Argumentative Writing and Character Analysis Writer's Workshop Argumentative Writing and Character Analysis

Learning Target: I can cite textual evidence to support analysis of the text.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Writing An argument is a logical way of presenting a viewpoint, belief, or stand on an issue. A well-written argument may convince the reader, change the reader's mind, or motivate the reader to take a certain action. 

Topic Is Lord Capulet to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet? 

Thesis/Claim:  In William Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Lord Capulet is to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. 

Body Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence 1st Reason to Support Thesis One reason Lord Capulet is to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s death is because he fostered an on-going feud with the Montagues.

Body Paragraph 1 DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) In the text, the Prince states, “Three civil brawl, bred of an airy word. By thee, Old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets And made Verona’s ancient citizens Cast by their grave-beseeming ornaments, To wield old partisans in hands of old, Cankered with peach, to part your cankered hate.”(Shakespeare, 1.1).

Body Paragraph 1 Explanation of DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) This quote proves that a feud between the Lord Capulet and Lord Montague has been going on for a long time. If Lord Capulet had attempted to make peace with Montagues years ago, then his servants and nephew Tybalt would not have been so quick to anger. Their rage against Romeo was following the example that Lord Capulet had set. Without Tybalt’s challenge, he and Romeo would not have fought.

Body Paragraph 1 You will find 2 quotes for each topic sentence (reason).

Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence -2nd Reason to Support Thesis Another reason Lord Capulet is to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s death is that he tries to force Juliet to marry Paris-a man that she does not love.

Body Paragraph 2 DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) In the play, Lord Capulet yells in anger at Juliet, “My fingers itch.-Wife, we scarce thought us blest That God lent us but this only child, But not I see this one is one too much And that we have a curse in having her. Out on her, hilding!”(Shakespeare, 3.5).

Body Paragraph 2 Explanation of DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) Juliet felt trapped by her father’s wishes. He reacted in rage when she said that she would not marry Paris. Imagine how he would have reacted if she had told him she wanted to marry a Montague. This makes her desperate- and desperate people make desperate choices.

Body Paragraph 2 You will find 2 quotes for each topic sentence (reason).

Body Paragraph 3 Counterclaim 1 Some might say that Capulet is not responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death because he did not personally challenge Romeo-it was Tybalt.

Body Paragraph 3 Counterclaim 2 While Capulet did have a temper, ultimately Romeo and Juliet are responsible for their own actions.

Conclusion Paragraph Restatement of the Thesis It is clear that Lord Capulet was responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death.

Reminder of full essay outline

Honors Outline I. Intro 1. Hook 2. Background including author’s name and title of work 3. Thesis II. First Body Paragraph Topic sentence of first reason Detail sentence Direct Textual Evidence Explanation/Commentary of DTE Transition Concluding Statement III. Second Body Paragraph Topic sentence of second reason IV. Third Body Paragraph First counterclaim Second counterclaim Explanation/Commentary V. Conclusion Paragraph 1. Restatement of Thesis 2. Revisits what the topic sentences of the body paragraphs 3. Leave with an impactful final thought

Character Analysis Essay

Character Analysis Writing To analyze a character, you must find out what makes the character “tick.” To discover the nature of a character, carefully consider the character’s personal traits, words, thoughts, feelings, and actions, and what the author conveys about the character.

Topic Explain whether Juliet from The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, would be considered a static or a dynamic character.

Thesis/Claim:  In William Shakespeare's play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s responsible nature and impulsiveness prove that she is dynamic.

Body Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence 1st Reason to Support Thesis Juliet’s responsible nature shows her as dynamic because she first tells Romeo that they should be patient with their love.

Body Paragraph 1 DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) During the infamous balcony scene Juliet tells Romeo, “I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, Too like the lightening, which doth cease to be Ere one can say ‘It lightens’.”(Shakespeare, 2.2).

Body Paragraph 1 Explanation of DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) This quote shows that she is being responsible at first because she is looking for a way for their love to grow over time and not rush into things. Juliet seems to be practical when it come to love and her future.

Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence -2nd Reason to Support Thesis Juliet’s impulsivity shows her as dynamic because toward the end of the play she is willing to kill herself rather than marry Paris.

Body Paragraph 2 DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) In a scene at Friar Laurence’s cell, Juliet begs Paris for help when she pleads, “If in thy wisdom thou canst give no help, Do thou but call my resolution wise, And with this knife I’ll help it presently.”(Shakespeare, 4.1).

Body Paragraph 2 Explanation of DTE (Direct Textual Evidence) This quote exemplifies that Juliet is now acting impulsively rather than responsible. She is not willing to look at how her life can exist in Romeo’s absence. Her impulsive thoughts are a change from her original nature and ultimately leads to her demise.

Conclusion Paragraph Restatement of the Thesis In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s character evolves from responsible to impulsive, showing that she is a dynamic character.

Reminder of full essay outline

Honors Outline I. Intro 1. Hook 2. Background including author’s name and title of work 3. Thesis II. First Body Paragraph Topic sentence of first reason Detail sentence Direct Textual Evidence Explanation/Commentary of DTE Transition Concluding Statement III. Second Body Paragraph Topic sentence of second reason IV. Conclusion Paragraph 1. Restatement of Thesis 2. Revisits what the topic sentences of the body paragraphs 3. Leave with an impactful final thought