Your paper will require you to formulate a position, otherwise known as an academic argument, on an issue from the novel A Personal Matter. You may practice formulating a thesis on this text. However, the paper that you write will stem from only one thesis. This eventual argument will be literary in nature (you will analyze a character, theme, or point of view) if you choose to write about elements in the novel, or it will be cultural, historical, or sociological in nature if you choose to write about circumstances surrounding the writing of Oe’s work. For example, if you write about historical factors governing Oe’s work, your argument will historical.
At this point you should complete reading the novel, or review it if you have finished it already. Then, start to formulate your position (thesis). Our first discussion board for the week will require you to free-write on your possible positions, or arguments. You will then create your potential thesis statements on the novel. Eventually you will choose one of these and develop a paper.
The links below will provide examples and explanations of the Sheridan Baker Thesis Machine, a nifty, if silly named, device that prompts you to formulate a strong thesis position and to consider alternative points of view, or the counterargument to what you are proposing.
Example and Explanation:
http://departments.oxy.edu/cae/writing/thesismachine.html
Examples:
http://www.miracosta.edu/home/dperales/The%20Sheridan%20Baker%20Thesis%20Machine.htm
PDF file with Explanation, Examples, and Exercises:
http://webenhanced.lbcc.edu/englcc/engl1cc/downloads/Sheridan_Baker.pdf
More Examples:
http://www.hindenburgproductions.com/slbruck/pcc/engl_100/sheridan_baker_thesis_machine.htm
IMPORTANT NOTE about Assignment:
The topic should be narrow. You may focus on such things as the animal imagery, or metaphors, and why Oe might be using them. You may focus on the treatment of women. You may focus on the individualism (and escape) which preoccupies Bird. You may focus on the meaning of the “pluralistic worlds.” You may focus on the purpose of sexual encounter and what that does for character development. Choose one focus and do not deviate, and your paper will be on target.
Whatever you do, you will make an assertion (in your Issues area of the Sheridan Baker Thesis Machine) and provide justification in the Rationale. The Polish and Qualify element comes through in how specific and focused you are.
The last thing you would want to do is to provide a plot summary or argue about the character’s choices. If you feel the need to tell what the novel is about, do it within two sentences; give a skeletal summary. A paper with an extensive plot summary would amount to avoiding the assignment altogether; it’s a trap we fall into based on prior high school experiences.
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