Write an analytical short paper (the kind of paper you have already written for this class): You must have a clearly defined thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. In the body paragraphs of the essay you must analyze the different facets of your thesis through a close reading of sections in the novel that help you argue your point (quote from the novel in the body paragraphs as you shape your argument). You must also use at least one of the essays indicated below or any other scholarly essay (peer reviewed or important newspaper or magazine articles) as your secondary source (do not compare the essay and the novel, apply the concepts of the essay to the novel and analyze it).
In the body paragraphs as you argue your thesis, weave in the secondary source: before referring to the secondary source, first explain the theoretical premise of the source and then quote from the source to explain the arc of the character/s or an incident/ description in the novel. You must also have a title that expresses your main idea and mention the title of the novel and the name of the author in your paper title. Sources must be cited using the MLA format in a separate Works Cited section at the end.
Using the theoretical praxis or main ideas of at least one of the following essays, “Race and Criminalization” by Angela Davis or “A Report from Occupied Territory” by James Baldwin, to analyze If Beale Street Could Talk
Hints for Possible Topics (Choose any one topic or come up with your own):
• The U.S. criminal justice system is the clear antagonist in this novel. What specific images does Baldwin (through the narrator Tish) develop to express his critique of the government and its judicial processes? Consider Tish’s descriptions and depictions of courts, jails, lawyers, and police officers to start.
• Portrayal of gender roles and gender differences in the novel: the novel defines its male and female characters in strictly defined gender roles—men do what they “must”; women understand each other’s’ motives because they are “mothers”. How is that the case? Trace this pattern throughout the novel. Maybe consider how this claim extends Baldwin’s concern with negative images of black intimacy in the white imaginary, community, and the emasculation of black manhood.
• Racism and the impossibility of finding home (both literally and metaphorically) as portrayed in the novel
• Portrayal of the segregated housing and the education system in the novel
• Any other aspect that is of interest to you Option 2:
Write a 4-page review of the novel. Think about it as a piece that you can publish in a magazine.
Here’s how to write a book review:
Begin your essay with a compelling hook that draws the reader in – for example, you can begin your essay by describing a recent incident that happened in New York or in any other city in the U.S. (published in the newspaper/news media). Next, analyze the incident to highlight what it helps us understand about our society.
Then, connect it to how the novel that was published more than 3 decades ago sheds light on the issue, thereby, helping you to reflect on the significance of the novel even in 2020. In the body of your review essay, discuss the novel in detail – first, recount the plot without going into too many details. Then discuss the sections in the novel that highlight the issue you are discussing – quote lines and analyze.
Then bring in a secondary source (maybe the essay by Angela Davis or James Baldwin) and draw connections to the novel and the topic in discussion.
Conclude by arguing either the continuing relevance of the novel or its limitations (refer back to the incident you mentioned in your first paragraph or just the issue).
