Paper #1: Chester Himes
Essay Prompt:As a protest novel, If He Hollers Let Him Go features many passages where its characters explicitly offer insightful arguments and analysis about race and racism in America. Although it is a work of fiction, the book therefore offers a valuable contribution to political and cultural discussions about the role of race and racism in American society that took place across the 20th century and that continue to this day.
Write an essay that thoughtfully explores how ONE of the novel’s characters might support and develop and/or criticize and reject the ideas of TWO of the supplementary historical readings (Washington, Du Bois, MLK, Carmichael). Show how the character, through either his or her words or actions, expresses similar ideas and perhaps give us a deeper understanding and defense of the position of the supplementary reading. And/or show how the character, through either his or her words or actions, opposes the ideas of the supplementary reading and perhaps even reveal its inadequacies or errors.
It is better to be complex and in-depth on a few points than to superficially rush through many points. You should therefore limit yourself to just one character in your discussion. Also do not discuss more than two of the supplementary readings. Outside research is not required.
Paper requirements:
___The paper must at least reach the middle of page 5, not including the Works Cited.
___The paper must have a title, introduction, thesis, a series of body paragraphs, conclusion, and Works Cited.
___MLA guidelines must be followed for all in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
___Two of the supplementary readings must be discussed and included in the Works Cited.
Textual Evidence/Support:
Each major point should be developed in a unified paragraph that incorporates plenty of textual evidence, either through paraphrase or quotation. Be sure to stick closely to the language of the novel in your interpretation: keep returning to and quoting the exact language that Himes uses, but be sure also to analyze and explain everything you quote. All quotations should include page numbers in parentheses. For example: Bob admits, “I felt like an intruder and it made me slightly resentful” (49).
Grading:
Your grade will be based on the insightfulness of your critical thinking and the quality of your writing. In your interpretation of the novel and the readings, be sure to make an argument that is clear, complex, and interesting. Avoid stating the obvious, relying on cultural clichés, heavily restating what one source states, and reducing the complexity of Himes’ ideas. Your essay needs not only to follow the rules of grammar but also to demonstrate your control over style. Although you may be incorporating many details and quotations from the novel into your essay, you need to make sure the writing remains smooth and appealing.
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