Mapping the Ancient World

Here are the ways in which you can use your secondary source:

1. It can provide a counter-argument. In this case you are using the source in a significant way  (so make sure you understand it and are very comfortable using it. If not, you may not want to go this route — in order to argue against a source you have to understand it!) The use of a counter-argument can serve as an essential part of your thesis. Here’s an example:

In his chapter on mapping, Franco Moretti argues for the usefulness of maps in understanding literature. He argues that mapping a work can help us better understand the characters’ lives, their social status, and the text’s setting. While this is an interesting viewpoint, this paper argues against Moretti’s strategy as mapping obscures our understanding of texts by denying their more creative aspects. Instead, this paper argues that understanding literature through temporality rather than space is a more productive way of reading.

2. It can support your thesis. It can also provide a point that comes up during a body paragraph and supports / adds to something you’re saying there.  You can bring up the article multiple times just make sure it doesn’t drown out your voice.

If you use it to support your thesis then you have to make sure that your central argument is distinct from what the article is arguing. In other words, your thesis cannot simply state that the article”s viewpoint is correct.

3. Background info. This is probably the easiest way of using a source, and a good idea if you’re not very comfortable using a source. Background info can include historical information, info about the author, cultural context, etc etc. This can come in at any point (or at multiple points) in your essay. You can use an argumentative essay for background information (many argumentative essays include background info).