ANALYTICAL ESSAY
LORD OF THE FLIES
What is a central idea?
The central idea is the central, unifying
element of the story, which ties
together all of the other elements of
fiction used by the author to tell the
story. The central idea can be best
described as the dominant impression
or the universal, generic truth found in
the story.
Hmm, that
sounds like
theme!
How to come up with your thesis statement
In your opening paragraph, you should include a thesis statement that
clearly states:
• The central idea
• Your view on it
• How its used in the text.
CENTRAL IDEA
Example: Golding’s novel, Lord of the Flies, demonstrates human nature
as innately corrupt and savage. This central idea is substantiated
through his use of symbolism, characterization, and theme.
HOW IT’S USED IN THE TEXT
DO NOW: Come up with
your thesis statement on
human nature in Lord of
the Flies.
Opening Paragraphs
Your opening paragraph should:
• Introduce your topic
• Create interest for the reader
• Provide your thesis statement/central idea
• Preview your essay
DO NOW: Write your
opening paragraph for
your analytical essay on
Lord of the Flies.
WELL DEVELOPED PARAGRAPHS INCLUDE:
ICE, ICE
BABY
• TS: A strong topic sentence(s) that provide the focus for the paragraph
o This can be 1-2 sentences
• I: An introduction to a quote
o Every time you use a quote it should be introduced
o How does the quote you’re going to use relate to the TS?
o This can be 1-2 sentences
• C: Cite a quote/ piece of text evidence
• E: Explain the quote in your own words (1-2 sentences)
• CO: A conclusion sentence(s)
o Wrap up the main point of your paragraph
Sample Body Paragraph
Golding employs the use of symbolism throughout the novel to
TS demonstrate the innate nature of the both the boys and society at
large. One recurrent symbol is the beast; although it doesn’t physically
exist, it becomes an idea that constantly appears when the boys
I transition from civilized to savage. Through the duration of the story, the
boys fear the beast, although it is themselves that they should be
fearing. Simon, however, is the only boy that realizes this when he
imagines the beast saying “You knew, didn’t you? I’m a part of you”
and then again when as he hears it say “Fancy thinking the beast was
C
something you could hunt and kill” (Golding 200).
This severed head of the sow, although not really
speaking to Simon, tells him that the beast cannot be
E
killed because it lives within each of them. The beast that
the boys should fear is their own human nature. The idea
of the beast, along with the physical representation of the
sow’s head on the stick, serves as a powerful symbol to
CO represent the barbaric aspects of human nature that lives
inside each boy on the island, and from Golding’s
perspective, each one of us.
DO NOW: Begin
st
working on your 1
paragraph.
Conclusion Paragraphs
Your conclusion paragraph should be strong, as it is your last
chance to make an impression on the reader. You should not
introduce any new information in your conclusion paragraph,
but instead sum up everything you’ve written. Conclusion
paragraphs should:
• Restate the thesis statement
• Summarize the three body paragraphs
• Leave your reader with a lasting final impression