Objective: write a 6-8 page (2,000-2,500) thesis-driven research paper that makes an analytical argument through a critical lens about the play A Raisin in the Sun. The critical lens to examine for this play is Marxist Critical theory and an Ethnic literary lens as well. The key questions I will be focusing on for Marxist critical theory and ethnic literary lens are:
- What social classes do the characters and or the text represent? What does the text tell us about this social class?
- How does the text depict racism as a persistent force in American society?
Complicating your argument: integrate at least one strong, carefully considered counterargument, which you acknowledge, explain, and then refute. This will prove that your thesis is truly debatable and can be reasonably considered from multiple perspectives. You may, of course, engage with more than one counterargument.
Other requirements: your paper must be in correct MLA format and include a Works Cited page (which does not count toward the 6 page length requirement) on which you list each of the sources you quote or paraphrase in the paper (including the story itself). Use our textbook and library resources to help you format your citations correctly. Sustain your argument throughout (the claim you are supporting), employ strong transitions, and use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Be sure your ideas are well organized, clearly explained, and carefully focused.
Primary source: your primary source for this paper – the original piece of writing and the source of the focused topic you will explore.
Secondary sources: you must research and cite from (quote, paraphrase, or summarize) at least four secondary sources (but more is fine!). These should be credible and appropriate to an academic assignment, such as articles from a library database, books, or credible websites.