Writing A Strong Literary Essay
The Thesis
The Thesis
• An essay without a thesis is like a car without a driver…it goes
nowhere (and let’s be honest…it crashes and burns)
• The thesis is your argument:
– The entire essay is about that argument. The thesis is the message of
your essay (the bumper sticker);
• The thesis needs to answer the question if you have an essay topic.
• A simple way to put together a thesis is Subject + Claim/Opinion + 2-3
points of support (how did you come to this conclusion or why should the
reader believe you?)
– Simple examples (without the support):
• People should start eating cockroaches.
• Golding argues that humans are naturally happy all the time.
• The message of Flowers for Algernon is that mice are the best friend a person
can have.
• Contrary to popular belief, Spanish art in the Renaissance heavily influenced
that of Italy and France.
The Thesis
• In a literary essay, your evidence comes from the book. Thus, your
thesis must mention the book, the characters or the author.
– In Flowers for Algernon, Keyes argues that mice will take over the
world.
– The message of Mr. Chapman and the Roman Holiday is traveling is
one of the best ways to satiate one’s soul.
– In Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick is actually less of a friend than
someone who holds Spongebob back.
• Not:
– Girls are better than boys.
– Friendship is the most important thing in the world.
– Bears are one of the most cuddly animals
The Thesis
• In a literary essay, your evidence comes from the book. Thus, your
thesis must mention the book, the characters or the author.
– In Flowers for Algernon, Keyes argues that mice will take over the
world.
– The theme of Mr. Chapman and the Roman Holiday is “traveling is one
of the best ways to satiate one’s soul.”
– In Spongebob Squarepants, Patrick is actually less of a friend than
someone who holds Spongebob back.
• Not:
– In the book, Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, Mark Bean
argues that girls are better than boys.
– According to Charlie Gordon, friendship is the most important thing in
the world.
– Based on the book Bears Are Our Friends, it’s clear that bears are one
of earth’s most precious resources.
The Thesis
• Stay away from general theses that are really obvious or
are, in a sense, almost impossible to “prove”—at least in an
800-word essay:
–
–
–
–
Humans are always going to change.
There are good and bad parts to every person.
Based on the novel, the reader can see that humans are evil.
Based on the novel, Charlie is amazing.
• Don’t use the phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion” or
words like “possibly” or “might” in your thesis—they
weaken it
– I think the theme of Flowers for Algernon is that mice should
rule the world.
– The theme might possibly be that six-year-olds should rule the
world.
The Thesis
• Stay away from general theses that are really obvious or
are, in a sense, almost impossible to “prove”—at least in an
800-word essay:
–
–
–
–
Humans are always going to change.
There are good and bad parts to every person.
Based on the novel, the reader can see that humans are evil.
Based on the novel, Charlie is amazing.
• Don’t use the phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion” or
words like “possibly” or “might” in your thesis—they
weaken it
– I think the theme of Flowers for Algernon is that mice should
rule the world.
– The theme might possibly be that six-year-olds should rule the
world.
The Thesis
• Stay away from general theses that are really obvious or
are, in a sense, almost impossible to “prove”—at least in an
800-word essay:
–
–
–
–
Humans are always going to change.
There are good and bad parts to every person.
Based on the novel, the reader can see that humans are evil.
Based on the novel, Charlie is amazing.
• Don’t use the phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion” or
words like “possibly” or “might” in your thesis—they
weaken it
– I think the message of Flowers for Algernon is that mice should
rule the world.
– The message might possibly be that six-year-olds should rule
the world.
The Thesis
• Stay away from general theses that are really obvious or
are, in a sense, almost impossible to “prove”—at least in an
800-word essay:
–
–
–
–
Humans are always going to change.
There are good and bad parts to every person.
Based on the novel, the reader can see that humans are evil.
Based on the novel, Charlie is amazing.
• Don’t use the phrases like “I think” or “In my opinion” or
words like “possibly” or “might” in your thesis—they
weaken it
– I think The message of Flowers for Algernon is that mice should
rule the world.
– The message of Lord of the Flies might possibly be is that sixyear-olds should rule the world.
The Thesis
• Don’t say in this essay: “In this essay I’m going
to talk about…”
– JUST TALK ABOUT IT!!
The Thesis
• Which theses are appropriate? Which ones
aren’t?
– In the book Charlotte’s Web, White argues that
Charlotte’s model of friendship is one that everyone
should follow.
– In the book Charlotte’s Web, Wilbur is a great
character.
– A lot of people died in World War II.
– The effects of World War II are still with us today.
– Space is great!
– Space needs to be explored further.
– Space is a limitless place where anything is possible.
Lion King Outline
I.
II.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you
move on from it.”
One way the movie shows this is by clearly differentiating between those
giving good and those giving bad advice.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
III.
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and
“happiness” when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he
confronts it.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
IV.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
Smiles before he roars (“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family
(lion cub at end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past
is the best way to move past it.
Lion King Outline
I.
II.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you
move on from it.”
One way the movie shows this is by clearly differentiating between those
giving good and those giving bad advice.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
III.
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and
“happiness” when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he
confronts it.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
IV.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
Smiles before he roars (“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family
(lion cub at end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past
is the best way to move past it.
The Thesis
• Adding the how/why:
– Now that you’re older, a statement is not enough. You need to
show the how and/or why. You need 2-3 reasons why the reader
should believe you.
