The 5 Paragraph Essay

Objective of Today’s Class:  To learn, and review, the requirements of a five-paragraph essay  To understand the requirements of an introductory paragraph  To understand the requirements of a conclusion

The Five Paragraph Essay  Format:  Introduction  3 Body Paragraphs (bulk of essay)  Conclusion  This essay is used for many purposes: practice/assess writing skills, analytical skills, etc.  It is an individual’s response in a critical approach which shows depth and insight  Foundation and springboard for other essays

Introduction  Purpose:  To make the audience aware of the work(s) (in this case, Hamlet)  To offer the audience some details of the work(s) as they relate to the argument  To pose an argument (response to the prompt) as a basis for analysis

Introduction  Format:  Topic Sentence:  Author, title, and general information about the text/subject you will be discussing  5-7 sentences of summary based upon area of study  Might include the conflict, major and minor characters, setting  Primary Claim -your argument  last sentence of intro  author + verb + response to the prompt

WRITE A PRIMARY CLAIM Discuss the importance of hospitality in Ancient Greek culture. Primary Claim formula: – Author + Verb + Subject Matter + Literary Device (HOW?) Homer illustrates the importance of hospitality in Greek culture from the perspectives of both guests and hosts.

THESIS STATEMENT Explain the role of a wise old man figure in T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone. Thesis formula: – Author + Verb + Subject Matter (answer the prompt)+ Literary Device White demonstrates the importance of a wise old man figure through the education of Wart.

PRIMARY CLAIM Explain how Shakespeare’s character, Hamlet, uses insanity to achieve his own goals in the play Hamlet. Primary Claim formula: – Author + Verb + Subject Matter + Literary Device Shakespeare demonstrates that Hamlet uses a disguise of insanity to achieve his goals.

PRIMARY CLAIM Of the three film versions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, which adaptation is most appealing? Which interpretation of the scenes falls short, or fails to appeal to the audience? Primary Claim formula: – Author + Verb + Literary Device + Subject Matter Branaugh uses film techniques to create an appealing version of Hamlet’s mad scene while Olivier’s and Zeffirelli’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s work falls short of entertaining the audience.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS Writing Three Body Paragraphs

BODY PARAGRAPHS  Secondary Claim 1 (least appealing version)  Support 1- One piece of evidence and reasoning.  Support 2  Support 3  Secondary Claim 2 (middle-of-the-road version)  Support 1  Support 2  Support 3  Secondary Claim 3 (most appealing version)  Support 1  Support 2  Support 3

BODY PARAGRAPH 1  Olivier’s use of film techniques to indicate Hamlet’s confusion does not reflect Shakespeare’s intention.  Acting  Set – cliff  Camera angles

SUPPORT #1  Acting  Explain exactly where in the scene  What does Hamlet do?  Explain if this acting appeals to the audience and remains true to Shakespeare’s intention?

SUPPORT # 2  Use of setting/set design  Explain where Hamlet is during the soliloquy  Explain what Hamlet does at this location – how he can look at the water/throws he bodkin  Describe whether or not the cliff further enhances the viewers understanding of Hamlet’s desire and Shakespeare’s original work

SUPPORT #3  Camera angles  Looking into Hamlet’s mind  Exactly what is the camera showing  Explain whether or not this technique further develops Shakespeare’s original intention

BODY PARAGRAPH 2 & 3  Secondary Claim 2 (use Zeffirelli)  Support 1  Support 2  Support 3  Secondary Claim 3 (use Branaugh)  Support 1  Support 2  Support 3

Conclusion  Main purpose: to wrap up your argument  Don’t be redundant; do not repeat thesis  Summarize the outcome of the work(s)  Summarize the last 2-3 pages of the novel with regards to your topic  Relate it back to your topic  Relate it back to a universal theme; connect to humanity

Quotations/Citations: -when using a quote, you must lead into it: Atticus is shown to be a humble man when Miss Maudie declares “People in their right minds never take pride in their talents” (98). -Never use a quote that is longer than your analysis of the quote. -Only quote when you can’t say it better yourself.