Paper 1EXAMPLE #2This paper is an example of writing about a.docx

Paper 1
EXAMPLE #2
This paper is an example of writing about a motif—the
relationship between dreams and the sea.
Dreams and the Sea
The novel In the Country of Men, written by Hisham
Matar, has imagery of the sea and dreams to portray the ideal
life and the struggles of life as well as the relationships between
the characters and how they interact with each other. Suleiman,
Mama and Baba are the ones we see most inside through this
imagery, and there is the connection that they all look towards
this better life they picture. Their relationships and emotions
are brought out through the changing tides in the sea, which are
tied in with their dreams in their subconscious as well. The
reflections of the characters through the use of motifs such as
the sea and dreams add a depth of understanding to the novel
and help us get a deeper look inside the character’s heads.
First of all there is the father/son relationship introduced to us
as the reader right from the beginning. Baba is so distant to
Suleiman and Suleiman is just suffering for attention from his
father. We get an idea of this through Suleiman’s subconscious
when he
“dreamed of Baba floating on the sea. The water was unsettled,
moving as it does in the deep, rising and falling in the hills. He
lay on his back. He looked like a small fishing boat trying to
surrender to the sea. I was there too, working hard to keep my
shoulders above water, to not lose sight of him, but the sea rose,
and he vanished from view. I kept swimming. I knew I was
close. Then I saw him, wooden and stiff. When I reached out to
touch him he turned into a fish, agile and shy. He plunged with
a splash down and away. I could see his silver spine flicker
below the water. I turned around and saw no shore to return
to.”( 83)

It is as though Suleiman is trying to see things from his father’s
place at first. He is having a really rough time fighting the sea
as it rises and falls, trying to “surrender”. Suleiman being right
by Baba’s side in the dream, looking out for him and working
hard to stay above water portrays reality where Suleiman is
trying so hard to hold on to his father and make sure he is all
right. Although he is trying as hard as he can not to lose sight
of his father, the sea takes him away but Suleiman can feel him
close by, in the same way that Baba is gone in real life but
Suleiman knows he is in the area and coming back eventually. I
thought it was really interesting how Baba is a fish in this
dream, because earlier in the novel, Mama is talking about
dreams and says, “Fish is greed” (pg. 53). Perhaps Suleiman
does see his father as greedy through sacrificing the family for
rebelling against the government and being away all the time
leaving him and Mama alone. Either way, we can see from this
dream that Suleiman never gets the attention from his father
that he wishes for.
In addition to the dream above conveying Baba and
Suleiman’s relationship, there is a dream journal which Baba
writes in and Suleiman saves. One could see this as a metaphor
for Suleiman trying to save Baba’s dreams and/or Suleiman
holding onto his own dreams of having his father back someday.
Suleiman describes how Baba religiously wrote in his dream
journal to the point where there is only one blank page left.
Upon awakening, he immediately fills his journal “chasing a
dream before it could escape his memory. Baba is determined
not to forget his dreams in life, but he is running out of room to
dream anymore as his choice to rebel against the government is
diminishing his dreams of a better life for him and his family.
The one page symbolizes the lack of room Baba has for
dreaming anymore, whereas he used to have the whole journal
to record his dreams every day. Eventually, he runs out of room
to dream of that better life, and surrenders the battle against the
government which we see near the end of the novel. Although
we do not really hear of Baba’s literal dreams, we get a sense