– Expand these examples:
• People should start eating cockroaches. (Why do you think that?)
• Golding argues that humans are naturally happy all the time. (How do
you know that or how does Golding show that?)
• The theme of Speak is that we should have more holidays. (How do
you know that or how does Anderson/the book show that?)
• Contrary to popular belief, Spanish art in the Renaissance heavily
influenced that of Italy and France. (Why do you think that?)
The Thesis
• Adding the how/why:
– Now that you’re older, a statement is not enough. You need to
show the how and/or why. You need 2-3 reasons why the reader
should believe you.
– Expand these examples:
• People should start eating cockroaches because they’re plentiful, they
have great nutritional value, and they make people more attractive.
• Throughout the novel Golding highlights the symbols of the crab and
Jack’s nose, the contrast between the boys and the beast, and the
laughter of Simon in order to argue that humans are naturally happy
all the time.
• The theme of Speak is that we should have more holidays. This is
shown by Melinda’s holiday flashbacks, the symbolism surrounding
the apple and the easter eggs, and Melinda’s own thoughts.
• By looking at the brush techniques, use of color, and subject matter,
one thing is clear: contrary to popular belief, Spanish art in the
Renaissance heavily influenced that of Italy and France.
Lion King Outline
I.
II.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you
move on from it.” The movie makes this clear by differentiating between
characters giving good advice and bad advice, and by comparing Simba’s
happiness at the end with his sadness in the middle, and through the symbols of
fire and the skull.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly differentiating between those
giving good and those giving bad advice.
I.
II.
III.
III.
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and
“happiness” when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he
confronts it.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
IV.
: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
Smiles before he roars (“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family
(lion cub at end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past
is the best way to move past it.
Thesis
• Your thesis needs to pass these “tests” (ask
yourself, does yours?):
• Clarity test: If someone reads your thesis,
they should know exactly what every one of
your paragraphs will be. In other words,
they should be able to outline your whole
essay. If you have to explain it orally, it’s not
clear enough.
• Broad test: if 99% of the world agrees with
the author’s message, then it’s too broad.
• Question test: Does it answer the
question—all of them? Does it mention the
Thesis
• Clarity Test: Can you outline these essays
based on the thesis?
– In The Lion King, Disney argues that only by
confronting one’s past can he move on from it.
The movie makes this clear by differentiating
between characters giving good advice and bad
advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness at the
end with his sadness in the middle, and through
the symbols of fire and the skull.
Thesis
Thesis: In The Lion King, Disney argues that only by
confronting one’s past can he move on from it. The movie
makes this clear by differentiating between characters giving
good advice and bad advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness
at the end with his sadness in the middle, and through the
symbols of fire and the skull.
I.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly highlighting
which characters are giving good advice and which are
giving bad advice.
I.
Another way Disney stresses this is by showing that
Simba is more confident and happier after confronting
his past.
I.
Finally, Disney does this through the symbols of the fire
and the skull.
Thesis
• Clarity Test: Can you outline these essays
based on the thesis?
– The message of The Hunger Games is that liberty
is more important than life itself. Collins shows
this by highlighting the misery of District 12, the
savagery of the games, and through the symbols
of the mockingjay and Katniss’ dress.
Thesis
• Clarity Test: Can you outline these essays
based on the thesis?
– The message of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is
that people should always lock their doors. The
author makes this clear this through the
devolution of Goldilocks, by highlighting the
innocence of the three bears, and through the
symbols of the porridge and the beds.
Thesis
• Clarity Test: Can you outline these essays
based on the thesis?
– By highlighting Wilbur’s negative attitude toward
spiders, the loneliness of Charlotte, and the
symbols of the egg sack and Templeton, E.B.
White argues that friendship is a waste of time.
Thesis
• Broad test: Do you think 99% of the world would
agree with these authors’ arguments?
– Golding argues in Lord of the Flies that humans are both
good and bad.
– In Speak, Anderson asserts that girls are superior to
boys.
– Disney’s The Lion King attempts to convince us that
murder is bad.
– In “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” Grimm declares
that generosity is an important quality.
– In “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” Grimm declares
that generosity is by far the most important quality one
can have.
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Outlining Your Essay/
Writing Effective Topic Sentences
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• Activity:
– In your groups, sort the strips into a 5-paragraph
essay: intro, conclusion, and 3 body paragraphs
Outlining/Topic Sentences
Students crying. Mountains of homework. Heaps of unfairness. This is what happens
in Mr. Chapman’s class. Mr. Chapman is the worst teacher in the world for many
reasons.
One reason Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher is that he locks kids in the closet. For
example, one time Justin sneezed without covering his mouth and Mr. Chapman locked
him in the closet with no food or water. Another time Antonio dropped his pencil and he
was sentenced to three hours in the closet. Finally, when someone mentioned Justin
Bieber she got locked in the closet all day.
Another reason Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher is that he gives too much
homework. One time, for example, he gave twelve hours of reading in one night. Another
time he gave us so many books to read that Vasilios collapsed from all the weight in his
backpack. Finally, he makes us write four hundred pages a week in our writer’s
notebooks!
Lastly, Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher because he plays favorites with his students.
For example, one time he gave Ryan twenty gold cards because he said “bless you,” but
he took away all of Daniel’s when he didn’t say “bless you” loud enough. Another time
he made Isadora stand on one foot the whole class because she read only 44 minutes,
but when Paloma read only 30 minutes he gave her a homework coupon.
