Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature. Jonas’s acquisition of memories is a metaphor for way to depict teenage transition into adulthood. In The Scarlett Letter, author Nathaniel Hawthorne depicts Pearl as alien to her society until her father acknowledges her.

A literary essay is a critical analysis of a book A literary essay is a critical analysis of a book. Analysis means to break down and study the parts. Writing a critical paper requires two steps: critical reading and critical writing.  Literary Essay

What does the shape of a literary essay look like?

Do not go Rogue! Section 1: Introduction Paragraph Introduce the topic Give 3-4 supporting ideas. THESIS STATEMENT Section 2: First supportive idea. Topic sentence Evidence Explanation Concluding sentence Section 3: Second supportive idea. Same structure as Section 2 Section 4: Third supportive idea. Section 5: Conclusion Restate your thesis. Recap your 3-4 supporting ideas Give an overall conclusion Do not go Rogue!

Thesis Statements

Your thesis statement must directly answer the question given by your teacher. Gather all evidence from the book, without bias. Consider both sides of a controversial issue. Form an opinion and state it clearly. Once you have the topic question, a clear position, and objectivity, you're ready to write a thesis statement.  A thesis statement should never contain the following: in my opinion, I think, I believe, etc. 

DO NOT LET THIS BE YOU!

A good thesis statement is short and simple: it should be no longer than one sentence, regardless of essay length. Good Example: Success is a result of doing the right things consistently. Bad Example: In a world full of success gurus and books about success, it becomes ever so more important to delineate the one trait that ultimately determines success: doing the right things consistently. A good thesis statement is limited to one main idea. Good example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal. Bad example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a business and coaching a football team. A good thesis statement is a declarative sentence with no qualifiers (might, maybe, perhaps, etc.): Good example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player. Bad example: Does Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound make him the league's most valuable player? Bad Example: Lebron James' ability to score, pass, and rebound just might make him the league's most valuable player. A good thesis statement is: 1.Short and simple. 2. One sentence long. 3. No “maybes”.

Reading Group Discussions How is social class differentiated in the town of Maycomb? Cumminghams, Ewells, Finches, Radleys, Miss Caroline