Doing a book review assignment for Obasan by Joy Kogawa. It cannot be a typical summary , must be more essay like and have a thesis.

I plan on discussing first and foremost a general quick plot summary emphasizing the important and prominent scenes of the book, which will fuel my further discussions and analysis on its themes, which will then transition into character discussion. I pretty much have this down already- or at least I think I do.

But I want to also talk about the impact of setting and diction/style and the author's techniques(how she manages the plot and creates literary elements i.e symbols, imagery, metaphors etc). Can someone give me some ideas on how I can discuss these elements of my essay?

Also, I am struggling with a thesis. I am trying to think of special, and original specific scenes to trigger thought- but I have none. What makes this book different and more worthy of reading than any other fiction book talking about world war II and persecution? Any help and ideas are appreciated! :)

These sites may help you.

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/thesistatement.html

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/obasan/

But how do I get a thesis for a book? Like how should I state my opinion on it? Would my thesis just be- this book excels in perfectly capturing the beauty and harsh realities of this time?

That looks good, but I'd omit the word "perfectly."

Could you help me with this guiding question as well please? "The narrative is interspersed with newspaper clippings and excerpts from official government documents. Why does Kogawa include these in her novel? What is their effect?"

When discussing the impact of setting and diction/style, you can consider the following points:

1. Setting: Analyze the significance of the specific time and place in which the story is set. How does the setting contribute to the overall themes and messages of the book? For example, in Obasan, the setting of the internment camps during World War II plays a vital role in highlighting the themes of discrimination and the loss of identity.

2. Diction/Style: Examine the author's choice of words and writing style. Look for recurring motifs, symbols, or metaphors that contribute to the book's larger themes. Consider how the author's writing style enhances the emotional impact of certain scenes or contributes to the development of the characters.

To discuss the author's techniques and literary elements in your essay, you can:

1. Plot management: Explore how Kogawa structures the plot and builds tension throughout the story. Discuss how she uses flashbacks, nonlinear storytelling, or shifts in perspective to add depth and complexity.

2. Symbols and imagery: Identify and analyze the symbols and imagery used in the book. For example, the image of the train or the repetitive mention of silence. How do these symbols contribute to the overall themes and understanding of the story?

3. Metaphors and figurative language: Highlight instances where Kogawa employs metaphors or other figurative language to convey deeper meanings. Analyze the effect of these literary devices on the reader's interpretation and emotional response to the text.

When crafting your thesis, you can focus on the unique aspects of Obasan that set it apart from other WWII fiction. Consider how the specific experiences and perspective of the Japanese-Canadian community during this time period provide a distinct lens through which the story is told. Your thesis could highlight the book's exploration of the interplay between personal and collective memory, the impact of silence and trauma on identity, or the power of storytelling as a means of resilience and healing in the face of persecution.

Remember, your thesis should be a claim or argument that you will support throughout your essay. Ensure it is specific, debatable, and reflects the unique aspects of Obasan that make it worth reading.