Thesis Statement: John Grisham develops his character and themes in his novels to show his personal experiences. I. Characters A. Mitch McDeere 1. The Firm, plot 2. How he gets involved with the firm B. Sam Cayhall 1. Death penalty 2. His lawyer II. Themes A. Good/ evil 1. The Firm 2. A Time to Kill B. Money 1. in his novels 2. His attitude C. Concepts 1. John Grisham's tricks 2. Same formula III. Personal experiences A. As a lawyer 1. His cases 2. His success
John Grisham's Secret John Grisham is one of the most famous living, best-selling authors in America. "Since 1992, John Grisham has written a book yearly. Everyone became a bestseller" (Zaleski). Now one might question: How does he do that? Where does he get his ideas from? Where did he learn to write like this? He develops his characters and themes in his novels to show his personal experiences. The Firm, Grisham's second suspense novel is a good example to show Grisham's concept. Mitch McDeere, the protagonist of the book, is considered as "one of Harvard Law School's brightest" (Brashler). After going to college, Mitch needs money. He is not rich and from a humble home (Pringle 43). He has a $23,000 debt from law school and drives a Mazda hatchback that he had to run downhill to start (Pringle 41). Mitch is "brilliant, tireless and married to a looker" (Brashler). "Fresh out of law school, Mitch is full of idealism and uncompromising ethics" (Pringle 47). Of course the offer of the firm Bendini, Lambert and Locke comes in the right time. They promise Mitch $ 80,000 plus bonuses, a law-interest mortgage loan and a leased BMW (Brashler). Who would not understand, that this offer sounds very interesting to Mitch. "In return McDeere simply would have to work his tail off--70-hour weeks are expected--and toe the firm's line." Furthermore the firm promises him that he'll be a
Cited: Brashler, Bill. "Corporate Lawyers Who Lead Wild Lives." Chicago Tribune Books. February 24, 1991 1993. New York: The H.W. Wilson Company, 1993. "John Grisham." Newsmaker 1994, Issue 4. Gale Research, 1994. "Overview of John Grisham." DISCovering Authors. Gale Group, 1999. Pringle, Mary Beth. John Grisham: a critical companion. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1997. Zaleski, Jeff. "The Grisham Business." Publishers Weekly. January 19, 1998. pp. 248-51.