Major Paper 2: Argument-Driven Analysis of Montana 1948
Purpose/Goals:
This paper builds upon the summary and analysis skills that you have been working on since the start of the semester, and it allows you to develop a theme-related argument about Larry Watson’s novel Montana 1948. You will support your claim through the close analysis of selected passages from the novel, which will serve as evidence.
Choose one of the themes listed below that we have generated in class and then construct an argument about it based on your analysis of the theme. If you’d like to write on a theme not listed below come discuss it with me first.
Themes: Family loyalty ..TBD
Guidelines and comments (we will be covering these more fully in class):
Thesis Statement: Your argument should be presented as a thesis statement or claim, which is a provable, debatable opinion, rather than a statement of fact (Frank killed Marie) or a belief (Frank shouldn’t have killed Marie). A strong claim answers the question “So what?” Why is this worth arguing?
Evidence: Your argument will be supported by quotes from the novel, which you will analyze. Choose your quotes carefully and make sure to explain how they illustrate the point you’re making.
Focus on the novel: This paper is an analysis of the novel, so keep your attention on the text and don’t bring in outside sources or personal experiences. If the theme you chose is racism, for example, your paper should analyze some aspect of racism in the book, rather than arguing that people shouldn’t be racist.
Structure: You will need transitions to move your argument from point to point, but be careful not to make it sound like a list (first . . . second . . . then . . .finally). Make sure each paragraph has one idea all your points clearly relate to it. Assume your readers are not familiar with the novel, but provide only enough summary so that they can assess your argument.