In conclusion, Mr. Chapman is the worst teach in the world because he throws kids
in the closet, he gives way too much homework, and he’s unfair to students. He needs to
be fired right away.
Outlining/Topic Sentences
Students crying. Mountains of homework. Heaps of unfairness. This is what happens
in Mr. Chapman’s class. Mr. Chapman is the worst teacher in the world for many
reasons.
One reason Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher is that he locks kids in the closet. For
example, one time Justin sneezed without covering his mouth and Mr. Chapman locked
him in the closet with no food or water. Another time Antonio dropped his pencil and he
was sentenced to three hours in the closet. Finally, when someone mentioned Justin
Bieber she got locked in the closet all day.
Another reason Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher is that he gives too much
homework. One time, for example, he gave twelve hours of reading in one night. Another
time he gave us so many books to read that Vasilios collapsed from all the weight in his
backpack. Finally, he makes us write four hundred pages a week in our writer’s
notebooks!
Lastly, Mr. Chapman’s the worst teacher because he plays favorites with his students.
For example, one time he gave Ryan twenty gold cards because he said “bless you,” but
he took away all of Daniel’s when he didn’t say “bless you” loud enough. Another time
he made Isadora stand on one foot the whole class because she read only 44 minutes,
but when Paloma read only 30 minutes he gave her a homework coupon.
In conclusion, Mr. Chapman is the worst teach in the world because he throws kids
in the closet, he gives way too much homework, and he’s unfair to students. He needs to
be fired right away.
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• An outline is like a skeleton. Yes, there are
other points that are important, but without
an essay your essay is likely to look like a blob.
– In other words, 5-10 minutes of planning saves
time (you don’t have to think about how to
organize after you start) and saves your essay
from being a disgusting blob.
• An outline should contain at the very least
your thesis and your topic sentences.
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• The topic sentence is like the thesis of your paragraph:
– Everything in that paragraph needs to be about that topic,
and support that topic
• If I say, “One reason the kids go over to Jack is because he instills
fear in them,” what will that paragraph be about? What do I need
to prove?
• If I say, “One way Anderson furthers this theme is through the
symbols of trees and mirrors,” what will my paragraph be about?
What do I need to prove?
• At the same time, your topic sentences must support
your thesis!
• The topic sentence is the first sentence in your body
paragraph 95% of the time.
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• Your thesis is “In the novel Charlotte’s Web,
Charlotte represents the epitome of
friendship.”
– Which of these topic sentences support it?
•
•
•
•
•
Charlotte also does almost everything Wilbur requests.
In addition, Charlotte is a great writer.
Finally, Charlotte saves Wilbur’s life.
Charlotte asks for very little in return from Wilbur.
Charlotte once sang Wilbur to sleep.
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• One of the ways to think of topic sentences is to
think about why you believe in your
argument/thesis or how the author accomplishes
that theme.
– How does the author further that theme? or
– How do we know this to be true? or
– Why do you think that?
• How do we know the theme of The Lion King is “The past
will always be with us”?
– One way is…
– Another way is…
– Finally…
Outlining/Topic Sentences
• One of the ways to think of topic sentences is to
think about why you believe in your argument or
how the author accomplishes that theme.
– How does the author furthers that theme? or
– How do we know this to be true? or
– Why do you think that?
• How do we know the theme of The Lion King is “The past
will always be with us”?
– One way Disney argues this is by showing which characters to
trust.
– Another way is by highlighting which characters and advice are
untrustworthy.
– Finally, this theme is furthered by the symbols of fire and the
skull.
Lion King Outline
I.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you
move on from it.” The movie makes this clear by differentiating between
characters giving good advice and bad advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness
at the end with his sadness in the middle, and through the symbols of fire and
the skull.
I.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly differentiating between those
giving good and those giving bad advice.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
II.
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and
“happiness” when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he
confronts it.
III.
Finally, Disney does this through the symbols of the fire and the skull.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family (lion cub at
end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past
is the best way to move past it.
Lion King Outline
I.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you move on from it.”
The movie makes this clear by differentiating between characters giving good advice and bad
advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness at the end with his sadness in the middle, and through
the symbols of fire and the skull.
I.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly highlighting which characters are giving good
advice.
I.
The movie also makes clear which characters’ advice is not to be trusted.
II.
III.
IV.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and “happiness”
when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he confronts it.
Finally, Disney does this through the symbols of the fire and the skull.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
Smiles before he roars (“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family (lion cub at
end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past is the
best way to move past it.
Lion King Outline
I.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you move on
from it.” The movie makes this clear by differentiating between characters giving good
advice and bad advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness at the end with his sadness in the
middle, and through the symbols of fire and the skull.
I.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly highlighting which characters are giving
good advice.
I.
II.
III.
The movie also makes clear which characters’ advice is not to be trusted.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Finally, Simba is more confident and happier after confronting his past.
Finally, Disney does this through the symbols of the fire and the skull.
I.
II.
III.
I.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
(“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family (lion
cub at end)
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past is
the best way to move past it.
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Adding Clear, Strong Evidence
Outline for a Solid Body Paragraph
1. Topic Sentence
2. Evidence/Specific Examples/Quotes
•
Before and in between the evidence, make sure you give
context to the evidence if need be
3. Link it back to the thesis.
•
Now that you’ve given me all this evidence, so what?
Why does it matter? What does this evidence have to do
with the thesis?
