Typical Format for a Writing Topic on a Literature Passage  Using Chapter 14:  Discuss Pip’s state of mind in Chapter 14.  How does Dickens reveal Pip’s guilt in Chapter 14.  Identify the tone of Chapter 14 and discuss how Dickens reveals that tone.

Writing the Introduction  Create a minimum three sentence introduction. First Sentence: Theme sentence  The theme of your sentence refers to the general topic. For example, love is a general topic. Conflict or struggle is another general topic. Second Sentence: More “stuff” on theme  “More Stuff” refers to a continuation of the theme. Third Sentence: Thesis sentence  Confirms the subject of the essay and what the writer will prove in the essay.

Student Sample  (Theme) Bravery cannot exist where defense of the weak is easy. (More stuff) Often, in order to help others, a hero must be willing to act in ways that are frightening. (Thesis) In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling, Harry risks his life so that he can be a champion for the underdog.

 NOTE: The first two sentences do NOT mention the literature – in any manner.

Sometimes, a simple experience can help a person see life in a different way. With a new perspective a person is able to better understand himself and others. In the short story, "The Beginning of Something" by Sue Ellen Bridgers, a humbling occasion changes Roseanne, the story’s central character, from a self- centered young girl, to a compassionate and giving young woman.

 A person’s true nature is not revealed until the values by which he lives are challenged. These temptations often test a person’s moral convictions. In Act II, Scene iii of Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Macbeth’s ethical judgment is challenged by his desires to succeed.

It’s Your Turn  Writing Prompt:  Discuss Pip’s state of mind in Chapter 14.  Develop a quick thesis statement.  Consider the theme of your essay.  Develop a three-sentence introduction.  First Sentence: Theme sentence  The theme of your sentence refers to the general topic. For example, love is a general topic. Conflict or struggle is another general topic. Second Sentence: More “stuff” on theme  “More Stuff” refers to a continuation of the theme. Third Sentence: Thesis sentence  Confirms the subject of the essay and what the writer will prove in the essay.

 Circumstances and personal desires do not always align. This disconnect often leads to guilt and insecurity. A similar divide is true for Pip who, in chapter 14 of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, is overcome with disappointment in himself as he struggles to come to terms what he has in life and what he wants.

 One’s mental state is often influenced by circumstances. Situations that are in conflict with personal desires can negatively affect a person’s attitude, leading to a lack of esteem and to an inability to move forward in life. This is true for Pip who, in Chapter 14 of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, is overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy.

Body Paragraphs  Topic Sentence: Subject and Opinion that support the thesis.  Thesis: In chapter 14 of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, Pip, the central character, is overcome with melancholy.  Topic Sentence: Pip no longer sees his home and the forge with youthful idealism and hopefulness.  “had believed”  Contrast: “elegant” “glowing road” became “coarse and common”  comforting and promising became embarrassing and doubtful

Pip no longer sees his home and the forge with youthful idealism and hopefulness. When he speaks of his past, Pip refers to what he “had believed,” highlighting the idealistic view of his home as “elegant” and “glowing.” These images, however, are in contrast to his young adult perception. After his experiences with Miss Havisham and Estella, Pip’s idealism is replaced with doubt and embarrassment. Now his life is “coarse and common.” Closing Sentence Needed.

The Conclusion  Consider your thesis and what you attempted to prove.  Re-read your introduction and the TS of each body paragraph to remind you of your purpose.

 Ask yourself, “What did the author want his readers to understand? Why?”  Take time to brainstorm

 (In this story the author wanted us to realize that…)  (because…)  The following lists possibilities for the first two sentences:  Power corrupts  Man’s capacity for evil  Macbeth’s desires conquer his ethics.  The power that comes with being king is not something from which Macbeth can walk away.

 (In the final analysis)  Macbeth chooses to succumb to his desires and accept a course of evil.

When put to the test, Macbeth is morally weak. He is driven by a desire for power that destroys any saving grace in his character. Shakespeare lures his audience into this web of corruption as Macbeth chooses to succumb to his desires and accept a shocking course of evil.

 Thesis: In chapter 14 of Charles Dickens Great Expectations, Pip, the central character, is overcome with melancholy.  BP’s: hopelessness  longing  fear  Pip’s depressed state of mind in chapter 14 shows his vulnerability. He is unable to rise above his position in life and feels trapped by his environment. The reader feels the weight of Pip’s despair and, like Pip sees no way out of his situation.