Write an essay responding to the follow prompt:
How does Tommy Orange use his writing to create characters that break stereotypes of American Indians.
Choose 1 character from There There and write a paper that argues how their characterization subverts a stereotype of American Indians. You should only choose ONE stereotype (either one that we discussed in class, one mentioned in Orange’s book, or one that you come across on your own. In your analysis of your character, you should point out things like tone, perspective, metaphors/similes, repetition, or any other characteristics you observe as significant in building that character.
Regarding your thesis statement, your claim should include your chosen character and whatever stereotype you think they subvert. Your supporting reasons are the different writing strategies or authorial choices that Orange uses while writing this character to subvert that stereotype and give readers deeper insight into the Urban American Indian experience.
For example, a paper on Tony Loneman might include a claim that argues that his character subverts the stereotype that American Indians are antiquated or anti-modern. Your supporting reasons might include 1. His intimate relationship to Oakland and 2. His way of blending American Indian life with contemporary culture (such as connecting his own experience with that of rapper MF Doom).
Remember, you should focus not just on WHAT happens to Tony, but also HOW Tommy Orange writes his character and WHY the author makes particular stylistic choices in Tony’s sections.
Expectations:
Your paper should include:
– An Introduction that includes what stereotype you’ll be discussing and ends with an argumentative thesis that addresses the prompt
– A brief summary of There There
– Body paragraphs for each of your supporting reasons
– Analysis of ONE CHARACTER from the novel
– Textual evidence for each body paragraph with analysis that focuses on Orange’s writing strategies (don’t focus on plot; focus on STYLE)
– Conclusion
You are not required to complete research for this paper (Oranges Prologue actually includes some of the stereotypes he is addressing), but if you do, you should only include sources that are reliable (no personal blogs or social media posts). If you’re not sure if a source is credible, always check with me. Remember, this is paper ultimately is about analysis, not research.
Your final essay should be between 1,000 and 1,250 words in length, double-spaced, and in Times New Roman 12 font (MLA Format).
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to argue for a claim about a primary source (Tommy Orange’s There There) using an analysis of one character from the novel. To do so, you will need to read and analyze the book and construct a unique claim that relies on your observations of this character (and the ways Orange writes about them).
Audience:
Your audience for this paper is a peer who is unfamiliar with the source text (There There). This means you will need to provide summaries and definitions of key terms to help your readers understand your claim.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
– Locate Implicit arguments in a work of fiction
– Analyze a primary source for specific ways in which it represents and argues for a specific point of view
– Employ revision and editing strategies appropriate to the audience and purpose
