1. Using Lit Devices in Essays

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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
_________?

8. 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 _________.

9. 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.

10. 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).