Body Paragraphs
• This is where you need to prove your case:
– Pretend the reader doesn’t know you and they’re
saying, “I don’t believe you. Prove it.”
• All evidence needs to support your topic
sentences
• Use quotes when possible (I’d say 1-2 per
body paragraph), but make sure you explain
the quotes if they’re confusing
– You don’t need to use the whole quote!
Evidence
• Every one of your paragraphs is an argument.
It’s a court case. Ask yourself, what do you
need to prove to the jury in this paragraph?
– One way Disney shows this is by highlighting that
Simba is happier after confronting his past.
– In addition, Ralph maintains power through
democracy.
– Finally, Anderson shows this theme through the
Melinda’s growth after she confronts her past.
Evidence
Your goal is to convince
the jury, to prove each
one of your paragraphs.
Evidence
Ladies and
gentleman of
the jury…
Evidence
Today I’m going to show
you that the message of
The Hunger Games is that
liberty is more important
than life.
This is your
thesis.
Evidence
One way Collins shows
this message is by
stressing how miserable
life is for the people of
District 12.
What am I
trying to prove
here?
3 strong examples
later…
Evidence
One way Collins shows
NowisI’ve
proven that
this
by stressing
how
the peoplelife
of is
District
miserable
for the12
are miserable.
people
of District 12.
So what? How does
that show the message
that liberty’s more
important than life?
Connecting
back to thesis.
Evidence
One
way Collins
Because
Collinsshows
paints
this
is by
stressing
how
such
a clear
picture
of
miserable
life is for
the
their hopeless,
painful
people
lives…of District 12.
Connecting
back to thesis.
Evidence
…the reader can see that
sacrificing their liberty to The
Capital in exchange for peace
wasn’t worth it for District
12—it only made things worse.
Connecting
back to thesis.
Evidence
One
way Collins
In other
words, shows
without
this
is by stressing
how
freedom,
the citizens
miserable
lifethat
is foristhe
suffer a fate
even
people
of District
12.
worse than
death.
Evidence
• Don’t summarize the evidence in your body paragraphs:
give specific events and evidence
– Again, think about a court case. If I were trying to convict
someone of murder, I wouldn’t say, “He’s murdered a lot of
people” or “She’s been planning to rob the store for a long
time,” and leave it at that. I’m going to give all the people he’s
murdered; I’m going to give evidence that shows he’s been
planning to rob that store.
– Not: One way this theme is shown is through all the times
Charlie is treated poorly. For example, the people at the bakery
bully Charlie a lot. His mom also abused him.
• One way this theme is shown is through all the times Charlie is treated
poorly. For example, the people at the bakery bully Charlie a lot. At
the Halloween party, Joe tricks him into getting drunk and keeps
tripping him when he’s dancing. Another example is… His mom also
abused him. For example…
Lion King Outline
I.
II.
Thesis: The theme of The Lion King is “Only by confronting your past can you move
on from it.” The movie makes this clear by differentiating between characters giving
good advice and bad advice, by comparing Simba’s happiness at the end with his
sadness in the middle, and through the symbols of fire and the skull.
One way the movie shows this is by clearly differentiating between those giving
good and those giving bad advice.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
III.
Mufasa: representing responsibility, always helping others—”you must take your place…”
Rafiki: friends with Mufasa, old, wisdom and tradition: “can either run…”
Timon: “When the world turns its back on you…”; often wrong, shown to be crazy
Scar: “Run away…” evil, Nazi march, murderer
Another way is by demonstrating the change in Simba’s confidence and
“happiness” when he finally stops “running” from his past and when he confronts
it.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Seems happy, clearly sensitive: gazing at stars;
Yelling at the stars
Smiles before he roars (“Remember…”)
Seems relieved, united…doing the right thing clearly brings prosperity to him and his family (lion
cub at end)
IV.
Finally, Disney stresses this through the symbols of the fire and the skull.
V.
In conclusion, the movie repeatedly drives home the point that facing one’s past is
the best way to move past it.
What’s wrong here?
On the other hand, the movie makes clear which characters are
giving bad advice. For example, after murdering Mufasa and placing
the blame squarely on Simba, Scar tells his nephew to “’Run away!
Run away and never return!’” Similarly, Simba’s friend Timon tells
Simba after their first meeting that “when the world turns its back on
you, you turn your back on the world.”
What’s wrong here?
On the other hand, the movie makes clear which
characters are giving bad advice. For example, after
murdering Mufasa and placing the blame squarely on
Simba, Scar tells his nephew to “’Run away! Run away
and never return!’” The reader knows not to believe
Scar not just because he’s a murderer, but also because
he has a secret, malevolent agenda behind his
instructions: to take over the throne. Similarly, Simba’s
friend Timon tells Simba after their first meeting that
“when the world turns its back on you, you turn your
back on the world.”
What’s wrong here?
On the other hand, the movie makes clear which characters
are giving bad advice. For example, after murdering Mufasa and
placing the blame squarely on Simba, Scar tells his nephew to
“’Run away! Run away and never return!’” The reader knows not
to believe Scar not just because he’s a murderer, but also
because he has a secret, malevolent agenda behind his
instructions: to take over the throne. Similarly, Simba’s friend
Timon tells Simba after their first meeting that “when the world
turns its back on you, you turn your back on the world.” Timon is
clearly unreliable as well. For one, he takes credit for Pumba’s
idea that “maybe [Simba] can be on our own side” after
dismissing it as “the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” In addition,
he arrogantly says he knows that stars are really fireflies stuck in
the sky, and chides Pumba for thinking they’re actually “balls of
gas.”
