You will create a 1500-word essay (+/- 300 words) analyzing how a big idea or theme is developed in your novel through the
author’s use of various literary devices or elements. Using quotations from the
book and your tracking sheets, you will argue for your interpretation of the author's message.
How To Write A Literary Essay
This
is not a 5 paragraph essay! This is a 5 section essay! You will have an
introduction paragraph, a conclusion paragraph, and in between 3 points. It may
be 5 or more paragraphs.
The Essay Format
Section
1: Introduction Paragraph
- Introduces text and author. May give a 1 or 2 sentence plot
summary or background information to help the reader understand the rest
of the essay.
- Ends with thesis (1 sentence) and directional statement (1
sentence).
Section
2: The Body
This is made up of the three points to
prove thesis. Each point is explained in at least a paragraph.
·
The first sentence of each point:
o Should introduce the point
(which is found in your directional statement) and how it relates to your thesis.
o Generally does not include a
quote.
·
The support:
o Claims about the books are supported with quotes and page numbers. The
body of each point gives quotations or specific examples with page numbers to support
the argument, and explains why each example proves the point. Each of the three
main points should have approximately three quotations that are explained.
·
The final sentence of the last paragraph for that point:
o Sums up the full argument made for that point.
·
All internal paragraphs within
a point follow paragraph format—first sentence introduces topic of paragraph, last
sentence sums it up.
Section
3: Conclusion Paragraph
·
The first sentence rephrases your
directional statement by listing again your three points in order. The thesis
may be combined into this list or come right after in slightly different words.
·
Rest of the conclusion is final
thoughts on how your essay is important in general terms.
·
You should not introduce new
information or arguments in the conclusion. Hence, it should usually
contain no quotations!
Key Terms
Thesis
· It is the main argument of the essay.
· Your entire essay should be dedicated to proving your thesis.
· It is one sentence and should contain the novel’s title.
· It is the second last sentence in your introductory paragraph.
Directional
Statement
· The last sentence in your introduction paragraph.
· It should connect back to the thesis.
· It should be one sentence listing in order the three points you will
develop to prove your argument.
· You can summarize each point into a few words for this sentence and
then expand on the point in the first sentence of that point.
· You MUST argue each of
these points in the SAME order as you introduce them in the directional
statement!
· Stay away from saying “In this essay I will show...” There is no
need to refer to the essay itself AND you should never refer to yourself as
“I.”
· Consider starting your sentence with “This is seen in...” “This is
apparent when...” “[Name] shows this when...” etc.
Points: these are your three main ways you prove your thesis. They are the
body of your argument. Each point can start off with a mini direction statement
and wrap up the point however many paragraphs later with a conclusion sentence.
Support: this consists of the (typically) three ways you prove each point.
It is made up of quotations and how you explain them.
When
to break up a paragraph: When it is natural.
If you are changing the topic a bit within
the main point or offering another supporting example you may find a natural
point to break up your paragraphs. Make the paragraph break and then be sure to
go back to those sentences you separated and adjust them to be proper final or
starting paragraph sentences.
HINT: Double space your work as you are
writing it. If you get to the point where a single paragraph is more than a
page, it is too long. Cut it down or divide it up.
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