Using one or more of the theories I will attach, analyze this film to discuss the manner in which it portrays engaging in or punishing
crime. As you describe the media text, relay the overall narrative of the text, central characters,
and the criminal behavior or how it is punished.
Film:
Native Son (1940) is a novel written by the American author Richard Wright. It tells the story of
20-year-old Bigger Thomas, a black youth living in utter poverty in a poor area on
Chicago’s South Side in the 1930s. While not apologizing for Bigger’s crimes, Wright portrays a
systemic causation behind them. Bigger’s lawyer, Boris Max, makes the case that there is no
escape from this destiny for his client or any other black American since they are the necessary
product of the society that formed them and told them since birth who exactly they were
supposed to be.
The movie, A Native Son, can be found here:
Parts of the Paper
-Introduction with Thesis Statement
-Body: Presents the theory; pros/cons; measurement issues, etc.
Key facts of story that describes elements of theory
Rationale; why this theory explains Bigger the best
Why other theories fall short of explaining Bigger’s action
-Conclusion/Bibliography: synthesized argument and connection to key themes
Thesis statement: I would like to see a thesis statement in the first paragraph of the paper. A sound thesis statement (one that informs
the reader of the argument and/or objective of the paper). Be very specific in adequately informing the reader with the thesis statement.
A-Paper: This paper has all the parts of the paper, and both the presentation of evidence and
the discussion of its significance is well-stated, clear and concise; it explains the theories,
including why it was chosen; there is adequate use of the evidence, not just mentioning
something by name, but actually explaining the significance and why the reader should care; a
conclusion that synthesizes the argument and highlight the key themes; and there are no
grammatical errors.
How Should this Paper Look?
I. Title page (names only on this page, no names on other pages)
II. Introduction with thesis statement that covers your argument and the evidence you’ll use.
III. Body paragraphs: restating the thesis, presenting evidence, discussing the significance.
IV. Conclusion synthesizing your argument, connecting to course themes where you can.
VII. Bibliography. Make sure to cite appropriately when borrowing from others’ work, either in
ASA or APA styles.
Total Length: 3-4 double spaced pages. 12-point Font size.