Notice: I explain evidence that needs to be explained. Ask yourself, how does this
evidence support your topic sentence?
What’s wrong here?
On the other hand, the movie makes clear which characters are
giving bad advice. For example, after murdering Mufasa and placing
the blame squarely on Simba, Scar tells his nephew to “’Run away!
Run away and never return!’” The reader knows not to believe Scar
not just because he’s a murderer, but also because he has a secret,
malevolent agenda behind his instructions: to take over the throne.
Similarly, Simba’s friend Timon tells Simba after their first meeting
that “when the world turns its back on you, you turn your back on the
world.” Timon is clearly unreliable as well. For one, he takes credit for
Pumba’s idea that “maybe [Simba] can be on our own side” after
dismissing it as “the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” In addition, he
arrogantly says he knows that stars are really fireflies stuck in the sky,
and chides Pumba for thinking they’re actually “balls of gas.” This
shows that even though these two characters tell Simba to run away
from his past, because of their unreliability, the reader can presume
they’re giving bad advice; in short, Simba should follow the opposite.
Notice: Finally, I connect the whole paragraph/all the evidence back to the thesis.
Examples - What’s wrong here?
Finally, the movie makes clear that Simba is
happier after he confronts the past. For
example, . in the final scene, when all the
animals have gathered for the presentation of
his new son, Simba is clearly smiling. He’s also
surrounded by his family and friends—Sarabi,
Nala, Timon, Pumba and Rafiki. Even before
that, immediately after Scar is killed and Mufasa
lets out a “Remember!” from the sky, Simba lets
out a small smile.
Examples - What’s wrong here?
Finally, the movie makes clear that Simba is
happier after he confronts the past. For example, .
in the final scene, when all the animals have
gathered for the presentation of his new son, Simba
is clearly smiling. He’s also surrounded by his family
and friends—Sarabi, Nala, Timon, Pumba and
Rafiki. Even before that, immediately after Scar is
killed and Mufasa lets out a “Remember!” from the
sky, Simba lets out a small smile. While it looks like
a smile of relief more than happiness—showing
that the pained past will always be with him—it’s
still shows he’s moving on.
Examples - What’s wrong here?
Finally, the movie makes clear that Simba is happier after he confronts
the past. For example, . in the final scene, when all the animals have gathered
for the presentation of his new son, Simba is clearly smiling. He’s also
surrounded by his family and friends—Sarabi, Nala, Timon, Pumba and Rafiki.
Even before that, immediately after Scar is killed and Mufasa lets out a
“Remember!” from the sky, Simba lets out a small smile. While it looks like a
smile of relief more than happiness—showing that the pained past will always
be with him—it’s still shows he’s moving on. On the other hand, when he’s
with Timon and Pumba, it seems that he’s all “hakuna matata”—”no
worries”—but in reality he’s riddled by guilt underneath. When Timon and
Pumba accidentally make fun of his dad when they’re talking about stars, for
example, Simba laughs nervously, then goes off alone. When Nala runs into
him and says his mom will be surprised to know he’s alive, Simba responds
timidly with “She doesn’t have to know.” He later snaps at Nala when she
prods him to return, showing how his nervousness turns to anger.
Examples - What’s wrong here?
Finally, the movie makes clear that Simba is happier after he confronts
the past. For example, . in the final scene, when all the animals have gathered
for the presentation of his new son, Simba is clearly smiling. He’s also
surrounded by his family and friends—Sarabi, Nala, Timon, Pumba and Rafiki.
Even before that, immediately after Scar is killed and Mufasa lets out a
“Remember!” from the sky, Simba lets out a small smile. While it looks like a
smile of relief more than happiness—showing that the pained past will always
be with him—it’s still shows he’s moving on.
On the other hand, when he’s with Timon and Pumba, it seems that he’s
all “hakuna matata”—”no worries”—but in reality he’s riddled by guilt
underneath. When Timon and Pumba accidentally make fun of his dad when
they’re talking about stars, for example, Simba laughs nervously, then goes off
alone. When Nala runs into him and says his mom will be surprised to know
he’s alive, Simba responds timidly with “She doesn’t have to know.” He later
snaps at Nala when she prods him to return, showing how his nervousness
turns to anger.
Comparing
• If you are comparing or mentioning two
concepts in your topic sentence, you need to give
examples from both in your evidence:
– If my topic sentence is “One way Anderson shows this
is by stressing that Melinda is much more confident at
the end of the book than at the beginning,” what two
things do I need to mention?
• Examples from his past, and his present (and how they
connect)
– “Roger becomes more savage as the novel
progresses.” What two things do I need to mention?
• How Roger was at the beginning, and how he is different
later on
Symbols
If you are going to use symbols as evidence (as you
should), you can’t just list them. You need to
answer:
– What do you think it symbolizes?
– Why do you think that? (2+ examples would help!)
– Why is it important? (How does it support your
thesis/topic sentence?)
Symbols
The various symbols in the movie also convey that the pain of
the past can only “wash away” when one confronts it. For example,
as Simba is walking up Pride Rock to finally take his place as king, the
frame jumps to a skull of a wildebeest washing away with the rain.
