Example Thesis:
Lee uses the character of Scout to explore prejudice using common disclosures associated with race and class, context and characterization in order to help her readers encapsulate the very
essence of her own anti-racists ideology.
essence of her own anti-racists ideology.
What is your topic?
Three times racism is portrayed in the novel and how it impacted the story.
Now, list the three times racism is portrayed.
Tom Robinson accused of rape
Atticus accused of defending “niggers”
Expectations that aren’t met (Boo Radley, Aunt Alexandra, Dolphus Raymond)
How did each of these impact the story?
Tom - trial is a formality. It is inevitable that Tom will be found guilty.
Atticus - In the face of adversity shows his children how to act when faced with hardships.
Aunt Alexandra - shows sympathy for a tribe in africa living in bad conditions, but no
sympathy for the blacks living the same way in Maycomb.
sympathy for the blacks living the same way in Maycomb.
Boo Radley - seen as a threat even though people have never met him. Predetermined
ideals about people.
ideals about people.
Dolphus Raymond - He chose the life he has even though people frown upon it.
He pretends to drink so that others feel better about his decisions.
He pretends to drink so that others feel better about his decisions.
Thesis:
While racism is a prevalent theme in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, it is important
to know how certain portrayals of racism affect the direction of the novel.
to know how certain portrayals of racism affect the direction of the novel.