Outline #2 –Start broad and then zoom in

Use this outline if you find your argument works best by first beginning broadly, discussing
the entire work or body of work. Then, you can zoom in on particular details in the extracts
to provide more clarity and specificity to your argument. This structure also provides a clear
separation between the larger work or body of work and the extract.

Narrowed Down Global Issue:

How imperialism can fragment a community

1-minute introduction (This is just a suggestion and is not exhaustive nor the only thing
students can do! In no particular order, students may want to have the following in their
introduction:)

What is the global issue and how have you narrowed it down?

In this Internal Oral I will be examining how imperialism can fragment a community as
portrayed in the novels Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and There There by Tommy Orange.

What is the summary/description of the “whole” literary work you’ve chosen? Write
1-2 bullet points.

There There: There There is a Polyphonic style novel that weaves together the stories of
12 native americans residing in Oakland, California. Through their interconnected
narratives,the author explores themes of identity, heritage, and cultural trauma to show
the reader how challenging it is to live as a Native American

What is the summary/description of this particular extract you’ve chosen and why?
Write 1-2 bullet points.

This extract of There There is taken from the perspective of Edwin Black: a half native, half
white man in his twenties. The extract addresses his struggle with his identity and how he
feels disconnected from the native american community due to the lack of a father figure
in his life and his assimilation into american culture. I chose this extract because it shows
how the tension between Edwin’s heritages has cost him the ability to easily connect with
his native heritage. And his sacrifice of indigeneity for the unsatisfying comforts of
"whiteness".
What is the summary/description of the “whole” non-literary body of work you’ve
chosen? Write 1-2 bullet points.

PERSEPOLIS: The graphic novel Persepolis follows the story of an Iranian girl growing up in
Iran as she battles with its ever changing political climate. Through the journey of the
protagonist, the book tackles themes of Religion, Classism, gender and political strife.

What is the summary/description of this particular extract you’ve chosen and why?
Write 1-2 bullet points.

The extract that I chose from Persepolis depicts the triangulation of people against each
other through the Islamic Revolution in Iran. I chose this extract because it plainly
showcases how the intervention of western powers in Iranian politics lead to a revolt and
the fragmentation of the Iranian people.
What is the link or connection between the literary and the non-literary work/text and
how do they connect to the global issue in question?

Both texts convey the by-product of a government that has been influenced by foreign
governments and the impact that such intervention has had on their respective
communities. This relates to the global issue because it shows how imperialism can tear
apart communities.

What is your thesis or main claim? Alternatively, what is a question you could pose that
would frame your exploration?
To what extent does Imperialism fragment communities
How can imperialism fragment a community?

2-minute whole literary work broader discussion on larger authorial choices in connection
to the global issue

Main claim/argument for this portion of the IO:

The novel There There showcases the effects that american imperialism has had on the
native american community by depicting the lives of everyday indians as a marginalized
community.
Piece(s) of evidence to support the claim/argument:

"Why do we got names like we do?" I said.

"They come from old Indian names. We had our own way of naming before white people
came over and spread all those dad names around in order to keep the power with the
dads." ( 46)

“Upon suffering beyond suffering; the Red Nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing
for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world
longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations, when all the colors of mankind
will gather under the sacred Tree of Life and the whole Earth will become one
circle again.” (48)

"We’re going to be with our relatives. Indians of All Tribes. We’re going over to where they
built that prison. Gonna start from the inside of the cell, which is where we are now,
Indian people, that's where they got us, even though they don't make it seem like they got
us there. We're gonna work our way out from the inside with a spoon. Here, look at this."
(48)

“He was pissed when they made the movie and the Native guy, who was the narrator of
the whole book, just played the crazy silent stoic Indian who threw the sink through the
window at the end.” (85)

“The trickster spider, Veho, her mom used to tell her and Opal about, he was always
stealing eyes to see better. Veho was the white man who came and made the old world
watch with his eyes.” (106)