The skull symbolizes the pain of the past washing away, not only
because it happens as Simba is walking up Pride Rock to finally
accept his past and his responsibilities as king, but also because it’s a
direct reminder of his father’s death—skulls are a universal symbol
for death—and the wildebeest stampede that precipitated that
death. Since this skull only washes away once Simba has faced his
guilt, admitted his perceived mistakes and accepted his
responsibility, Keyes reinforces the notion that one can only move
on from the pain of the past when one faces it.
Symbols
• In your groups, using the book, write a
paragraph about one of the symbols in your
book, explaining how it could support a
theme:
– 9th Grade: the tree/seeds, mirrors, Scarlet
Letter/Hawthorne, snow/winter, Maya Angelou
– 10th Grade: the conch shell, Piggy’s glasses, Jack’s
spear, Simon
Brief Introduction to Quotes
• Choose quotes that are appropriate—you have a whole book of quotes
there
• Use a quote to explain/as evidence less to explain it after.
• If you’re quoting a character speaking, you need to use nested or double
quotes
– Charlotte is the only character who has this enthusiastic benevolence:
“Charlotte grinned. ‘I’ll build a web for you’” (93).
• Quotes should be transitioned into.
– This is not okay:
• “’Run away.’” “’If you ever come back, we’ll kill you!’”
– This is:
• This is made clear when Scar tells Simba to “’run away!’” (40:10). Similarly, the hyenas
shout to him, “’If you ever come back, we’ll kill you!’” (41:58).
• Ralph repeatedly prods the littluns to follow the rules: “If we don’t follow the rules, we’ll
never be rescued!” (183).
• “That’s really dirty. If you’re taken short you go right along the beach to the rocks” (86).
Final Thoughts on Evidence
• All these things I’m teaching are meant to be
guidelines. Once you start to master them,
you can experiment with twisting them.
– You can’t speed until you learn how to drive
(hopefully)
– Picasso learned to paint “realistically” before he
experimented with Cubism.
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Transitions Review
Transitions
• A transition is like a bridge in between your examples
and your paragraphs. 95% of examples will have a
transition between them (basically, every time you
have a new piece of evidence, you need a transition).
Transitions
I want to cross
the
Yum! Thank
river to eat that
you, friend!
yummy meat
• Transitions
makebut
the reader happy Aren’t
and I so
there’sthem
no bridge!
prevent
fromgetting wet!
cute?
Finally, …
2nd
paragraph!
3nd paragraph!
Transitions
• Transitions make the reader happy and
prevent them from getting wet!
Finally, …
2nd
paragraph!
3nd paragraph!
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Common Errors
Past vs. Present
• When you’re talking about the events in a fiction
book, use the present tense—it’s happening now,
whenever the reader reads the book, it’s
happening now.
• When you’re talking about something that
happened before the timeline of the book, use
the past.
– In the beginning of the book, Ralph grabs the conch
shell. Heather “dumps” Melinda. Mr. Freeman paints.
– When Melinda was a kid, her dad took her applepicking. Piggy constantly mentions that his auntie told
him not to run.
Common Errors
• Formal:
– Don’t use “you” or give your opinion “I think”
• Using “you” is like going to a formal prom in a ripped
Hawaiian shirt.
• Prepositions:
– On (top of) the island; not in(side) it
– On (top of) the page, not in(side) it
– In the book…
• Which = cual
• Who=quien
– Jack, who is corrupt, holds onto power with fear.
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Introductions
Introductions
Think of your introduction as a movie trailer,
giving a quick preview of the text and making us
excited about it. An intro has a:
• Hook: A question, an image, a quote or a
general/”many” statement.
• Background/Summary of Problem: Give just
enough background—introduce the question:
What do you think the reader needs to know
about this topic?
• Thesis: Your argument.
The Hook
You can often hook in your reader with a question, a quote,
a general/”many” statement or an “image”. An image or
general statement are usually the most advanced of
hooks.
• What causes people to run away from their past? Like
many people, Simba in The Lion King runs away because
he’s afraid of his past.
• John Quincy Adams once said, “Who we are…is who we
were.” This statement is applicable to the movie The Lion
King, where Simba tries but fails to escape his past. [the
quote could also come from the book!]
• All people have events in their past they are not proud of,
that they’d like to forget about. This idea is very present
in The Lion King.
• A murdered father. A guilty conscience. A constant echo
of the past. In The Lion King, the character Simba has to
deal with all of these.
– For the image, think of the results that would show up if you
“Google Imaged” your topic.
Background
(Summary of Problem)
• You’ll want to describe the problem in a
sentence or two, but no more (details go in
your body paragraphs). Ask yourself, what
extra information does your reader need to
know?
– Mention the author and the title of the book (if
you haven’t already)
– Introduce the topic/question. What aspect of the
book will you be focusing on?
My Lion King Intro
All people have events in their past they are not proud
of, that they’d like to forget about. This idea is very
present in Walt Disney’s The Lion King. Overwhelmed by
guilt from the death of his father, Simba leaves Pride Rock
to find solace in physical escape. In the end, though, he
only discovers that the pain—and even people—from his
past keep appearing. In The Lion King, Disney argues that
one can’t move on from their past until he confronts it.
He does this by differentiating between characters giving
good advice and bad advice, by comparing Simba’s
happiness at the end with his sadness in the middle, and
through the symbols of the fire and the skull.
