1. Analyse the function of various texts referred to in the novel. You may wish to
consider text in a broad way as anything that may be “read” or interpreted; as
such, a text need not be verbal (i.e., containing words).
2. Analyse how these minor characters contribute to Baxter’s development: Edwin
Drew, Esme, Eugene, and Aunt Arimenta.
3. Analyse how The Sleeping Car Porter presents race and racism in the
segregated workforce of porters and beyond.
4. Analyse the significance of names and naming throughout the novel, paying
particular attention to connections between naming and power.
5. The Sleeping Car Porter involves a journey. Can it be considered a quest novel?
6. Analyse the representation of sexuality in the novel. You may wish to consider
intersections with race and gender.
7. Analyse the use and function of the “figmental” and the spectral in the novel. Is
this magic realism, or can every odd vision be explained away logically?
8. Analyse another aspect of the novel that you find compelling
• Fully developed introduction and conclusion, each of which must contain
an underlined version of your concise, specific, relevant, grammatical, and
arguable thesis statement.
• Explore and support no more than a single claim in each body paragraph;
a topic sentence, which makes a concise and specific argumentative claim,
must head up and govern each body paragraph. Prove each claim by
thoroughly analysing properly integrated textual evidence.
• Analysis should demonstrate a solid understanding of the novel as a
whole; avoid selection bias in proving your arguments.
• Employ effective transitions to increase coherence and unity.
• The title of the novel must consistently be italicized.
• Edit your work substantively as you proceed through multiple drafts.
• Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and spelling before submitting.
support your arguments with correctly integrated textual evidence from
throughout the novel (quotations, paraphrasing, summary, specific details).
• mla format requires that you document (i.e., cite) your sources in two ways:
(1) parenthetical (i.e., in brackets) citations within the essay and (2) a
properly formatted list of any works cited on a separate page at the end.
• most of the prompts will not require you to consult any outside sources. if you
do refer to any other sources, however, you must provide a proper in-text
citation and a works cited entry in mla format for each source.
