For this paper, construct your own thesis about Toni Morrison’s novel Sula. Your thesis is that which rises above “summary” and adds to our class’s scholarly “conversation” about the book. Support your thesis with evidence, examples, and quotes. Be detailed. Use precise language.
Your paper should have a clear structure and few if any grammatical errors (discipline) but it should also explore new ideas and potentialities (creativity). Below is only a limited list of topics. You are free to write on another topic of your choice so long as it is related to Sula and you have an engaging, central idea.
Guidelines:
1000 – 1,500 words (about a 4 to 6 page paper) double-spaced in MLA format… you will lose credit if your paper is under the length
You must use at least three direct quotes from Sula. Blend all quotes into your writing grammatically (see Modules for help). Always cite the page number.
You may structure your discussion however you see fit, but please:
Assume the reader has not read the novel, so I recommend one or two sentences of summary somewhere in the first page of the paper (including author and title). Summary should not be in topic sentences.
You do not need a formal “thesis statement” a la one sentence at the end of the first paragraph (as is traditionally taught) but your thesis (main idea that is your own) should clear on the first page.
Start each paragraph with YOUR idea. You need not have formal topic sentences, but use Morrison’s words, or any other evidence you may want to use, as backup to you