through Suleiman’s dreams what exactly Baba is struggling
with, and we see through Baba’s rebellion and the fact that he
keeps a dream journal that he has high aspirations for a better
life.
The other major relationship in the book is between Mama
and Suleiman. They are similar in the way of looking towards
the sea that they hold as their paradise. In a similar way to Baba
and Suleiman’s relationship, Suleiman craves Mama’s attention
throughout the novel, but he only gets bits and pieces of it. It’s
very different because Mama is actually there, but she neglects
him except for when she’s had her “medicine” and she’s drunk.
It is through the times that she is drunk that she opens up to
Suleiman whether it is good for him to hear or not, but this
leads Suleiman to be her caretaker in place of Baba while he is
gone, holding in all her secrets and worrying that she is even
alive and well. Another way the two connect is Mama talking to
Suleiman about dreams. The first time it is brought up, Mama
says “a sea in a dream means life. It if’s wild and raging you are
going to have some hard times, but if it’s calm your days will
be calm and beautiful.”(53) Here, the sea and dreams are tied
together again, just as they are throughout the novel. This is
such a major part of the story because the sea is mentioned so
many times, and it reflects both the better life and the life they
are living. Suleiman expresses, “I held the sea as my target, my
paradise”(218), and I think this is true for all the characters in
the novel.In fact, in the beginning of the novel, the sea is
brought up multiple times, one being when Suleiman “visited
the ancient city for the first and, as it turned out, last time.
Images of the deserted city of ruins by the sea still lingered
vividly in my mind. I longed to return to it” (8) and the other
when leaning on the Septimius Severus statue. The statue stood
there “pointing his arm toward the sea, “urging Libya toward
Rome.” Was how Ustath Rashid described the pose”. (4) This
part may be looked over at first, as it is the beginning of the
novel, but when looking back it makes sense for the whole story
because this family is living in Libya under all these controlling

rules, and Rome is a place where there is “better life”. The
imagery of the sea is always looking toward, or going down a
path to the sea which is how I tied it all together as being the
life they dream of.
Since there are times in the novel where the sea is
described as this beautiful turquoise, and then others where it is
a monster basically ready to swallow you whole, it is apparent
that the sea represents life in this novel because life is a mixture
of beautiful and damaging experiences. This family is going
through these experiences together both individually and as a
whole. In order for them to reach their ideal life however, they
must go through the struggles to achieve their paradise.
Suleiman relates this to the sea well saying, “Salty seawater is
good for a wound, I knew this well.” (219) In conclusion,
dreams in this novel show us the inner struggles of the main
characters as they come about the times where there is
turbulence or gentleness floating and drowning them in the sea
of life as they strive for a better future.
NOTE: The sentences in red italics are mine, Dr. Beilke’s.
Name of Student
Dr. Debra Beilke
English 155: Introduction to Literature
Date
Jeremiah Land: The true outlaw?
Throughout the novel we see ideals of adventure and non
adherence to rules. From Swede's Mr Sundown, to Davy's lust
for revenge, the fingerprints of “the outlaw” reveal themselves
in Enger's words. The only figure “the outlaw” doesn't seem to
impact is Jeremiah Land...or does he?
“We and the world, my children, will always be at war. Retreat
is impossible. Arm yourselves.” (4) Revealing Jeremiah as more

militaristic than his youngest son would admit, Jeremiah's
words cement Rueben's belief that Davy is the victim. Instilling
a spirit of rebellion with this advice, Jeremiah Land casts
himself as the outlaw of our epic. This is a good thesis because
it is not a factual statement that nobody could disagree with. It
is an interpretation that requires some thought on the part of the
writer. It is also interesting because at first glance, Jeremiah is
a peace-loving, gentle, law-abiding guy. This student argues,
however, that appearances can be deceiving, that Jeremiah is
really a militaristic outlaw.
What do we know about our heroic father figure? Rueben waxes
poetic about his many positive qualities, showing him to be
peaceful and god fearing, patient and kind, but viewing our
selected character through a critical eye such as his former wife,
what is he left with? From her perspective Jeremiah would be
rather selfish, Enger gives his change of mind a positive view
writing, “Dad's response was to leave his prosperous track and
plunge his hands joyfully into the sewer.” (54)Leaving medical
school for janitorial work, not considering the effects it would
have on his family or his reputation. You could call him an
outlaw in the sense he fails his social expectations of putting
his family's security first.
After the incident with Dolly, Davy is portrayed as on fire for
protecting his family, while Jeremiah is portrayed by his
youngest son as unwilling to act, or passive. Enger mindfully
makes the reader sympathize with Davy's side of the story in
order to later shock him with the happenings his beloved
character tangles himself into. Even after he kills the boys, we
“root” for him. Why? The readers and Rueben alike want the
antihero to win: the good man who's done bad things, the rough
and tumble cowboy, the outlaw. “I held my eyes on Davy's and
saw a thing that jailer couldn't: I saw the shine of certainty, of
faith, of some knowledge inside my brother; and I knew in
whom I could believe.” (59) Readers want “the outlaw” to
triumph over the odds, even if the odds may be a jury
conviction. We are set up to sympathize with the wrong doer,

