1. How to Write an Essay about Literature
Essay Prompt: Identify a theme in the passage and explain how the characters help to develop the theme.

2. First, brainstorm a theme to use as your thesis statement.
(Example from “Daedalus and Icarus”)
Good: Listen to your parents.
Does it fit the story? (Yes)
Does it apply to most people? (Somewhat, but not all parents give good advice.)
Better: Listen to those who are wiser than you and care about you.
Does it apply to most people? (Yes)

3. Next, write an introduction that includes the title and author of the passage, a brief summary of the passage as it relates to the theme, and your thesis statement.
In the myth “Daedalus and Icarus,” excerpted from Metamorphoses by Ovid, a man and his son are trapped in exile on an island. They attempt to escape by flying, but the son, Icarus, does not follow his father’s instructions and thus experiences tragic results. This story teaches readers to obey people who care about them and are wiser than them so that they will not experience similar consequences.

4. Next, identify information that can be developed further in your body paragraph.
In the myth “Daedalus and Icarus,” excerpted from Metamorphoses by Ovid, a man and his son are trapped in exile on an island. They attempt to escape by flying, but the son, Icarus, does not follow his father’s instructions and thus experiences tragic results. This story teaches readers to obey people who care about them and are wiser than them so that they will not experience similar consequences.

5. Then, find and highlight information in the original text (“The Transformation of Arachne into a Spider” for your essay) that supports your thesis. In the margin of the text, write the phrase from your introduction that you are supporting. (See partially completed example.)

6. Now that you’ve found your evidence, make a plan for which information/evidence you will include in each body paragraph. (Note: The numbers in parentheses should not be written in your final paper. They represent body paragraph numbers and are just a guide to help you plan the remainder of your essay. As an alternative, you could number the evidence you highlighted in the passage instead.)
In the myth “Daedalus and Icarus,” excerpted from Metamorphoses by Ovid, a man and his son are trapped in exile on an island. They attempt to escape by flying, but the son, Icarus, does not follow (2) his father’s instructions (1) and thus experiences tragic results (2). This story teaches readers to obey people (1) who care about them (1) and are wiser (1) than them so that they will not experience similar consequences.

7. Options for Using Evidence in Paragraphs
Before or as you write your body paragraphs, you will need to think about the best way to incorporate each piece of evidence.
Options for Using Evidence in Paragraphs
Quote (copy word-for-word) sentences
Quote individual words or phrases within your own sentence
Paraphrase (put entirely in your own words)

8. Evidence (quote or paraphrase with citation) Explanation of evidence
Finally, write your body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should include the following:
A transition
A topic sentence
Evidence (quote or paraphrase with citation)
Explanation of evidence
A closing sentence that relates back to the theme.
Note: Some of these items can be combined in the same sentence.

9. Example Body Paragraph
From the beginning of the story, it is clear that Daedalus is a wise and caring parent whose advice should be taken seriously. Before Daedalus and Icarus begin their escape, Daedalus gives Icarus instructions for their flight: “My son, I caution you to keep the middle way, for if your pinions dip too low the waters may impede your flight; and if they soar too high the sun may scorch them” (lines ). These instructions show that Daedalus cares about Icarus’s well-being. Daedalus further exhibits his concern through his “trembling hands,” his falling “tears,” and a “last kiss” to Icarus before they depart (lines ). Daedalus’s instructions also show that Daedalus is very wise because he foresees potential danger. His wisdom is also evidenced by the fact that he built the wings that they used to escape (lines ). Because Daedalus is a wise father who clearly loves Icarus, Icarus would be wise to follow his father’s instructions.