Response to Literature
Literature naturally stirs up thoughts and feelings. One way to explore those
thoughts is to write a response to literature.
Response to Literature
When you write a response to literature you show that you have
read the entire passage/story and you completely understand the
text.
An effective literary response essay IS NOT just a summary of what
happened in the story.
An effective literary response essay must include specific examples
of significant ideas, themes, or literary devices that are ANALYZED
to show deep understanding of the text.
Response to Literature
In a response to literature, you can share your interpretation of a
piece of literature.
You may include
– your feelings about a character
– your impressions of the story
– any similarities and differences the story might have to your own life
Theme Analysis
A theme analysis focuses on the message the author is sharing about life. When you write
a theme analysis, do the following:
– Focus on how the conflict reveals the theme, or message.
– Show what the characters learn during the story.
– Reflect on what the author feels about the characters and conflict.
TITLE
Main Character Goals
Main Conflict
Main Theme
Beginning of Theme
Development of Theme
Climax of Theme
Resolution of Theme
Organize – Response to Lit
Introductory Paragraph – hook, TAG, thesis statement
Start with a broad connection to the topic and then hone in on your point (thesis).
Body Paragraphs –
1.
2.
3.
Brief plot summary, end with connection to thesis
Support thesis – commentary, explanation of details/examples, connections
Support thesis – commentary, explanation of details/examples, connections
Concluding Paragraph – Echo your thesis without repeating words verbatim.
– Then, broaden from the thesis to answer the “so what?” question for your reader.
– Reflect on how your topic relates to the book as a whole, give your opinion of the novel’s
significance, or connect back to your creative opening.
Intro – Response to Lit
Hook (creative opening)
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A startling fact or bit of information
A snatch of dialogue between two characters
A meaningful quotation (from the work or another source)
A universal idea
A rich, vivid description of the setting
An analogy or metaphor
TAG - mention the title, author, and genre (novel, short story, poem, play.)
Thesis Statement - a statement that provides the subject and overall opinion of your essay.
Many thesis statements explicitly outline the major points of the body paragraphs.
Body – Response to Lit
Body - the support paragraphs of your essay. These paragraphs contain supporting
examples (concrete detail) and analysis/explanation (commentary) for your topic
sentences.
1.
Begin with a topic sentence which supports the thesis statement from the
introductory paragraph.
2.
3.
Be sure to include:
Concrete details (quoted passages or paraphrased facts from the story)
Commentary -- interpretation/elaboration
4.
Concluding sentence -- to sum up or transition to the next paragraph
Conclusion – Response to Lit
Concluding Paragraph
– Echo your major thesis without repeating words verbatim.
– Then, broaden from the thesis to answer the “so what?”
question for your reader.
– Reflect on how your topic relates to the book as a whole, give
your opinion of the novel’s significance, or connect back to
your creative opening.