unless we think critically and understand the gravity of Davy's
actions.
Another example of the Land family's lawlessness is their
rash pursuit of Davy. Jeremiah's joy at finding out Davy had
passed through the Schultz farm is unbridled by the fact that
Davy deserves to be behind bars.”Do you think that put Dad in
an excellent humor?” (129) Yes, as his son he wants to protect
him from all else, but Davy needs protection from his own
tendencies. When a father models a trait, what right has he to
speak against it when mimicked by his children? “Look,
Rueben. I want the same thing as you: Davy free and clear. If
you like Mr. Andreeson better as an enemy than keep him one.
Maybe that's your job as a boy-as a brother. My job is
different...I'm the dad. I have to heed the Lord's instructions.”
(246) Insurrection was bred into the Land family, and when the
consequences come out, Jeremiah does not have the right to
raise dissent.
Roxanna Cawley. Where does this resilient plains women fit
into the turbulent Land family? From the time their birth mother
left, Swede and Rueben have desperately needed a mother; not
to mention Jeremiah a wife. Though Roxanna is a good fit for
their family, her compatibility is likely based on need more than
anything else. “He was sitting beside her. The firelight had
restored his face to healthy color and she, all Frenchbraided,
scarf unslung, resembled an opportunity missed by Rembrandt. I
looked at Swede and saw hope showing in her face, and felt it in
my own.” (199) Lonely with Dale gone, Roxanna is the perfect
candidate for the role of woman of the house. She shows off her
own bandito side, taking them on a January picnic, revealing to
them the wildly beautiful side of a place misjudged as sinister.
Making readers reminiscent of Davy and his “protector or
killer?” plight, and the trustworthiness of Roxanna in regards to
the Land family.
Through each stage of the novel “the outlaw” presents itself.
Jeremiah Land shows himself to be a recalcitrant man, siding

with his convicted son though the consequences may be steep.
He possesses an all-encompassing belief in God, that he is the
final authority in all matters of life. “Mine eyes have seen the
glory of the coming of the Lord. He is trampling out the vintage
where the grapes of wrath are stored. He has loosed the fateful
lightning of his terrible swift sword. His truth is marching
on...Clearly it was our battle hymn as much as the Republic's.”
(174, 175) . By following his faith throughout every trial he
plays many roles; a janitor, a husband, a devoted father, a man
of God, and an outlaw.
Grading Criteria for Papers
(The numbers 1-4 correspond to D-A. The total grade on a
paper is a combination of how well the student does on each
component of the paper.
Thesis
1--Paper has an unfocused thesis or no discernable thesis.
2--Paper has recognizable but flawed thesis— flawed in the
sense that it is too general or reveals some misunderstanding
3--Paper has an accurate thesis that makes an arguable claim
and shows a clear sense of direction
4--Paper has an insightful thesis that makes an original,
arguable claim and shows a clear sense of direction

