I've seen this question a bunch and I've read all of them I could find and none of them helped I'm not asking for anyone to write my essay or to explain to me how to write the essay. I need help getting it started and hitting all the key points once I've started it. I've let this lesson go overdue because I have no help at home with this essay. I chose Raymond's run I've read the story a few times and have a pretty good understanding of it.Write an essay in which you analyze the importance of plot events and characters’ actions to the development of a story’s theme. Review and evaluate a 

story from the unit that has a clearly identifiable theme. You might choose “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara, “The Story-Teller” by Saki, “The Finish of Patsy Barnes” by Paul Laurence Dunbar, or “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh” by Ray Bradbury. Be sure to identify the story and write a clear statement of its theme. In your essay, answer the following question: How do various elements of the story—conflict and resolution, characters’ dialogue and behavior—contribute to the story’s theme? Support your ideas with references to the text

To start your essay, you should first make sure that you have a clear understanding of the story "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara and its theme. This will help you focus your analysis and ensure that you choose relevant examples to support your arguments.

1. Read and analyze the story: Begin by reading the story again, paying close attention to the events, characters, conflicts, resolutions, dialogue, and behavior. Take notes on key plot events, character actions, and any dialogue or behavior that stands out to you.

2. Identify the theme: Next, identify the theme of the story. The theme is the underlying message or central idea that the author is trying to convey. In "Raymond's Run," for example, the theme could be the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's unique abilities. Write a clear statement of the theme that you can refer to throughout your essay.

3. Outline your essay: Create an outline that helps you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all the key points. Start by introducing the story and providing context. Then, state the theme and explain why it is important. In the body paragraphs, focus on specific plot events, character actions, dialogue, and behavior that contribute to the theme. Use textual evidence from the story to support your arguments. Finally, wrap up your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces the significance of the theme.

4. Analyze conflict and resolution: Explore how conflict and resolution within the story contribute to the development of the theme. Identify the main conflicts and their outcomes. Discuss how these conflicts shape the characters' development and impact the overall message of the story.

5. Examine characters' dialogue and behavior: Analyze the dialogue and behavior of the characters, paying attention to how they relate to the story's theme. Look for examples where characters' actions or words illustrate their growth, challenges, or discoveries. Explain how these elements contribute to the overall understanding of the theme.

6. Use references from the text: It's crucial to support your ideas with references to the text. Provide quotations or paraphrase specific passages from the story that support your analysis. Make sure to explain the significance of these references and how they connect to your arguments.

Remember to revise and edit your essay once you have written the first draft. Check for clarity, coherence, and proper formatting. Also, make sure that your analysis is focused on the theme and that you have effectively backed up your points with evidence from the text. Good luck with your essay!