Assignment Question
Write an argumentative essay that traces a theme in “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brian. Once you formulate a theme, develop a thesis which states your point, and the three or four reasons (divisions) which support it. For suggestions on drafting a thematic thesis, click here. Body paragraphs should be constructed around your reasons, and each should offer examples from the story to prove the validity of your theme, and then a clear and detailed explanation of how and why these examples support the claim in your paragraph. While this essay must include at least two secondary sources (see Secondary Sources page), the main emphasis is on your own thinking: the research doesn’t determine what you say in your essay — you do. The quotations from researchers, literary critics, interviews, or other books from the time period will support your own ideas. While you can use secondary sources from the textbook, at least one source will be from your own search. Your rough draft does not need to include your secondary sources. Requirements A minimum of 1500 words is required, as are a minimum of two secondary sources (reminder — general encyclopedias, dictionaries, open web sources and the primary source itself do not count as secondary sources — though if used, they have to be cited).