Analysis/Interpretation of Content
1--Paper is mainly summary or paraphrase, or is marred by
major misunderstanding of the text being examined.
2--Paper contains some solid and accurate analysis of the
content of the text being examined, but also contains too much
summary or paraphrase. Or, the analysis may be marred by some
misunderstanding of parts of the text being examined.
3--Paper contains accurate analysis of the content of the text
being examined.
4--Paper is full of insightful and detailed analysis of the content
of the text being examined, with many subtle insights.
Analysis/Interpretation of Technique
1--Technique is acknowledged or mentioned but misunderstood.
2--Paper demonstrates some understanding of technique, but
misuses terminology or misunderstands some technique.
3--Paper demonstrates a solid understanding and analysis of
technique.
4--Paper is full of insightful and detailed analysis of technique,
be it technique that is inherent to the genre, is germane to the
text being examined, or is required by the assignment’s
parameters (e.g., metaphor, form, sound effects, and so forth),
with many subtle insights.
Organization and Development
1--Paper displays a pattern of errors such that the reader has
difficulty following the paper.

2-- Paper displays weaknesses in organization or development,
but is fairly cohesive as a whole.
3-- Paper is solidly developed and organized, with minor flaws
in transitions or paragraphing.
4--Paper is well developed and organized with smooth
transitions throughout.
Writing for an Academic Audience
1--Paper displays little accommodation of an academic
audience.
2--Paper displays some accommodation of an academic
audience.
3--Paper displays proficient accommodation of an academic
audience.
Language (tone, style, vocabulary, diction, syntax)
1--Paper displays difficulty with written, academic English.
2--Paper displays capable and accurate use of language, but
without the complexity or sophistication of the B or A paper.
3--Paper displays good control of language.
4--Paper displays a sophisticated and superior use of language.
Proofreading (grammar, sentence structure, mechanics, spelling)
1--Paper reveals a number of serious errors in grammar,

sentence structure, mechanics, and spelling.
2--Paper may display occasional errors in grammar, sentence
structure, mechanics, and spelling, but not a consistent pattern
of such errors.
3--Paper is generally free from errors in grammar, sentence
structure, mechanics, and spelling.
4--Paper is virtually free from errors in grammar, sentence
structure, mechanics, and spelling.
Writing Tips
Thesis Statement
· Should be an interpretation of some aspect of the book, not a
summary of it.
· Should be focused on a fairly narrow aspect of the novel, to
show your skills of close reading
· Ideally, it should illuminate a part of the novel that a casual
reader might not have noticed on first reading.
Some Good Examples:
· In The Great Gatsby, the colors yellow and gold represent
Gatsby’s view of light and money: for him, having money is a
light that guides your way through life.
· Fitzgerald uses clothing in The Great Gatsby to emphasize the
corruption of the American Dream in the 1920s.
· In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses his characters’ attire to
express not only their different personality traits, but also as a
window into their secret beings.
Writing the Body of your Paper
After you come up with a workable thesis statement, the next

step is to organize the body of your paper. Most of the body
will be supporting your main point with evidence from the text
and your own discussion of that evidence. The main point of
each paragraph should be directly supporting the thesis
statement of your paper. The support should be articulated in
your own words; use evidence from the text to support your
ideas, not to make them for you.
It might help if you organize each paragraph around the
M.E.A.L. plan. Each paragraph should contain the following:
Main Point (in your own words). This point should be an
interpretation of the “facts” of the novel, not a summary of
them.
Evidence from the text, (often direct quotations). Be sure to
include page numbers.
Analysis of those quotations.
Linking the discussion back to the main idea of the paper.
Read the following outline for a potential paper to see how this
works.
Thesis: In F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the color
green symbolizes the ambitions, the envy, and the desires of
James Gatz.
Paragraph One:
[Main Point]: The most prominent green image used in the
novel is the green light at the end of Tom and Daisy’s dock,
which becomes a symbol of Gatsby’s longing for Daisy.

