1. Understanding the Story
* Read and Re-read: Thoroughly read and re-read "The Rain Came". Pay close attention to the plot, characters, setting, and themes.
* Plot Summary: Create a concise summary of the story, focusing on the key events and conflicts.
* Characters: Identify the main characters and their motivations, relationships, and transformations throughout the story.
* Setting: Analyze the significance of the setting (in this case, a drought-stricken African village) and how it influences the characters and the story's themes.
2. Choosing a Thesis
* Focus: What do you want to argue or explore in your paper?
* Possible Thesis Examples:
* "The Rain Came" is a powerful allegory for the destructive effects of colonialism and cultural change on traditional African societies.
* The story explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the importance of balance and respect for the environment.
* The characters in "The Rain Came" exhibit both strength and vulnerability, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
3. Developing Your Argument
* Supporting Evidence: Use quotes from the story, literary techniques (symbolism, imagery, etc.), and relevant historical and cultural context to support your thesis.
* Structure: Organize your paper into clear paragraphs with strong topic sentences that directly relate to your thesis.
* Analysis: Go beyond simply summarizing the story. Analyze the text to reveal its deeper meanings and significance.
4. Possible Paper Topics
* Colonialism and Resistance: Discuss the role of the colonial government in the story and how the characters respond to its presence.
* Religious Beliefs and Cultural Change: Explore the clash between traditional African beliefs and the introduction of Christianity.
* The Importance of Nature: Analyze how the story portrays the power and importance of nature, particularly the rain.
* Symbolism: Examine specific symbols in the story, such as the rain, the birds, or the colonial officer, and their deeper meanings.
* Characters: Choose a key character (like Odidi, Akumu, or the colonial officer) and analyze their motivations, actions, and symbolic significance.
5. Writing Your Paper
* Introduction: Briefly introduce the story and its author, then state your thesis clearly.
* Body Paragraphs: Develop each point of your argument in separate paragraphs, using specific evidence from the story.
* Conclusion: Restate your thesis and summarize the key points of your analysis. Provide a final thought or insight about the story's broader significance.
6. Citations and Formatting
* Citation Style: Follow the citation style guidelines of your instructor or institution (e.g., MLA, Chicago, APA).
* Formatting: Follow formatting guidelines for your paper, including font, margins, spacing, and headings.
7. Final Touches
* Proofread: Carefully check your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
* Revision: Re-read your paper and make sure it flows well, your arguments are clear and well-supported, and you have answered the prompt effectively.
Resources
* Websites: Use online resources such as literary journals, scholarly databases, and the author's biography to find additional information about the story and its context.
* Criticism: Look for critical essays and reviews of "The Rain Came" to gain different perspectives and insights.
Remember, this is just a guide to help you get started. The most important thing is to be thoughtful and analytical in your approach to the story. Good luck!