More Complicated Intro
Categorizing the way one sees the world is part and parcel
of being human. Before the Crusades, the Jews of Christian
Europe lived as a minority classified predominately as a
theological outsider, one blind to the truth of Christianity.
Theologically aberrant but capable of “enlightenment”; a
small annoyance for some, but a close associate, if not a
friend, to many. Then there was a change. After the First
Crusade, however, a massive deluge of antagonistic
sentiments and repressed anger clouded the popular Christian
mind’s attitude toward the Jews, as made clear by the artwork
and contemporary accounts of this period. No longer were
they just harmless, no longer were they just theologically
aberrant. Due to increased religious fervor and the ruthless
demonization of the Jews after the Crusades, by the end of
the Black Death anti-Judaism as a theological construct had
been superimposed by a racially constructed anti-Semitism.
More Complicated Intro
“The treatises of Aristotle on logic…are to be read in the regular and not
the extraordinary courses. The two Priscians [works of a Roman
grammarian]…are also be read in the schools in the regular courses. On the
feast-days nothing is to be read except philosophy, rhetoric [and the]
quadrivialia [arithmetic, geometry, astronomy and music]” (Wiesner, 119). In
this selection of a few of the edicts issued for the University of Paris, a
preoccupation with classical works and modes of thinking is more than
evident. Yet this was written long before the supposed “rebirth” of Greek and
Roman ideas. In the midst of the so-called “Dark Ages,” three hundred years
before Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine ceiling signified the peak of the
High Renaissance, scholars, monks and intellectuals pored over countless
ancient texts. Many of the institutions and ideas that are staples of modern
society were forged in this era. The Middle Ages brought upon further
fundamental changes in politics, economics and theology, changes that would
radically and forever alter the European landscape. Contrary to popular belief,
the Renaissance was not a rebirth of classical ideas, but rather a continuation
of advances made in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, advances that would
lay the early foundations of a modern Europe.
Writing A Strong Literary Essay
Conclusions
Conclusions
• Your conclusion is where you summarize your main
points, make connections to the outside world, and
drive home why this information is important.
• You don’t introduce any new evidence from your book.
• In a sense, it’s like an upside-down introduction
– Restating the thesis (in different words!)
– Briefly recapping what was discussed in the topic
sentences (in different words!)
– Making a connection to the reader or world in general
– The clincher (often a part of making a connection)
Restate the Thesis
(in a slightly different way)
• In The Lion King, Keyes argues that one can’t move on
from the past until he confronts it.
– In conclusion, Keyes stresses that only by facing one’s past
demons can one truly look to the future.
• While the character Charlotte is the epitome of
friendship, the character of Wilbur represents
cowardice and inaction.
– In conclusion, Wilbur, with his indecision and spinelessness,
is lucky to have such a helpful and diligent friend.
• The theme of The Princess Bride is that to be successful,
one must always follow one’s dreams.
– In conclusion, Goldman argues that one can only achieve
happiness and fulfillment when he commits to his goals.
Restate Your Reasons
(in a slightly different way)
1) One way Keyes accomplishes this is by highlighting
which characters are giving good advice.
2) On the other hand, the movie makes clear which
characters are giving bad advice.
3) Finally, the movie makes clear that Simba is happier
after he confronts the past.
He drives home this point with symbolism, by
differentiating between good and bad advice, and by
highlighting that Simba is more fulfilled after facing his
traumatic childhood.
Make a Connection
• Make a connection. How does this apply (or how
is relevant?) to the world in general? Why is it
important? What can the reader do with this
information? (Don’t use “you”)
– How can the theme “One has to confront your past
before you move on from it” be applicable?
• This movie is a perfect wake-up call to the millions of people
who continue to be stunted because of trauma or guilt from
their past; therapists’ offices are full of people who are now
just finally dealing with their past. With this movie, Keyes
asserts that it’s important to deal with it right away, instead
of the increased pain that comes from running away from it.
Clincher/Final Sentence
• It’s hard to explain how to do a strong final statement.
Much of it is just being able to “hear” the sound. The
statement needs to leave a strong “taste” in the reader’s
“mouth.” Just like a chef learns to figure out just what a
recipe needs by practice, you’ll learn as you mature what
will make the best final statement.
• Ask yourself, what do you want to leave the reader with?
What does the theme of this book or the way these
characters act say about how we should live?
• Like a hook, it can be a rhetorical question, a quote, or an
optimistic or pessimistic broad/general statement—often
considering what lies ahead for humans (one of “hope or
despair”). What will happen if we don’t take heed of
the author’s theme? or What will happen if we do take
heed of the author’s theme?
Potential Clinchers
(and some connections)
• To quote John Quincy Adams, “who we are…is who we were.” The more
people accept this, the healthier we’ll be as a society.
• Society as a whole would be a lot healthier if people accepted, to quote
John Quincy Adams, that “who we are…is who we were.”
• In a sense, Simba becomes a metaphor for all people who are dealing with
past pain, abuse, and guilt—and a pathway for those who want to move
on from it.
• Those who, like Simba, run away from their past would be wise to learn
from the movie, lest they not only continue to suffer, but even worse pass
that same suffering onto others. As George Santayana aptly said, “Those
who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
• Perhaps by heeding Simba’s example, people as a whole will stop taking
their anger, their fears, and their guilt out on others. What a wonderful
world that would be!
• By ignoring Simba’s example, people are much more likely to take that
past anger, fear, and guilt out on other people.
Conclusion Don’ts!