[Evidence]: The first encounter with this light comes shortly
after Nick arrives at West Egg. He watches his mysterious
neighbor—Jay Gatsby—and notices that he is staring at a green
light across the bay: “Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and
distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far
away, that might have been the end of a dock” (26). We learn
later, after Gatsby and Daisy meet again, that this green light
belongs to Daisy ‘s dock (98).
[Analysis]: With this dock light, Fitzgerald creates an
association between the color green and Gatsby’s desire for
Gatsby. Green is a particularly potent symbol because of its
traditional associations: it often represents money and greed as
in the dollar bill. However, green also represents growth and
life, as in the spring time renewal of greenery in the natural
world.
[Link]: Gatsby’s desire for Daisy is so strong because she
represents both of these connotations of green; he believes that
because of her wealth, she can bring him a new life—one that is
beyond the drudgery and responsibilities of working people.
[Note that all of these sentences should be together in one
paragraph. I separated them just to show you the different parts
of a paragraph. See below for what the paragraph would
actually look like.]
The most prominent green image used in the novel is the green
light at the end of Tom and Daisy’s dock, which becomes a
symbol of Gatsby’s longing for Daisy. The first encounter with
this light comes shortly after Nick arrives at West Egg. He
watches his mysterious neighbor—Jay Gatsby—and notices that
he is staring at a green light across the bay: “Involuntarily I
glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single
green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end
of a dock” (26). We learn later, after Gatsby and Daisy meet

again, that this green light belongs to Daisy ‘s dock (98).With
this dock light, Fitzgerald creates an association between the
color green and Gatsby’s desire for Gatsby. Green is a
particularly potent symbol because of its traditional
associations: it often represents money and greed as in the
dollar bill. However, green also represents growth and life, as
in the spring time renewal of greenery in the natural world.
Gatsby’s desire for Daisy is so strong because she represents
both of these connotations of green; he believes that because of
her wealth, she can bring him a new life—one that is beyond the
drudgery and responsibilities of working people.
Your first and last names
Dr. Debra Beilke
English 155: Introduction to Literature
Date
(the paper should LOOK like this handout)
Your Title Centered Here
The purpose of your first graded paper is to demonstrate your
skills of independent close reading and interpretation. For this,
and all other papers for this, class, I am interested in YOUR
unaided interpretations of the text. Do not do research or use
outside sources for this paper. Using outside sources (such as
Spark Notes) without citing them is plagiarism and will result in
a grade of 0.
Your goal is to formulate one interpretive thesis statement about
Peace Like a River OR one of the short stories we’ve readand
support it with references to and direct quotations from the text.
You should be trying to prove something about the text by

providing your own interpretation of the text’s “facts.” In other
words, do not simply summarize the plot. One idea is to write
about one of the themes of the work. Another idea is to trace a
recurring motif (an image, symbol, recurring reference) and
discuss its significance. Assume the reader of the paper has
already read the book. Your task is to tell the readers
something they might not have noticed upon first reading the
book. Ideally, you will be arguing in support of an
interpretation that somebody could disagree with.
You should not even attempt to cover everything there is to say
about the book. Instead, choose one specific element of the
novel or story to analyze. An in-depth analysis of a narrow
aspect of the novel (such tracing one recurring image or a
symbol) is much better than a superficial analysis of a broad
aspect. You should discuss both how this element fits into the
larger themes of the novel or story and why you think the author
includes this element.
Follow MLA format when documenting the quotations. After
every quotation, put in parentheses the page number and the
name of the author if not clear by the context of the sentence.
For example: (Keillor 42). If the author and title of the text are
already clear from the context of your writing, you do not have
to repeat them after every single quotation. Do, however,
ALWAYS put the page number of the quotation.
Other tips:
· If a quotation runs over four lines long, indent all lines ten
spaces from the left and run them to the regular right hand
margin.
· Because you should comment on every quotation and example,
you will end paragraphs with your own prose. In other words,
don’t just “throw in” a quotation and leave it hanging on its
own.

· The essay should be about 750-1000 words, with most of the
paper being your own words. In other words, don’t throw in
long blocks of quotations. Quotations should be “sprinkled”
sparingly throughout the paper to back up your own ideas.
· Essay should be typed, font size 12, double-spaced, with one
inch margins.
· Follow the format of this handout. (See the upper-left hand
corner.)

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Paper 1EXAMPLE #2This paper is an example of writing about a.docx