Literary Abstract It’s only two paragraphs…

What is a Literary Abstract? Literary: writing about how a piece of literature is written. Literary: writing about how a piece of literature is written. Literary: Linking literary terms to the theme Literary: Linking literary terms to the theme Abstract: An abbreviated paper…in this case just two paragraphs. Abstract: An abbreviated paper…in this case just two paragraphs.

Where to start… You need to start by selecting a literary element that helps show a theme from Oedipus Rex. You need to start by selecting a literary element that helps show a theme from Oedipus Rex. Literary elements: Literary elements: Motifs Sight vs. Blindness symbolism Characterization Oedipus’ pride and anger

Themes Humans willingly ignore the truth. Humans willingly ignore the truth. The pride of human nature leads to tragic results The pride of human nature leads to tragic results

The Introduction Paragraph This is a normal introduction paragraph. This is a normal introduction paragraph. Your attention-getter should touch on your theme. But DON’T mention the play yet. Your attention-getter should touch on your theme. But DON’T mention the play yet. Then introduce your theme. Then introduce your theme. Then make a connection to Oedipus Rex. Then make a connection to Oedipus Rex. Next, you need a summary of the play. Next, you need a summary of the play. Last you need to end with a thesis statement. Last you need to end with a thesis statement. Should be around 200 words. Should be around 200 words.

Thesis Statement The last sentence of the introduction paragraph that tells exactly what your paper is about. The last sentence of the introduction paragraph that tells exactly what your paper is about. Must be a definitive statement that is arguable. Must be a definitive statement that is arguable. “In the play Oedipus Rex Sophocles uses _________ to show __________. “In the play Oedipus Rex Sophocles uses _________ to show __________. (Literary term) (Theme) (Literary term) (Theme)

Body Paragraph This is where you prove your thesis. This is where you prove your thesis. This is a normal body paragraph. This is a normal body paragraph. Must start with a topic sentence (in this case, it will be very similar to your thesis statement). Must start with a topic sentence (in this case, it will be very similar to your thesis statement). You must provide three examples from the play to support your thesis. You must provide three examples from the play to support your thesis. End the paragraph with a clincher and a transition to the next paragraph (which won’t exist) End the paragraph with a clincher and a transition to the next paragraph (which won’t exist)

Examples 1. First tell me the context of the example: when it happens, who said it (if it’s dialogue), why it happened 2. Provide a quote, summary, or paraphrase – MUST BE CITED! 3. Explain how the example proves your thesis.

Example… Thesis: In Oedipus Rex Sophocles uses irony to emphasize Oedipus’ tragic nature. Because the ancient Greeks already knew the story of Oedipus and how it ends, a lot of what Oedipus says is ironic. During Act I Oedipus makes a decree describing what will happen to the murderer of Liaus when he is caught. He also explains how serious he is about finding this killer. Oedipus says, “I will fight for him [Liaus] as I would fight for my own father” ( ). Since the people know that Oedipus actually is fighting for his father, this ironic statement makes Oedipus all the more a pitiful and tragic figure.

Tips… When you quote a poem always put a slash (/) between words where the line ends. When you quote a poem always put a slash (/) between words where the line ends. Ex. “Oedipus, whose name / Is greatest known and greatest feared” (7-8). When citing a poem, provide the lines quoted in parenthesis. When citing a poem, provide the lines quoted in parenthesis. The period always goes on the outside of the parenthesis. The period always goes on the outside of the parenthesis. With a new line of poetry, capitalize the first letter. With a new line of poetry, capitalize the first letter.

Tips… Make the quote part of another sentence rather than just its own sentence. Make the quote part of another sentence rather than just its own sentence. Ex. When Oedipus makes his decree he includes himself saying, “If I [Oedipus] give him shelter, knowing who / He is… / I ask this punishment for myself” ( ). For extra content needed to understand a quote, use [brackets]. For extra content needed to understand a quote, use [brackets]. For content you are taking out, use ellipsis (…) For content you are taking out, use ellipsis (…)

The Tip de Jour… NEVER use the word “example” when referring to an example! NEVER use the word “example” when referring to an example! Ex. The Chorus in Oedipus Rex is very smart. One example of that would be when they say, “His fury mastered him” (545). BAD!

The Tip de Jour Instead do it like this: Instead do it like this: Ex.In Oedipus Rex the Chorus is very smart. After the argument between Oedipus and Creon, it is the Chorus that realizes that what was spoken was done so in anger as they tell Creon “His fury mastered him; / Perhaps he did not mean the charge” ( ). GOOD!