Prof. Centrone - Spring 2024

The Literature Research Paper:

Select one or more of the works of literature read, discussed, and written about this semester and create a thesis that focuses on how that work(s) connects to or portrays a broader social/cultural/political issue.

The paper will use the literary work(s) as a primary source of evidence but will also include research from various areas of scholarship, literary criticism, media articles, and other related sources to support the paper’s thesis/claim about how the literary work(s) suggest this broader social/cultural/political issue.

Please remember to include your thesis statement!

Your thesis statement is the main point and central idea of an essay or research paper. It's typically a single sentence that sums up the purpose and main argument of your writing. It is the most important part of an academic paper. A thesis statement defines the paper's goals, direction, and scope. It is supported by evidence.

"The Bean Eaters" by Gwendolyn Brooks touches upon various social, political, and cultural themes

• Poverty and Economic Hardship: The poem depicts the challenges faced by an elderly couple in poverty, emphasizing the grim effects of financial strain. "Dinner is a casual affair" 
• Racial Inequality and Discrimination: centers on a Black American couple, subtly touching on racial inequality and discrimination. "old yellow pair"
• Resilience and Endurance: Despite their difficult circumstances, the couple depicted in the poem demonstrates resilience and endurance. They continue to share meals and memories.

Potential Thesis:

Gwendolyn Brooks’s poem "The Bean Eaters" offers a vivid depiction of the struggles and challenges of marginalized communities, particularly elderly Black Americans, shedding light on broader social issues of poverty and racial inequality.