• Don’t introduce new evidence from the book in your
conclusion. A new connection is okay, but you shouldn’t
introduce new evidence from the book.
- I should never see “for example” in your conclusion
• Don’t contradict what you said before.
– If you’ve said in your body paragraphs that “Golding
argues that humans are savage” or that “The theme is
the past will always be with us,” don’t say in your
conclusion, “Maybe he also thought humans were
good” or “He’s saying sometimes the past isn’t always
with us.”
Potential Conclusion
In conclusion, Keyes stresses that only by facing one’s
past demons can one truly look to the future. He drives
home this point with symbolism, by differentiating
between good and bad advice, and making clear that
Simba is happier after confronting his traumatic
childhood. This movie is a perfect wake-up call to many
people who continue to be stunted because of trauma or
guilt from their past; therapists’ offices are full of people
who are now just finally dealing with their past. To quote
John Quincy Adams, “who we are…is who we were.” The
more people accept this, the healthier we’ll be as a
society.
Sample Conclusions
• Though not an exemplary example of Northern technique,
Bouts’ Virgin and Child Enthroned easily contrasts in many
respects with Tomasso’s Virgin Adoring the Christ Child with
Saint John the Baptist and Two Angels (Wall Panel, LACMA).
Both Northern and Italian styles evolved separately in
accordance with the ideals and values their respective
people held dear in paintings. The Flemish were more
interested in artistic dexterity while the Italians focused on
humanistic ideals. However, as the Renaissance progressed,
these styles and ideas intermixed in a conglomeration of
artistic talent. Neither painting is a pure unblemished
example of either style, but they need not be. The true
masters of the Renaissance were able to combine the best
of both worlds.
Sample Conclusions
• Both “Young Goodman Brown” and Frankenstein utilize the basic elements
of literature to deliver their themes to the reader, yet each author is
inherently distinct in his approach to this task. Multiple elaborate themes
are compensated in the novel by more abundant plot twists, plastic
characters, embellished details and an overall greater length. Because it is
more succinct, the short story is also more efficient in its recounting of
action. On the other hand, a novel can enthrall the reader for hours at a
time in a realm where genuine characters interact with three-dimensional
people in well-described settings. It is an ephemeral world where plot,
personalities, tone, themes, and environments constantly change to
maintain the reader’s attention and to relate the more complicated tale.
However, the writer of the short story is as much a genius in his own
fashion as the novelist is. Both are masters of the English language, both
weave a fictitious tale and both have a common purpose: to enlighten the
masses with their pen, to teach the world with their voice, to light the fire
of knowledge in the hearts of mankind with their words. For all intents
and purposes, the writer is more of a “Modern Prometheus” than Victor
Frankenstein ever was.
Sample Conclusions
Roth does not necessarily attack religious ceremony, and by no means
calls for an end to religion. Nor does he condemn a kosher diet (being Jewish
himself). Instead, he warns against taking such religious traditions (not just
those of Judaism) too far, where they harmfully and unfairly encroach on the
lives of others. Most of Grossbart’s requests, which might initially seem
innocent, become condemnable both because the non-Jewish privates
apparently do not receive the same privileges and because a world war is still
raging. Grossbart himself puts it best when he writes in his second forged
letter, “the religious thing to do—what God Himself would want…—would be
to suffer the pangs of religious remorse for the good of…country and all
mankind” (129). Faith is a mindset, not dependent on superficial ceremony. A
state, however, is a physical, secular entity with the charge of physically
protecting its people. As witnessed by those alive when this story takes place,
all the praying in the world will not stop a tyrant’s military machine, but a
state that has the full faithful backing of its citizens at the least has a prayer.
Sample Conclusions
Thesis: By depicting the clash between Tess’ internal and external beauty and a truly brutal world,
Hardy portrays nature as utterly savage, fate as randomly destructive and brutality as
overwhelmingly victorious.
In pitting the external and internal beauty of Tess against human
brutality, Hardy progresses his own belief that nature—both human and
otherwise—is unresponsive to human desire and vicious to any and everyone,
without regard to past, class, or character. A pristine appearance and
personality is readily cursed and corrupted by a world that fosters brutality
from all sides, from the Alec’s to the Angel’s. Bad things can happen to good
people, and, as Hardy explains, no explanation exists for such common
circumstances. As the dark flag rises in the closing pages, signaling Tess’
death, the reader sees the tragic end to a beautiful and innocent maiden who
has been violated, abandoned and finally executed by a world that has no
sympathy for her cause, nor that of any other human. As Tess cries toward the
end of the novel, “Once the victim, always the victim—that’s the law!” (326).
Unfortunately for this descendant of the d’Urbervilles, this law was rigidly
upheld.
Sample Conclusions
Thesis: By relating the enormous casualties, savagery, and “demented” (line 7) aural hell of the
trenches, Owen condemns war as inglorious and inhumane.
With careful manipulation, Owen presents a gruesome
image of a war that shattered traditional perceptions of
honor, tainted the idealization of battle, and laid waste to a
country’s youth. Once death becomes routine, it is no longer a
war: it is a senseless slaughter. When the true motive behind
the war is forgotten, it becomes a war that need not be
fought. His disillusionment with such conflict reflected the
sentiments of a generation rapidly stripped of its innocence.
Unfortunately, Wilfred Owen would never live to see his work
published. Instead, he became another casualty in a war of
epic human proportions, and epic inhuman loss.