Write an analytical short paper.
You must have a clearly defined thesis statement in the introductory paragraph. (quote from the novel in the body paragraphs as you
shape your argument). You must also use the essay “Race and
Criminalization” by Angela Davis to analyze If Beale Street Could Talk 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.
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