Unpacking of the evidence - Name the formal or technical choice(s) in your evidence and
add your analysis and interpretation of how meaning is created:

Throughout the novel, the author uses different authorial techniques to convey the
message behind the global issues. The most prominent techniques used are metaphor and
symbolism. the author uses these techniques as ways to represent the “white man” or
british colonial forces that committed genocide on the native american people. We see
this in places where the idea of colonialism is being explained to children such as on page
46: "Why do we got names like we do?" I said. "They come from old Indian names. We
had our own way of naming before white people came over and spread all those dad names
around in order to keep the power with the dads." ( 46) or on page 106: “The trickster
spider, Veho, her mom used to tell her and Opal about, he was always stealing eyes to see
better. Veho was the white man who came and made the old world watch with his eyes.”
THe author makes these authorial choices to present the idea of imperialism indirectly
and through the characters in the story.

(Repeat the evidence and the unpacking as many times as you need. There’s no set
number here as to how many examples you must have or how many choices you must
discuss in relation to meaning.)
 2-minute literary extract discussion zooming in on specific and detailed examples of the
author’s choices in connection to the global issue

Main claim/argument for this portion of the IO:

Tommy Orange utilizes the story of Edwin Black to portray the effects of American
imperialism on the native American community through his relation with his father and
his identity as a whole.

Piece(s) of evidence to support the claim/argument:

Unpacking of the evidence - Name the broader authorial choices or how the choices in
the extract are continued in the whole literary work. Make sure to add your analysis
and interpretation of how meaning is created:

In the extract, we are introduced to Edwin’s perception of himself and his identity as a
native american. He expresses his feeling of disconnect with the native american
community because there is a lack of a father figure in his life. In lines 1 to 8 Edwin talks
about his struggle with his weight and health. In lines 9 to 13, Edwin talks about his
struggle with his native american identity. He admits his feelings of discontent towards his
“white” side. The author conveys the struggle that many natives have with their heritage
due to their disconnect with the culture. This issue shows the impacts that american
imperialism has had, because by decreasing the amount of natives in america as well as
globalizing them, has diminished the culture to the point where people are unable to
connect. Additionally, through lines 17 and 18 where Edwin talks about his Facebook
activity, the author effectively shows Edwin’s lack of connection with the native
community. Edwin’s lack of a father figure as addressed in lines 14 to 26, also showcases
the negative effects that imperialism has had on the native community. One of the many
effects of imperialism has been community insecurity. Many natives are unable to settle
and provide for families because of the systematic biases against them in America,
specifically economic inequality and a substance abuse crisis. Overall, the author
effectively uses the story of Edwin Black to convey these issues.

(Repeat the evidence and the unpacking as many times as you need. There’s no set
number here as to how many examples you must have or how many choices you must
discuss in relation to meaning.)
2-minute non-literary body of work broader discussion on larger authorial choices in
connection to the global issue

Main claim/argument for this portion of the IO:

The graphic novel Persepolis portrays the negative effects that imperialism can have on
communities through its depiction of life in constant political strife.

Piece(s) of evidence to support the claim/argument:

20- 21
76

Unpacking of the evidence - Name the formal or technical choice(s) in your evidence and
add your analysis and interpretation of how meaning is created:

Throughout the novel, Satrapi depicts the effects that western imperialism had on Iranian
society. At the beginning of the novel, She visually showcases the western intervention of
Iranian politics.Here, Satrapi utilizes graphic weight to emphasize the figures within the
scene. Additionally, this use of graphic weight places a darker emphasis on the western
forces. The novel also shows the effects that the western intervention has had on Iranian
society on page 76 where it depicts the conflict between the Islamic regime and
protesters. Here, Satrapi depicts the clear separation of society which is a product of
western forces imperializing the Iranian government. The novel effectively depicts the
different products of the political strife caused in Iran after the intervention of western
forces in Iranian politics.

