658
When assigned to write a response to literature, you may be tempted to jump right in and write a thesis that answers the prompt, and then locate the evidence to support your thesis. But a far better approach is to allow yourself some time to gather evidence with an open mind, recognizing that there are many possible interpretations you may draw about the characters and the meaning of the work as a whole. Since you eventually will need to have specific textual evidence to support your interpretation and prove that your interpretation is a reasonable and convincing one, the best method of collecting evidence, if time allows, is to reread the full text with the prompt in mind and write down direct quotations that might support your position. At the very least, plan to closely reread all of the key parts of the text and skim through the rest, placing special emphasis on the ending of the piece.
Choosing one of the following texts from this chapter or another one that you have read recently, identify examples that provide characterization of the protagonist, and consider how the examples you locate might connect to the work as a whole. Be sure to note that not all texts include all of the elements of characterization listed in the chart below. Possible texts:
When the Emperor Was Divine (p. 537)
The Man Who Stained His Soul (p. 572)
Deuce Out (p. 578)
In the Hot Zone (p. 588)
My New World Journey (p. 620)
Dothead (p. 627)
| Element of Characterization | Evidence from Text (include page #) | Connection to Theme |
| Physical descriptions | ||
| Significant actions, movements, gestures | ||
| Internal thoughts | ||
| Relevant dialogue | ||
| Character motivations | ||
| What other characters say or think about the character |