1. Interpretive Response to Literature

2. The Basics The introduction must introduce the literary work, capture the reader's attention, and include a clearly written thesis statement that contains the literary interpretation. The body of the essay must support the thesis statement through evidence--facts, examples, summaries--and commentary--opinions, analysis, interpretation, insight. The conclusion summarizes the interpretation and allows the writer to draw attention to the most important aspects of the analysis. An 'A' essay does the following: Identifies the author, title, and gives a brief summary of the literary work. Provides a clear interpretation of the author's message and purpose. Provides details, quotations, and other evidence to support the interpretation.

3. Purpose To make sense of the meaning of a work To share your interpretation with others – You may not interpret a story the same way as others.

4. Key Traits 1. Focus and Coherence: Include a clear thesis statement that gives a clear overview; maintain focus throughout the body of the essay. 2. Organization: opens with effective introduction that gives the title and author of the work; has logical structure; transitions to link ideas; ends with a conclusion that summarizes key points. 3. Development of Ideas: provides supporting evidence from the work; draws conclusions about the meaning of the work. 4. Voice: uses appropriate tone 5. Conventions: varies sentence structures; employs correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling

5. Think about audience and purpose Who is my audience? Are they familiar with this text? What ideas might my audience have about this story? What insights do I have to share with my audience?

6. Gather details Reread “Of Revenge” by Sir Francis Bacon. Create a reading log and list striking details and stylistic devices, such as word choice and sensory details, along with your thoughts about each detail or device. EX: Story DetailsMy Thoughts “so clean and wavy”It’s a bare dirt yard, but she makes it sound wonderful. “She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included.” This is Dee’s own family, but she’s acting like a tourist. That’s insensitive.

7. Identify your interpretation Use the details you have gathered to develop the main interpretation you want to communicate. Try freewriting about the one or two details that seem the most important. TIP: The details that grab you the most are often the ones that point toward the story’s theme. You may find that you have listed some details that are interesting but that don’t support the interpretation you develop through freewriting. Those details will not be part of your essay.

8. Write a thesis statement Review your reading log and look for the main idea behind the details you have listed and your own thoughts about it. Write a working thesis statement that explains this overarching idea. Then, identify key points from the story that prove your thesis. EX: Thesis: The author is saying that understanding and remembering your heritage is important. Key Points: Key points covered in the body include the family home, Dee’s name, and quilts.

9. Potential Set Up A. Introduction 1. Hook/Lead 2. Background Information 3. Thesis Sentence B. Body 1 1. Reason 2. Quote 3. Explanation C.Body 2 1. Reason 2. Quote 3. Explanation D. Conclusion 1. Reflection 2. Final Thoughts – no new information or quotes should be introduced here