Thursday, February 13 argumentative essay: Realism and "The Outcasts of Poker Flat"

Eastman Johnson was realist artist. His portrayals of African-Americans are known for their exceptional honesty, sympathy and directness. The images he created were some of the first paintings to show the reality of African-American life in the mid-1800s.

In class today: after looking over the graphic organizers, I think it best to review the material, so we will take to today to make sure everyone is on the same page. As we have had three days already, and many have completed- albeit with some inaccuracies- the organizer, this will be fast. Students are expected to share out the responses, while I scribe. Make corrections as needed.

HOMEWORK: BEGIN THE FOLLOWING ESSAY, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE CLOSE OF CLASS TOMORROW, WHEN I WILL ALSO COLLECT THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS. 

Argumentative essay based upon “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte

Due Friday, February 14 at the end of class.

Please respond to the following: How is the short story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” representative of the literary movement Realism?

How should you organize your essay?

Introduction: Define realism in terms of time period and its qualities, concluding that this work is an example of this.

Now in the next three paragraphs you are going to prove your thesis statement by choosing three of the qualities found in Realism and then selecting specific areas of the text to support this. (That means you need to have read the story carefully.) There is a list of the qualities associated with Realism on your graphic organizer.

Conclusion: Do not say in conclusion. What is important about Realism in terms of its historical importance as connected to the development of the United States? What does it say about the concept of being an American? Realism purports to mirror life; does it in fact? These are some ideas you may consider addressing. Address these in terms of the story.

You must have textual evidence woven in. Use your graphic organizer. Pick out the words or phrases that best apply.

Here are some transition words you might use. Addition: also, again, as well as, besides, coupled with, furthermore, in addition, likewise, moreover, similarly

Consequence: accordingly, as a result, consequently, for this reason, for this purpose, 
hence, otherwise, so then, subsequently, therefore, thus, thereupon, wherefore

Contrast and Comparison: contrast, by the same token, conversely, instead, likewise,
on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, similarly, yet, but, however, still, nevertheless, in contrast

Restatement:

in essence, in other words, namely, that is, that is to say, in short, in brief, to put it differently