I’m studying for my History class and need an explanation.
In this paper, you will offer an interpretation of the story – that is, a way of understanding the text that goes beyond plot summary. You may wish to argue what theme is most important or most prominent in the story; or how certain aspects of form (protagonist vs. antagonist, narrator, chronology, etc.) lead to a way of understanding the text; or why one interpretation of the story is more compelling than the other ways of understanding it.
Your main claim (or thesis statement or argument) should appear in the introduction on the first page of the paper. The remainder of the paper should offer close readings of specific scenes from the story to support your interpretation. You may end up using only a few scenes to make your argument, as you should probe these scenes in depth.
Write three full pages (or more if necessary).
It is not necessary to give a complete plot summary. Use plot details only to support the points you make. You may assume we are familiar with the story and do not need to hear a recap.