Write a character analysis essay of the protagonist in Aimee Bender’s short story, “Call My Name.” m, what does she use to put people in their place (money, status, sexuality, etc?)? How does she try to control others?
What language is used around her “wanting sex”? (It is never said explicity in her thoughts or narration – only in the dialogue with the guy primarily). You can see her much more closely if you analyze the language her character uses.
Further, work through a sense of the guy – he’s not just your average run of the mill dude. How does he *really* see her? Does he ever see pain or need and respond in a way that could be called kindness?
What is this man’s position in life? Why doesn’t he ask her to leave? Does he care about her? Does he find her tedious? Does he give her what she wants (beyond sex)? Is there a connection between the symbolic hook and this man having it? Does he behave in a fatherly manner ever?
ADDITIONAL HELP
Introduction Paragraph
1.) Hook (1-3 sentences)—The hook grabs the reader’s attention and makes the reader want to read more.
2.) Transition (1-3 sentences)—The transition takes the reader from your hook (your attention getter) to your lead.
3.) Lead Statement (1 sentence)—The lead statement cites the author and text to be discussed and makes a general point which leads directly into the thesis statement.
4.) Thesis Statement (1-2 sentences)—The thesis statement is your opinion, evaluation, or “stand” on a specific topic. A thesis statement must be proven throughout your essay—it is what “drives” your essay.
Example
Hook: Do you ever find yourself talking to your dog? Sure! We all talk to our dogs! What if your dog answered you back in almost perfect English?
· Transition: “Imagine a dog that understood and spoke English, solved mysteries by accident and would do anything for a special snack. There is such a dog! He is a cartoon character named Scooby Doo.”
· Lead (must refer to title and author): “In the biography Scooby Steals our Hearts by Juana Besomebody, we learn how the cartoon character Scooby Doo engages audiences of all ages.”
· Thesis Statement: “Scooby Doo is a fascinating, altruistic cartoon character who seeks to help everyone he meets because he understands and speaks English, solves mysteries by accident, and is often selfless in his attempts to assist others.”
Body Paragraphs – Brief Example
Paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 will be supportive paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs will begin with a topic sentence that states the one main idea or point being made in that paragraph which supports the thesis statement. The topic sentence will be followed by specific examples that support your topic sentence which in turn supports your thesis statement.
Three Example Body Paragraphs
Situation or Point # 1 — Speaks/Understands English
· Topic Sentence: Scooby Doo delights audiences of all ages because he understands and speaks English.
· Example: understands Shaggy and speaks to him in “Mystery at the Amusement Park.”
· Example: understands Velma in “Mystery in Venezuela”
Situation or Point #2 — Solves Mysteries by Accident
· Topic Sentence: Scooby Doo is a fascinating cartoon character because he can solve mysteries even though he’s a dog. Audiences laugh out loud because he often solves the mysteries by accident while all the humans around him are stumped!
· Example: solved mystery when he fell on the thief in “The Cotton Candy Glob” ·
· Example: solved mystery when he got onto the wrong plane in “Mexico Mystery”
Situation or Point # 3 — Does Anything for Scooby Snack
· Topic Sentence: Scooby is fascinating to all audiences because he will do anything for a Scooby snack.
· Ex: Scooby went into a haunted house just for a Scooby Snack in “The Haunted House on Halloween.”
· Ex: Scooby was willing to take on monsters for Scooby Snacks in “Monster Mountain.”
Conclusion
The final paragraph will be the conclusion. First, the thesis will be restated. Then the conclusion will briefly summarize the points made in paragraphs 2, 3 & 4. Think of writing a separate sentence to summarize each of the three body paragraphs (at least three sentences of summary).
Finally, the conclusion will end with a general statement about the significance this person had in the world. The rough draft needs to typed double-spaced.
Sample Conclusion Outline
· Restate Thesis: Scooby Doo is a fascinating cartoon character because he understands and speaks English, solves mysteries by accident and will do anything for a Scooby snack.
· Summarize Points #1, #2 & #3
· Significance: (State why this lesson/achievement/characteristic is important to the general world) — Scooby is important because he helps both young and old laugh. Laughter is what life is all about. 3 PAGES !!!!!!!!