Let's look at this paragraph as an example of the TIC Method in action:
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" is a work of literary depth, with some scholars contending that beneath its horror lies an exploration of repressed sexual desires. In the words of Smith (2019), a prominent critic and professor of English at Genovia University, "The Black Cat" may indeed "reveal hidden desires and psychological complexities lurking beneath the surface" (p. 25). Smith suggests that within Poe's narrative, the titular feline may symbolize the narrator's concealed sexual impulses. Smith's analysis invites us to see the black cat as both a physical entity and a symbol of the narrator's hidden desires. It underscores how the cat's association with darkness mirrors the secrecy surrounding these desires. Additionally, Smith argues that the narrator's blinding of the cat signifies the violent suppression of these impulses, revealing the inner turmoil stemming from the struggle to reconcile them with societal norms. This interpretation aligns with our thesis that "The Black Cat" explores repressed sexual desires. Smith's perspective enriches our understanding of the narrative, illustrating how Poe may have used symbolism and psychology to address taboo desires and their repercussions. It underscores the story's potential to offer a layered exploration of human psychology and societal norms through the lens of horror fiction.
As always, start with a thesis, or controlling idea. This paragraph begins with a topic sentence, color coded in blue. It's usually good practice to begin your paragraphs with a topic sentence, but you will need to have at least a topic sentence and preferably a thesis controlling the major ideas of your writing assignment.
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" is a work of literary depth, with some scholars contending that beneath its horror lies an exploration of repressed sexual desires.
Now that we have a thesis statement, we can begin assembling a paragraph with an outside source using the TIC Method.
TIC Method is adapted from Stallings, Kim. Quest: Reading the World and Arguing for Change. Pearson, 2007.
After you have a thesis in mind, you can begin incorporating outside source material! Start with a tagline introduction to your source. This introduction may, but does not have to, include a direct quote from the source. You need to introduce the outside voice in your writing so that 1) you are giving appropriate credit for ideas, and 2) the audience has an idea of who/where the information came from and why it might be a credible source. In the example paragraph above, the tagline introduction is color coded in pink. Often times in APA style, the in-text citation for this source will go here.
In the words of Smith (2019), a prominent critic and professor of English at Genovia University, "The Black Cat" may indeed "reveal hidden desires and psychological complexities lurking beneath the surface" (p. 25). Smith suggests that within Poe's narrative, the titular feline may symbolize the narrator's concealed sexual impulses.
After you have introduced your source, you will need to interpret the information from that source via paraphrase or summary. In other words, what do you want your audience to take away from the information you have here? What do you think is important for them to know? In the example paragraph above, the interpretation is color coded in green. This paragraph is written in APA style, but often times in MLA style, the in-text citation for this source will go here.
Smith's analysis invites us to see the black cat as both a physical entity and a symbol of the narrator's hidden desires. It underscores how the cat's association with darkness mirrors the secrecy surrounding these desires. Additionally, Smith argues that the narrator's blinding of the cat signifies the violent suppression of these impulses, revealing the inner turmoil stemming from the struggle to reconcile them with societal norms.
Finally, you must make a connection to your thesis statement. In other words, explain how the outside information supports the thesis or topic sentence you are arguing for. How exactly does this outside information relate to (complicate, support, disprove, etc.) the main point you are trying to make? In the example paragraph above, the connection is color coded in orange.
This interpretation aligns with our thesis that "The Black Cat" explores repressed sexual desires. Smith's perspective enriches our understanding of the narrative, illustrating how Poe may have used symbolism and psychology to address taboo desires and their repercussions. It underscores the story's potential to offer a layered exploration of human psychology and societal norms through the lens of horror fiction.
