So I have to write an English essay on Richard Wright's Black Boy. And the topic I got was to "discuss moral themes throughout the text." and I'm not sure how to go about writing it. Since it says discuss does that mean I'm not allowed to analyze it? Or yes? I'm just confused. Also I'm not exactly sure what a moral theme is.. Can someone help me? Please and thank you.

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "moral theme" to get this:

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=moral+themes&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

Good sites in the search results PsyDAG sent you.

And, yes, "discuss" includes "analyze."
http://www.google.com/search?q=analyze+literature&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGLL_en___US379

Sure, I can help you with that! When your essay prompt asks you to "discuss moral themes throughout the text," it means you should examine and analyze the moral message or values present in the book. You are allowed to analyze the text and explain how these moral themes are developed and their significance within the story.

To start, you need to understand what a moral theme is. A moral theme refers to the principles or lessons that the author is trying to express regarding right and wrong, good and bad, or the choices characters make and their consequences. In Richard Wright's Black Boy, there are several moral themes expressed throughout the text that you can explore.

To write your essay, you can approach it in the following steps:

1. Read the novel: Begin by reading or re-reading Black Boy carefully, taking notes on significant events, character motivations, and the overall tone or message conveyed.

2. Identify moral themes: Look for recurring ideas, issues, or values that the author emphasizes in the story. These can include themes like racial discrimination, the pursuit of knowledge, the importance of personal integrity, or the consequences of societal expectations. Make a list of these moral themes.

3. Analyze the text: For each moral theme you've identified, find specific examples from the novel that demonstrate or illustrate it. Pay attention to key scenes, character interactions, and instances where characters make moral choices. Analyze how these instances contribute to the overall moral message of the book.

4. Provide evidence and explanations: In your essay, provide textual evidence to support your analysis. Include relevant quotes or paraphrases from the novel to illustrate your points. Additionally, explain why these moral themes are significant in the context of the story and how they contribute to the author's purpose or the overall narrative.

5. Structure your essay: Start your essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the novel and briefly outlines the moral themes you'll be discussing. Then, dedicate each paragraph to one specific moral theme, supporting it with evidence and analysis. Finally, wrap up your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reflects on the overall significance of the moral themes in the text.

Remember to use clear and concise language, and structure your essay logically. Don't forget to proofread and edit your essay before submission.

I hope this helps you get started on your essay about Richard Wright's Black Boy! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.