Paper 2: Thematic Threads
With poetry, we discussed the issue of theme and worked with the tricky concept of
understanding what a poem means. In longer fiction, we are able to engage with fleshed-out
characters who live their lives and make their own decisions. We’ve met a number of people, but
do we really know them? Is it possible to make a judgment about a person who only exists in our
imaginations?
In 5 pages, focus your analytical eye on applying a theme to a character. Choose a character
from one of the three longform texts we’ve read (Ms Marvel) and
present a close reading which illustrates the way you feel s/he ought to be read. As before, this is
a thesis-driven assignment. Make a clear statement and support yourself with evidence from the
text. As was the case with Paper 1, it is expected that this paper will contain no outside sources.
Your argument will be entirely your own, rather than a summary of another scholar’s analysis.
While preparing the subject of your analysis, you may want to consider the questions you’ve
already been asking. If we want to make a statement about Kamala’s relationship with her
religion, which passages illustrate that statement? Where should we look to find a motive for
Colonel Joll’s behavior? What sections will help us explain Rachel’s motivations? Dig into the
language and tell us why we should agree with your assessment.
Remember to parse your source text for everything it has to offer. Relate your interpretation of
the source material, and be sure to think critically about the needs of people who disagree with
yourself as well. A strong thesis can be argued against.
If you could use a refresher on quote formatting conventions, the Oxford Writing Lab at Purdue
University will take care of you: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02
The title of the book :Ms.Marvel no normal ,Author: by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
ISBN-13 : 978-0785190219
