To Kill a Mockingbird
Name: ______________________
LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY INTRODUCTION OUTLINE
Your essay will be four or five paragraphs – an introduction, two or three body
paragraphs, and a conclusion.
The theme is a writer’s central idea or main message about life. A theme
statement is a full sentence that states how this theme or idea applies to all
people. It does NOT mention any particular piece of writing
A thesis statement is the sentence that states the essay’s purpose; a good thesis
statement does the following:
 states an opinion that is written as a fact--the purpose of the essay is to argue
this opinion using documented support;
 says something meaningful and interpretive;
 presents an arguable statement which can be supported with evidence;
 expresses the essay’s main idea and sole purpose.
THE INTRODUCTION
Your introduction will be at least three sentences long, and follow this pattern:
Sentence #1
This is a theme statement commenting on an aspect of life or
human behavior that is seen in the novel. It is an attempt to “hook”
the reader.
Sentence #2
This is a second statement explaining more about your
theme, leading into the story, but not naming it yet. This may take
more than one sentence.
Sentence #3
This is the thesis statement, naming the title and author and
stating a specific opinion about your theme. This may take more than
one sentence.
DIRECTIONS: After deciding on your theme, write your introduction below. Make
sure it follows the pattern described above. Important reminders: keep the ideas
clear and focused; keep your introduction free of any specific examples/scenes;
avoid “you” constructions; and write about events in literature using present tense!
YOUR INTRODUCTION:
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