Essay 3 Option 2 – Writing about Theme Competency Areas · Reading and Analysis of Literature (Poetry, Drama, Fiction) · Research · Writing about Literature Desсrіption For Option 2, you will write about a theme in The Wizard of Earth-sea. Theme is the overall meaning or central idea of a text. You find the theme by analyzing one or more of the other literary elements in the text: character, plot (events or scenes), setting, point of view, and so on. Keep in mind that the theme is not summed up in a word or a simple moral. In addition, a text can have multiple themes. Clearly state the theme (as the thesis statement) in the introduction; make sure the theme (thesis statement) is relevant, specific, and debatable. The body paragraphs should identify the parts of the novel that convey the theme. The body paragraphs should also provide sufficient and relevant textual evidence (quotes) and explain how the evidence supports the theme (thesis statement). Avoid using excessive quotes with very little explanation. Use a logical organization pattern: most important to least important point (or vice versa). The conventions of literary analysis are not the instructor’s preference. The literary conventions align with the department requirements and course competency requirements. Follow the conventions of literary analysis: development (effective thesis statement, sufficient and relevant evidence), organization, style (literary present tense, third person point of view), research (MLA citations). Content Requirements A. Header Information (Left Aligned) First Name Last Name First Name Initial of Last Name (Tonia P.) ENGL 1102 Due Date (day month year) B. Title (Centered) Creative title: Subtitle – A literary analysis on (Author, Title of the Text) Introduction A. The introduction begins with a captivating attention grabber such as a question, quote, or thought-provoking statement(s): – Open with a quote, question, or thought-provoking statements – Write a short anecdotal story that connects to the theme or story – Make general comments about the subject matter of the thesis – Mention personal attitudes you and your reader might share – Begin with a few general sentences about the author – Write a few general sentences about the story Note: If needed, include a transition sentence to go to the next part of the introduction. B. The next section should introduce the topic if it is not introduced in the attention grabber or thesis statement. Include the character, title, and author. C. The thesis statement should be a debatable opinion, specific, and one-two sentences. Avoid making broad thesis statements or announcing the subject. · Example of Weak Thesis Statement: This essay presents a comprehensive analysis of . . . · Example of Weak Thesis Statement: The theme of the story is heartbreak. · Example of Strong Thesis Statement: The author’s use of character, the exposition, and resolution convey the theme of ___________________________. · Example of Strong Thesis Statement: One of the most dominant themes in the text is that impulsive actions often lead to tragic consequences. Body Paragraphs Organization Make sure the body paragraphs are organized, coherent (flow from one idea to the next), and unified (focused). Each paragraph should contain a topic sentence, supporting details, and a closing or transition sentence. A possible organization format is as follows: 1. Topic sentence 2. Evidence from the text 3. Explanation of the evidence 4. Closing or transition sentence Note: The topic sentence is traditionally the first sentence, but it can also be located elsewhere in the body paragraph. If a paragraph contains multiple forms of evidence, provide an explanation for each form of evidence. Development Textual Evidence
