Hello! I have to write an essay a critical paragraph/essay tommorrow on the following topic:
In the first half of the novel, the author uses the idea of gender identity and societal expectations. In what way does the author use the character of Scout to comment on this topic
( I got permission to use the whole novel and characters other than Scout)
(I'd like an opinion on my introduction and thesis)
Societal expectations dictates our behaviour. We act, speak and dress according to what is considered normal in the society we live in. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee explores the topic of gender identity and societal expectations through the main character, Scout's experiences and her interactions with her family and neighbours. Through Scout's experiences and struggles, Lee is suggesting that societal expectations of both genders limit the type of person one becomes and the roles they play in society.
(Thank you very much for reading!)
There's no way to tell. How can you introduce a paper that you haven't written yet?
Follow the writing process, whether you're writing a paragraph, an essay, or a research paper … for science, history, English, or whatever:
Prewriting: Brainstorm, research, plan, outline, thesis statement
Writing: Write first draft by starting with section II of your outline; write the introduction after the body of the paper is written; write the conclusion last.
Polishing: Revise, concentrating first on the body of the paper, then the intro, then the concl (revision = making sure ideas are logical and sequential and support your thesis); proofread (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)
Do you have a thesis yet? Have you done your brainstorming (and maybe research) yet? Have you written an outline?
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#org
from http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/
Click on Step by Step for the process. Click on Info Search for help with researching.
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Check in the Essay & Research Paper Level.
I have an outline of the paper. I was more worried about my thesis. I have difficulty starting the body of the essay without a thesis. Here is my first draft:
Societal expectations dictates our behaviour. We act, speak and dress according to what is considered normal in the society we live in. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee explores the topic of gender identity and societal expectations through the main character, Scout's experiences and her interactions with her family and neighbours. Through Scout's experiences and struggles, Lee is suggesting that societal expectations of both genders limit the type of person one becomes and the roles they play in society.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, the author explores the idea of society's "perfect lady" through the character of Aunt Alexandra and her interactions with Scout. Aunt Alexandra believes that dressing well, using manners and being social are necessary to being a proper lady. Aunt Alexandra insists Scout should be wearing dresses, as according to Alexandra, Scout "wasn't supposed to be doing things requiring pants." Scout is also expected as a lady to attend tea parties, and only speak when spokn to. This demonstrates society's expectations of the "model lady" and the pressure Scout must eventually submit to later on.
Harper Lee also uses Jem's and Atticus's interaction to present the "ideal gentleman". When Jem complains of Mrs. Dubose's behaviour towards him, Atticus tells him to "hold his head and be a gentleman." and not let Mrs.Dubose's words anger him. Later, Atticus tells Jem that his purpose of having him read to Mrs.Dubose is to teach him "true courage", which he will need in order to become a gentleman. This demonstrates society's expectation of the gentleman. The gentleman must have honour, even when he is insulted. A gentleman is also expected to be tolerant and considerate towards others.
The perception of both genders are revealed when Scout asks her father why women could not serve on jury, Atticus replies, "...I'd guess its to protect our frail women from sordid cases like tom's...I'd doubt if we'd ever get a complete case tried-the ladies'd be interrupting to ask questions." This reveals that scciety views women to "weak" to handle and discuss cases similar to Tom Robinson, due to the fear of being "corrupted". The quote also reveals that society believes that women lack the intelligence and direct approach needed in order to serve as jury or have a leadership role in society.
To summarize, Harper Lee successfully uses the main character and her interactions with others to portray the idea that society influences the person one becomes and their role in society.
I'd get rid of the whole "gender identity" idea in your paper, and focus on the "societal expectations" angle.
Otherwise, it all reads fine.
Thank you very much!
You're very welcome!
Your introduction and thesis statement provide a clear outline of the topic you will be discussing in your essay. They introduce the concept of gender identity and societal expectations, as well as the character of Scout as a means through which the author comments on this topic. The introduction is engaging and effectively sets up the reader's expectations for the essay.
To further enhance your thesis statement, you could consider adding a specific argument or claim that you will be exploring in your essay. This would make your thesis more focused and guide the reader towards a specific conclusion. For example, you could mention a particular aspect of Scout's experiences that highlight the limitations of societal expectations and how it affects her character development.
Overall, your introduction and thesis statement provide a solid foundation for your critical paragraph/essay on the topic. Make sure to support your points with specific examples from the novel and analyze how they contribute to the author's commentary on gender identity and societal expectations. Good luck with your essay!