Using Lit Devices in Essays

Typical Thesis Structure Author uses… (some pattern in the novel) to reveal (theme – message about big idea) because… (clause explaining logic of the theme).

Example from OFK T.H. White uses Wart’s experiences with animal adventures in Book I to suggest education helps develop personal judgment and decision-making because it allows a person to make correct choices based on informed experience rather than impulse.

How do we incorporate the lit. device? For this essay, you MUST use either juxtaposition or symbolism as a basis for your theme. … what’s that mean? You must use the word “juxtaposition” or “symbolism” and in the pattern position of your thesis statement. The juxtaposition/symbolism IS your pattern.

What would that look like in a thesis …with juxtaposition? Alan Paton uses… the juxtaposition of Johannesburg with Ndotsheni to reveal… (theme) (because statement)

What would that look like in a thesis …with symbolism? Alan Paton uses… Clothing to symbolize ________ to suggest… (theme) (because statement)

How to do this in paragraphs … for juxtaposition? You juxtapose aspects of the two elements you’re comparing. You could write a paragraph comparing… Wealth Social structure Cooperation Crime _________?

How to do this in paragraphs … for symbolism? Track the symbol throughout the novel. Paragraph 1: It appears here, symbolizing _____. Paton uses it here to show us ___________. Paragraph 2: It also appears here ________. This agrees with / interrupts that pattern because Paton puts it there to show us _________.

What about topic sentences? Think of the jobs you’re doing. You have to… Show me the literary device happening in a specific part of the novel. So name the literary device in your topic sentence each time. Mirror the theme using the book. Don’t forget to stay specific to the scene/section you’re discussing.

Pseduo-Topic Sentence Examples Juxtaposition: Paton juxtaposes the wealth of Ndotsheni and the poverty in Johannesburg which exposes that the wealth of Ndotsheni has caused the community to _________ (mirror theme). Symbolism: When Gertrude’s clothing appears ________ (specific spot in the book) representing ____________ (connect to your symbolism), the community of Ndotsheni is revealed as __________ (mirror theme).