Theme Identification through Character Analysis

Paper Assignment #3

Theme Identification through Character Analysis
of Colum McCann’s Let the Great World Spin

Two copies of draft due Tues., Nov. 11
Final Copy Due: Tues., Nov. 18 – No late papers
Length: 2-3 pages with no more than 20% of your paper consisting of quotes

Theme is defined as the meaning found in a literary work. It is different from the subject because theme is actually revealed through a subject, character, or plot. Theme helps the reader better understand some aspect of the human experience.

Please extract a universal message (theme) from careful analysis of one of McCann’s characters. Carefully reread sections of the novel that focus on your particular character of interest. Underline passages that speak to you. Create a thesis statement (argument) based on what you learn from this character’s actions, experiences and / or perspective.

Your paper should include the following:
•   Thesis statement with author’s name, text title, and clear assertion
•   Evidence from the text with pertinent quotations
•   Accuracy
•   Reasonable interpretations
•   Interesting insight
•   Convincing arguments
•   Good writing
•   MLA format for documentation
•   Works Cited page

Do not repeat word choice or points. Do not argue the obvious (i.e. Drugs destroy lives. Crime is bad. People should drive carefully. Prostitution is bad.) Do not write less than two pages. Please dazzle your reader with your fascinating insights!

Brainstorming Exercises:
Who do you find most interesting in the text?

Whose behaviors are baffling? Whose principles are most challenging? Why?

What have you learned? What themes emerge?