There are many effective ways to organize an oral history-based essay.  Here is one sample outline:

I.  Introduction

  • Narrative vignette (with quotation from interview)
  • Thesis statement and interpretive overview

II.  Background

  • Personal history (subject’s story)
  • General context (focused on secondary sources)

III.  Narrative

  • Heart of the story (mix of quotations and sources)

IV.  Analysis

  • Explain or interpret significance (address Brands book)

V.  Conclusion

  • Return to narrative vignette and deepen insights