Short Literary Analysis Paper -- Analyze the effect of using a first-person narrator
in The Outsiders. Do you think the story is better for it, or would a third-person
narrator have been better to tell the story? Use examples from the novel to back up
what you say. Use at least two quotes from the novel, and be sure to explain the
differences between the two types of narrators. ~ 400 words.
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Possible intros:
o "S. E. Hinton chose to use Ponyboy as a first-person narrator...but I think
that the novel..."
o "I think S.E. Hinton made the right choice in using a first-person
narrator..."
o Maybe start right off with a scene from the book as an example.
Then (State the facts):
o If you didn't begin with an example, here's where you give one that
illustrates what you mean.
o If you started with an example, here's where you actually state your
position: "I think that a first-person narrator is the only way..."
o Here's also where you define your terms (1st and 3rd person narrators).
Second Example (Outline of Argument):
o Give another example that illustrates your view. If you think that the book
would be better with a 3rd person narrator, show an example where a
different narrator would make it better.
Opposing Viewpoint (Address Arguments on Other Side):
o "Now, you might say that a first-person narrator makes the book
more...but I think..."
o Be sure to use an example to rebut the opposing view.
Possible Conclusions (Summarize Your Argument):
o "As you can see.."
o "Other writers might have...but S.E. Hinton..."
o "I can't imagine The Outsiders without..."
Short Literary Analysis Paper -- Analyze the effect of using a first-person narrator
in The Outsiders. Do you think the story is better for it (at least so far), or would a
third-person narrator have been better to tell the story? Use examples from the
novel to back up what you say. Use at least two quotes from the novel, and be
sure to explain the differences between the two types of narrators. 400 words.

Possible intros:
o "S. E. Hinton chose to use Ponyboy as a first-person narrator...but I think
that the novel..."
o "I think S.E. Hinton made the right choice in using a first-person
narrator..."
o
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Then:
o



Maybe start right off with a scene from the book as an example.
If you didn't begin with an example, here's where you give one that
illustrates what you mean.
o If you started with an example, here's where you actually state your
position: "I think that a first-person narrator is the only way..."
o Here's also where you define your terms (1st and 3rd person narrators).
Second Example:
o Give another example that illustrates your view. If you think that the book
would be better with a 3rd person narrator, show an example where a
different narrator would make it better.
Opposing Viewpoint:
o "Now, you might say that a first-person narrator makes the book
more...but I think..."
o Be sure to use an example to rebut the opposing view.
Possible Conclusions:
o "As you can see.."
o "Other writers might have...but..."
o "I can't imagine The Outsiders without..."