Research Paper Outline
I.
Introduction
a. “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” by Katherine Ann Porter and “In Another Country” by
Ernest Hemingway
b. Modernism
c. Modernism a literary movement that occurred between the World Wars (1914-1945). It
responds to the loss of idealism after WWI, shows experimentation in writing;
demonstrates fragmented writing; focuses on alienation in society (McDougal Littell 894
– 895).
d. “The Jilting of Granny Weatherall” and “In Another Country” are both examples of
Modernist Literature.
II.
1st Body Paragraph (“The Jilting of Granny Weatherall”)
a. Topic Sentence – “The Jiliting of Granny Weatherall” demonstrates elements of
Modernism through its main character, Granny Weatherall, on her deathbed.
b. Julie Colins, author of “Porter’s Modernism,” agrees saying, “Porter’s story-telling style
reflects the challenges of society during the first half of the twentieth century. She uses
her characters to depict the larger concerns of Americans after World War I” (Colins 73).
c. 1st example
i. One over-arching example of Modernism that can be found in the text of the
short story is demonstrated through the fragmented writing style. The story is
told through the stream of consciousness thoughts of the dying Granny
Weatherall.
ii. Granny is often confused about the passing of time, like when she asks why the
doctor returns after only being gone for five minutes. Her daughter, Cornelia
responds,
iii. “That was this morning, Mother. It’s night now” (Porter 995).
iv. In showing Granny’s confusion, the reader is able to sense the ways in which
Granny’s life seems broken and in the process of deteriorating. This is
continually evident throughout the story as Granny gets more confused
believing that her dead daughter, Hapsy, has returned.
d. 2nd example
i. Lead-in to example by naming it
ii. Introduce quote
iii. Give quote/paraphrase
iv. Explain quote (commentary) – how does this quote support your literary
element?
e. 3rd example
i. Lead-in to example by naming it
ii. Introduce quote
iii. Give quote/paraphrase
iv. Explain quote (commentary) – how does this quote support your literary
element?
III.
2nd Body Paragraph (2nd Story)
a. Topic Sentence (supports and points back to thesis)
b. Quote from outside source (bring in the expert here)
c. 1st example
i. Lead-in to example by naming it
ii. Introduce quote
iii. Give quote/paraphrase
iv. Explain quote (commentary) – how does this quote support your literary
element?
d. 2nd example
i. Lead-in to example by naming it
ii. Introduce quote
iii. Give quote/paraphrase
iv. Explain quote (commentary) – how does this quote support your literary
element?
e. 3rd example
i. Lead-in to example by naming it
ii. Introduce quote
iii. Give quote/paraphrase
iv. Explain quote (commentary) – how does this quote support your literary
element?
IV.
Conclusion
a. Restate thesis (this should be reworded – not the same exact thing!!)
b. Give a summary of the examples in your first story.
c. Give a summary of the examples in your second story.
d. Give an over-all summary and purpose of the element present in the stories.