Writing an Analytical Essay

Writing an Analytical Essay about a Literary Work Makes an argument: –You are arguing that your perspective—an interpretation, judgment, evaluation of the literature—is a valid one. Proves a thesis: –You must have a specific, detailed thesis statement that reveals your perspective, and like any good argument, must be one which is debatable.

The Format of an Analytical Essay I. Introduction II. Body Paragraphs III. Conclusion

The Function of an Introduction An introduction: captures your audience's attention. gives background on your topic. develops interest in your topic. guides your reader to your thesis statement.thesis statement.

Developing a Thesis Statement… A thesis statement must be: An opinion—not a fact Significant—worth spending the time developing into an essay Provable—able to be supported with quotes from the text Focused on one idea—must be a single idea

…Developing a Thesis Statement A thesis statement must be: Valid/logical—be sure you have interpreted the piece of literature correctly Clear—your readers should have no doubt what you are proving Specific—focus on a particular aspect of your topic A declarative sentence written in the active voice Usually the last sentence of the introduction.

Writing a Thesis Statement Sample thesis statements: 1)Shakespeare uses character foils to emphasize important qualities in his hero. 2)Fairy tales send young girls the wrong message because in these stories the woman always needs rescuing by the man. 3)The characters of The Great Gatsby distort the American Dream through the means they use to obtain it. Myrtle Wilson, Jay Gatsby, and the Buchanans corrupt the American Dream through the extreme and immoral measures they employ to achieve their goals.

Writing a Thesis Statement What’s wrong with these thesis statements? 1)To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, Alabama. 2)Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a play about a young man who seeks revenge. 3)Scout changes from a child to a young girl and Jem begins to grow up, too. 4)Harry Potter has the qualities to conquer his enemies and he does and then he goes on to find something else to do.

The Format of the Introduction The introduction begins with a broad statement about the main idea. This statement might suggest background or the general category to which the thesis idea belongs. The next sentences are more specific, moving closer to the actual thesis of the essay. The final sentence of an introduction often contains a fairly specific version of the main idea; it is the thesis statement.thesis statement (Adapted from

The introductory paragraph must include: A general statement brief summary of the story The title and author of the story A brief summary of the story A clear thesis statement

The Introduction (Adapted from

Writing the Introduction Sentence 1: The general statement –Is a general topic sentence –Introduces the topic of the essay –Captures the reader’s attention through a quote, observation, definition, or anecdote Sentences 2-4: The summary sentences –Includes the title and author –Brief summary and relevant background information of novel or short story Sentences 5(-6) –Contains the thesis statement and proofs

Writing the Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph: Contains a clear topic sentence which identifies the connection between your examples/explanation and your thesis. Demonstrates that the topic sentence is true by giving evidence. Includes quotes from the text(s) to show that you didn’t make up the evidence. Reminds the reader of the connection between your evidence and the thesis.

Sample Outline of a Five-Paragraph Essay I. Introduction A. Opening sentence(s): B. Brief summary: C. Thesis statement: II.Body Paragraph (3 of these) A. Topic sentence B. Evidence C. Explanation of how evidence connects III. Conclusion A. Topic sentence B. Restatement or summary of thesis C. Evaluation of topic D. Closing statement