, title (italicized), genre, and time period/era? Body Paragraph 1: 1. Topic sentence describes the character in the beginning of the play? 2. First quote begins with a transitional phrase, character s name, and verb? 3. Effective quote / text evidence? Shows the character s personality? 4. One commentary sentence which explains/clarifies AND shows the significance? 5. Correct citation? 6. Second quote begins with a transitional phrase, character s name, and verb? 7. One commentary sentence which explains/clarifies AND shows the significance? 8. Correct citation? 9. Concluding sentence sums up the character in the beginning of the play? Body Paragraph 2: 1. Topic sentence describes the character at the end of the play? 2. Third quote begins with a transitional phrase, character s name, and verb? 3. Effective quote / text evidence? Shows the character s personality? 4. One commentary sentence which explains/clarifies AND shows the significance? 5. Correct citation? 6. Fourth quote begins with a transitional phrase, character s name, and verb? 7. One commentary sentence which explains/clarifies AND shows the significance? 8. Correct citation? 9. Concluding sentence sums up the character at the end of the play? Concluding Paragraph and Restated Thesis Statement for A Raisin in the Sun: 1. An effective restated thesis which includes the author, title (italicized), genre, and time period/era? 2. An effective conclusion or commentary on the character and drama? Structure for A Raisin in the Sun 1. Original typed four-paragraph essay 2. Correctly typed essay (font 12 Arial and double spaced) 3. No WE, YOU, I, This quote shows, This shows 4. MLA heading-name, teacher, class, date (day, month, year) 5. PRESENT TENSE 9
Name: Introductory Paragraph (10 points) Hook beginning for the essay (5) Thesis Statement (5) includes GATE + purpose Scoring Guide for A Raisin in the Sun: Character Evolution Essay Body Paragraph One (30 points) Topic sentence explains the subject matter/topic of the paragraph (2) Text evidence #1 is punctuated and set-up correctly with a transitional phrase + character + verb (3) Strong text evidence/supports thesis statement and is written/quoted correctly (3) Parenthetical documentation is correctly cited and punctuated (2) Strong, insightful commentary that connects text evidence to thesis, not plot summary or rewritten quote (5) Text evidence #2 is punctuated and set-up correctly with a transitional phrase + character + verb (3) Strong text evidence/supports thesis statement and is written/quoted correctly (3) Parenthetical documentation is correctly cited and punctuated (2) Strong, insightful commentary that connects text evidence to thesis, not plot summary or rewritten quote (5) Concluding sentence sums up the paragraph with an insightful statement (2) Body Paragraph Two (30 points) Topic sentence explains the subject matter/topic of the paragraph (2) Text evidence #3 is punctuated and set-up correctly with a transitional phrase + character + verb (3) Strong text evidence/supports thesis statement and is written/quoted correctly (3) Parenthetical documentation is correctly cited and punctuated (2) Strong, insightful commentary that connects text evidence to thesis, not plot summary or rewritten quote (5) Text evidence #4 is punctuated and set-up correctly with a transitional phrase + character + verb (3) Strong text evidence/supports thesis statement and is written/quoted correctly (3) Parenthetical documentation is correctly cited and punctuated (2) Strong, insightful commentary that connects text evidence to thesis, not plot summary or rewritten quote (5) Concluding sentence sums up the paragraph with an insightful statement (2) Concluding Paragraph (10 points) Restated thesis (5) Closure reveals insight (5) Format (10 points total) Correct heading (5 points) (must contain no errors at all, including international date format and double-spacing) Double-spaced text (no extra space between heading and essay or paragraph to paragraph) (2) Editing/proofreading (10 points total) (2 points for each spelling, punctuation, grammatical error- up to 10) No use of This shows or This quote shows (one use earns this penalty) Use of first or second person pronouns (I, me, we, us, our, ours, you, your, yours) (one use earns this penalty) Final grade: (major test grade) Penalty for late papers: 1 day late (15 points deducted from grade earned) 2 days late (30 points deducted from grade earned) 3 days late (50 points deducted from grade earned) ***Your essay must be submitted to turnitin.com to receive credit.*** 10