1. “Flowers for Algernon”
Literary Analysis
“Flowers for Algernon”
with “Prometheus” or Frankenstein
DUE: March 5, 2019

2. Argumentative Essay
It’s an essay that takes a position on a controversial topic. It gives an opinion and tries to convince others to do something or change their beliefs based on reasonable claims.
In addition to being argumentative, it needs to be interesting.
It is NOT persuasive – stick to logical points only; all claims should focus on sound reasoning

3. Objective is… To identify and support a controversial position.
To change the reader’s point of view.
To identify a counterclaim and provide an effective rebuttal.
Background on analysis.

4. Guiding Questions (choose one)
Should there be limits on scientific experimentation?
Can knowledge be dangerous?
Is the main character successful in accomplishing his ultimate goal?

5. Literary Present/3rd Person
BEFORE we go too far, remember…
You should use formal (3rd person) language in your academic writing
(YES- you CAN give your opinion and still write in 3rd person)
When writing about literature, you should use the present tense, referred to as the “literary present”.

6. Using Quotes in an Essay
Introduce your quote: Quotes can never stand alone!!!
Cite your quote according to MLA guidelines
The author’s last name and page/paragraph number should be in parentheses immediately following the quote
Notice how the punctuation in your cite changes based on your quote introduction.
full sentence intro. : “ ” ( ). or phrase intro. , “ “ ( ).
The monster regrets leaving his home in the forest: “This is not a
real quote; this is a formatting example“ (Shelley 8).
In progress report 12, Charlie explains, “This is not a real quote;
this is a formatting example“ (Keyes 302).

7. Format- 5-paragraph, 3 citations
I. Intro
II. How is ___(your position)__ seen in either “Prometheus” or “Frankenstein”?
A. Claim (topic sentence)
B. Cite (from Q3 text chosen)
C. Clarify
III. How is ____(your position)_____ seen in “Flowers for Algernon”?
B. Cite (from “FFA”)
C. Clarify –identify counterclaim to bridge to next paragraph
IV. How is ____(your position/rebuttal)__ seen in “FFA”?
A. Claim (topic sentence) should be your rebuttal point
V. Conclusion

8. Transitions
Paragraphs should include transition words or phrases.
Transitions link one paragraph to the next
Transitions also link one idea to the next within a paragraph
Transitions create cohesion and help your writing flow
*I have handouts with transition words you can use to help you while writing

9. Introduction Attention getter (HOOK) 2. Filler sentences
(2-3 sentences; think synopsis)
3. Thesis

10. Attention Grabber/HOOK
Quote: this can be from outside/online source that links to the idea of your thesis
Definition: actually look up the word; don’t make up your own definition
Historical background: this can be about the topic, the genre, or one of the authors
Interesting or startling fact: this can be about the topic, the genre, or one of the authors
NO QUESTION “Hooks”
Write an attention grabber for your paper now

11. Filler Sentences
When talking about literature, YOU MUST ALWAYS include some background about the story in the fillers (the author, title, and gist of the work- think synopsis). You have 2 texts, so be sure to include some background for each.
Do NOT put text background in your hook
DO NOT put a cite or quote in the middle of your introduction
Write filler sentences for your paper now

12. Thesis Write thesis for your paper now
This IS the LAST sentence of your introduction (the 1st paragraph)
This is where you first identify your answer to the question you’ve chosen as your topic
**It is the heart or guiding force of your essay- the point made in your thesis should be seen in every paragraph of your essay
Thesis= what your essay is going to be about
Thesis= a statement, NOT a question
Write thesis for your paper now

13. Sample Thesis Is ignorance bliss?
While many people claim knowledge is power, the painful effects of increased intelligence in both “Flowers for Algernon” and Frankenstein prove that ignorance is bliss.
Despite the painful effects increased intelligence causes in both “Flowers for Algernon” and Frankenstein, ignorance does not lead to greater happiness because one can still see the greater benefits of knowledge gained.

14. Body Paragraphs (see outline- slide 7)
Follow 3C’s:
- Claim- Identify how your position is seen in the text
- Cite- Introduce quote, quote, and reference
- Clarify- the most important part! This should be at least
2-3 sentences that explain why/how your cite supports
your position and/or relates to the text as a whole.
* Bridge sentence of each paragraph- this should link the specific point in this paragraph to the thesis and points discussed in the next paragraph (counterclaim/rebuttal)

15. Using Quotes in an Essay
Things to remember:
You should never begin or end body paragraph with a quote
You should not use two quotes in a row. Quotes must be explained separately.
Be sure to clearly relate what is seen in the quote to what you are trying to prove!
When you clarify, avoid using the same words from the original quote to explain it; the goal is NOT to put the quote in your own words. It is to support your position, to tell the reader why your quote is important
This is YOUR essay- quoted evidence should support YOUR ideas; it should not be most of the paragraph

16. Conclusion 1st sentence: flipped thesis; not repeated
The easiest paragraph to write! NO NEW INFORMATION!!!
(Every idea in this paragraph should be found in the paragraphs above)
1st sentence: flipped thesis; not repeated
(think backwards or opposite of original)
2nd sentence: a general reference to your
first paragraph point
3rd sentence: a reference back to another
paragraph point
LAST sentence: a link back to your HOOK
DO NOT put a cite or quote in the middle of your conclusion

17. IMPORTANT!!!!
I should NOT see any of these words in your writing- UNLESS they are inside quoted text:
In this essay, you will read…
I will prove…
I think…
In my opinion…
I believe…
I know this because…
This quote says…
I, me, we, us, our, ours, you, yours

18. Things to remember READ ALOUD – OFTEN!!!
(you will catch errors- your writing should flow)
Don’t repeat yourself!!!
Grammar AND Formatting (MLA) are important! Please check this! (use MLA guide or
Follow DIRECTIONS given IN-CLASS! Format and structure deviations will result in point deductions!!!
It MUST be TYPED BEFORE CLASS on due date!!!
(printing is NOT required but is 5 BONUS points on due date)