(Repeat the evidence and the unpacking as many times as you need. There’s no set
number here as to how many examples you must have or how many choices you must
discuss in relation to meaning.)
 2-minute non-literary extract discussion zooming in on specific and detailed examples of
the author’s choices in connection to the global issue

Main claim/argument for this portion of the IO:

The novel Persepolis shows how western imperialism fragments a community through its
portrayal of the social divide created by the islamic revolution and its effect on the main
character, Marjane.

Piece(s) of evidence to support the claim/argument:

Unpacking of the evidence - Name the broader authorial choices or how the choices in
the extract are continued in the whole literary work. Make sure to add your analysis
and interpretation of how meaning is created:

In this extract, the author showcases a clear divide in political ideologies and how it
influences different aspects of society, such as the public opinion, public safety and
political ideologies. In panel 4, Marjane’s father exclaims the upheaval of their community
due to the drastic change of government and people alike. In panels 1 to 3 Satrapi
addresses the polarization of Iranian society through her portrayal of the fundamentalist
woman versus the modern woman. comparing the ways that people show their political
stances through their clothing. Finally, in panels 5 to 7, Satrapi shows how Marjane has to
change her identity in order to fit in with the other children, becoming “more muslim”
further showcasing how the impact of the islamic regime and its disruption on iran.

(Repeat the evidence and the unpacking as many times as you need. There’s no set
number here as to how many examples you must have or how many choices you must
discuss in relation to meaning.)
Conclusion/Synthesis (This is just a suggestion and is not exhaustive nor the only thing
students can do! In no particular order, students may want to have the following in their
conclusion:)

Return to the global issue at hand. Why does it matter?

Imperialism has had long standing impacts on a plethora of communities around the
world. It has displaced many from their homes, resulted in the genocides of cultural
groups and the suffrage and marginalization of many. It can have large impacts even
decades after the original event occurred. It is important that we understand the effects of
imperialism and how it can destroy communities.

Return to the techniques and choices used by both authors in the extract and the body
of work or whole work. How is the global issue presented in both the work and the
text? Why? Make sure this isn’t just a list of devices or features!

Throughout both works, each author uses unique literary techniques to convey the global
issue. Orange makes use of literary tools such as metaphor and symbolism as
representation of the colonial forces that took over North American in the 15th century.
by using this technique, he can portray the global issue without directly stating that he is
giving a commentary on it. Additionally, it allows him to incorporate the issue into his
novel in a creative way. Satrapi utilizes different graphic techniques to portray the global
issue. She often employs graphic weight to place emphasis. She also uses techniques like
onomatopoeia to convey the anger of mobs or emanata to show Marjane’s angst. Overall,
both authors use creative techniques to provide commentary on the global issue.

Try to synthesize what both authors have done in connection to the global issue. What’s
interesting or insightful about the ways in which they have explored the global issue?

The effects of imperialism are widespread, and have influenced almost every person on
the globe. It has caused wars, violated human rights and disintegrated communities. In
the face of globalism, the preservation of culture is of the utmost importance. One of the
main concerns when it comes to imperialism is how it can often lead to the suppression
of cultural identities. This can lead to the extinction of unique cultures worldwide. It is
important to understand the impacts that it has on people around the globe, and how we
can move forward. Although it is easy to simply tell someone the impacts that this political
doctrine has had, it is most effective to allow them to feel the impacts from a more
relatable perspective. Orange does this through his use of relatable characters: teens,
parents, music listeners, sports players, etc. all of whom share aspects of the readers. He
begs us to consider how we would feel if put in these circumstances, and provokes us to
think about this issue more. In Persepolis, Satrapi depicts her story under the influence of
imperialism, providing a new, intimate perspective on the fragmentation of her personal
community and the negative impacts it has had. Overall, both texts effectively show how
imperialism can fragment communities around the globe.

If you want to do so, go broad. Why does all of this matter? How might this connect to
TOK? What makes this worth studying?

Feedback space (from peers, your teacher, or your own self-reflection)