Question on “Confederates in the Attic” by Tony Horwitz?
Question by .: Question on “Confederates in the Attic” by Tony Horwitz?
I finally finished reading the book for my summer reading- AP US History. Now I have to write an essay, only two pages so not a big deal. I understand the question and everything, I’m just lost on how to organize the essay itself, I like having a solid, basic five paragraph format. (Intro, three body paragraphs supporting the thesis, conclusion) Here’s the question:
“Human memory is never as simple as historical fact.” Explain this quotation, discuss how it has an impact on the work of historians in a two page typed paper. Use specific references to the book.
Can anyone help? I can’t even form a thesis statement without figuring out how to organize this thing =/
Wow, that really helps a lot, thanks =] And yes, I actually did enjoy the book, I wasn’t expecting to but it was interesting. So the three body paragraphs could be
1. How northeners showed bias
2. How southerners showed bias
3. hmm this is where I’m still lost
Best answer:
Answer by Sister Marie, Pigtailed Pirate
I’m not going to give references to the book, because it would be easy for you to crib what I type for your paper. I’m not suggesting you would do that, merely explaining why I answer questions like this the way that I do.
Historical facts are rarely entirely without bias. If you consider the books written by people from northern states you’ll find key differences from texts on the same subject from the southern states. Numbers of estimated casualties differ, as do the very names of the locations in some instances. The names used to define certain behaviors and practices differ as well.
To answer this question, begin with a specific section of the middle of the book which you particularly remember. Look at the adjectives, using a highlighter. Adjectives are where biases show most obviously because they apply a subjective judgment upon the “fact” in question. Analyze the adjectives used both by the author and the people he quotes for bias, and show how interpretation of facts brings other aspects of the human experience to bear.
What did you think of the book? I read it, but listening to the audiobook much later really gave me a new and more personal perspective.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!