Literary Analysis and Interpretive Essay English 2 Honors

Writing from Literature Writing from Literature When you have closely examined a piece of literature, you are able to interpret it—to figure out meanings that are not obvious at first glance. Write an essay that interprets a literary work and helps readers find new meaning or significance in it.

Pre-Writing Read the prompt carefully. Revisit the work you will interpret and make note of passages that relate to the prompt. Try free-writing (or discussing) to find the big idea. Zero in on your focus and write a thesis. Gather evidence to support each key point.

The Thesis Generate a thesis that is an occasion position statement.

The Thesis (Part 1 – Occasion) Occasion – This is a subordinating conjunction clause. It explains the occasion (time and place) in which your thesis will be relevant. (See HD sentence handout for SC sentence starters.)

Example Subordinating Conjunctions for Sentence Starters. after, how, until, although, if, unless, when, as long as, whenever, as much as, now that, where, as soon as, wherever, as though, since, while, so that, before, even if, even though, because, as a result of, once

The Thesis (Part 2 – Positions) Generate a thesis that is an occasion / position statement (3 minutes). Position - Identify the subject. - Verb it. - Finish the thought. Remember – you can use words directly from the prompt.

The Thesis - Example Once Equality becomes aware of the oppressive nature of his society, his independence brings him great joy. Occasion - Once Equality becomes aware of the oppressive nature of his society Position Subject - his independence Verb – brings Finish the Thought - him great joy

Topic Sentences Types of Topic Sentences: 1) Occasion / Position Statements 2) Number Statements 3) However Statements 4) Parallel Structure Statements

Occasion Position Statement Occasion – A subordinating conjunction that explains when or where. Position – Identify the subject, verb it, finish the thought. When Equality escaped into the woods, he became free from his brothers.

Number Statements A number statement is a simple declarative sentence that uses a number word for focus and accuracy. A Few, Only, Seldom, Rarely Several, Plenty of, Numerous, Often, Various, Most, A number of, Frequently Adam and Equality share several similarities.

However Statements A However Statement will often be useful when beginning your counter-argument, but there are many other adverbs you can use. These words can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. However, On the other hand, Although, Even though Equality felt very happy when he discovered electricity; however, this was not the source of his great joy.

Parallel Structure Statements Sometimes using two short simple sentences with the same grammatical pattern can put emphasis on your assertion. Equality is like Adam in action. But he is unlike Adam in thought.

Integrating Quotes (level 1) A simple single quote integration should include a lead in, a quote and a citation with all the proper punctuation. Equality suggested to Liberty, “let us choose our names” (98).

Integrating Quotes (level 2) A complex single quote integrations should include a subordinating conjunction, lead in, quote and citation with all the proper punctuation. After Liberty finds Equality in the forest, she confesses “we have followed you” (82).

Integrating quotes (level 3) A double quote integration includes two very short quotes from the text. They are both surrounded by quotation marks and part of a complete sentence that flows naturally. When Liberty and Equality realized they were free from the confines of their society, they felt “bitterness and triumph” but they did not sense “danger” (82-83).

Commentary Each comment focuses on a specific attribute of the text you quoted (or paraphrased.) Make sure that each comment makes an arguable point and does not summarize what you have quoted. Any follow up comments defend your interpretation with reasons. Use literary terms in your comments.

Examples After Liberty finds Equality in the forest, she confesses “we have followed you” (82). At first, her presence surprises Equality and the readers alike. But as the falling action continues, Liberty becomes the missing puzzle piece to Equality’s true happiness. With the woman he loves by his side, he is finally able to start a society that values the individual.

Tips for Writing the Body Begin by finding the common threads that link your supporting paragraphs to the thesis. Be sure that each paragraph centers on one specific idea. If your idea has developed beyond 10 sentences, separate it into two paragraphs logically. Organize your paragraphs logically and add sophisticated transitions.

Some Sophisticated Transitions consequently clearly, then furthermore additionally in addition moreover because besides that in the same way following this further As a result of

Conclusion Remember to show depth and original thought! Your conclusion should not be long, nor should it be a summary. Make it a justification for reading this piece of literature and analyzing its themes in our modern world.

Example Conclusion In a society where so many of us take our freedom for granted, we tend to lack purpose and motivation. After reading Anthem, …

MLA Format

Homework Completely handwrite or type your draft. We will be in the computer lab on Tuesday proofreading and editing.