Hi, I have to write a short reaction paper (2 pages) about the book America is in the Hearth by Carlos Bulosan. I have to discuss an important theme and provide examples. I was thinking about comparing his life in the Philippines and his life in America. Even though he had high expectations about coming to the United States, he realizes all the injustices going on. I don't know how to start the paper and was wondering if you could help. Thank you.
You start the paper by writing a tentative thesis sentence. Then outline at least three points that will support your thesis.
After that, you're ready to write the body of your paper.
The last steps are to write the introduction and conclusion.
Alright thank you. I was wondering does the title of the book have to be underlined or in quotes and is the following a good way to start my essay?
America is in the Heart is a classic autobiography that truly exhibits the struggle of immigrants that ventured to the United States during the 1930’s.
Book titles are underlined or printed in italics.
Yes, I think that's a good start. However, please check back here because a couple of our other tutors are much better than I at helping students write papers.
Oh alright, should I ask someone specific or just keep checking back?
Of course, I'd be happy to help you get started on your reaction paper about "America is in the Hearth" by Carlos Bulosan. Comparing the author's life in the Philippines with his life in America and exploring the theme of disillusionment with the American Dream sounds like a great approach. Here's a suggested structure to help you begin your paper:
1. Introduction:
- Start with a strong opening sentence or quote that captures the essence of the book and sets the tone for your paper.
- Provide a brief overview of the author's background and his aspirations of coming to the United States.
- Clearly state the important theme you will be focusing on, which is the contrast between Bulosan's expectations and the realities he encountered in America.
2. Transition:
- Use a transitional sentence or paragraph to create a smooth shift into discussing the differences in Bulosan's life in the Philippines and America.
3. Life in the Philippines:
- In this section, highlight the positive aspects of Bulosan's life in the Philippines that fueled his hopes and dreams for a better life in America.
- Discuss the cultural values, family ties, and economic conditions that shaped his perception of America as a land of opportunity.
- Provide specific examples or anecdotes from the book that illustrate Bulosan's mindset before his arrival in America.
4. Life in America:
- Transition into describing the stark contrast between Bulosan's expectations and the harsh realities he faced upon his arrival in America.
- Explore the injustices, discrimination, and economic hardships he encountered, which shattered his illusions and forced him to confront the harsh truth.
- Incorporate quotes or passages from the book that depict Bulosan's disillusionment and his growing awareness of the injustices prevalent in American society.
5. Comparison and Reflection:
- Compare and contrast Bulosan's life in the Philippines to his life in America, highlighting the disparities and how they influenced his perspective on the American Dream.
- Discuss the emotional and psychological impact of this contrast, examining how it affected his personal growth and political consciousness.
- Include specific examples or scenes from the book that support your analysis.
6. Conclusion:
- Summarize your main points and restate the significance of the theme you explored.
- Consider the larger implications of Bulosan's experiences and how they reflect the broader struggle of immigrants seeking a better life in America.
- End with a thought-provoking statement that encourages further reflection on the theme and the book as a whole.
Remember to proofread and edit your paper after writing it and cite any quotes or references you use. Good luck with your reaction paper!