Use a formal literary introduction format with dual emphasis on SOAPS and thematic interpretation. • Use formal literary interpretation paragraphs in proper format with accurate quotation graphics and citation (4-8 body paragraphs) • Conclusion will move beyond summary both evaluate the literature and to consider implications for a current American audience and our current society Introduction: Usually it includes a hook, literature information to orient the audience of your essay to the text and author (text genre and general information, author and occasion, audience and purpose), premise (subject/ essential set up or plot of the narrative, often general discussion of issues or themes) and thesis. Multiple body paragraphs: These should have clear topic sentences. Most should have elaboration of interpretive or analytical claims using examples and quoting passages supporting your ideas, as well as interpretation of the significance of the literature. Some paragraphs may utilize many short quotes of sentences or phrases to back up ideas. Others may focus on one long important scene or passage providing general discussion of the thematic and plot context, or discuss overall literary methodology and then a main example. We prepare to write sophisticated analysis and interpretation by trying out the two general formats for these paragraphs (CeeCQC format, or multiple quote format: C-ee-CQC-CQC-CQC etc). The idea is that one needs to ground their interpretation in the text. “Commentary” discusses your ideas on the significance of the passage. It can also include mini quotes of phrases and words from the main passage to examine in terms of rhetorical analysis and literary devices as well as interpretation of significance. Then after getting the hang of these paragraphs, we can branch out in our arguments, creating unique lines of thought and evidence, but utilizing the general methodology of supporting our interpretation with oodles of evidence from the text. Conclusion: Pulls together your ideas from the paper coming to unique conclusions that move beyond mere summary, to discuss the implications of the literature. Depending on the focus of the essay, these might implications for understanding the author’s life work as a whole, or in its development over time, or assess the literary merits of the piece. Or conclusions might reflect on the implications of the conflicts, issues, themes or deeper “significance” of the literature for the audiences which read it, and for our communities or society. Hook: An interesting or dramatic way to make your reader interested in the book and the author, or the thematic topic of an interpretive literary analysis essay. Make the topic relevant to contemporary society, a controversial issue, a famous quote, or the analysis relevant to literary history etc. Lit Info and orientation: Basic information on the book such as title and author, but also historical context in which the book was written, biographical info on the author that is relevant, how the book was received (reputation), the genre etc. Premise: What is the book about without summarizing the whole story. Usually this includes basic setting + main characters + conflicts. May provide Brief elaboration: In just a few sentences, present key conflicts and issues presented in the story (if it’s a thematic interp paper) or general discussion of style (if it’s stylistic analysis). Usually builds up to the final thesis statement sentence. Thesis: Your main statement of the topic you are going to discuss in the paper. It can be “three pronged” (closed thesis), but it’s better to have an integrated, nuanced thesis. Thesis Directions: For papers about conflicts, issues and themes, you should be stating what you think the book depicts about the thematic issue, not just saying that it discusses the issue. This may include analysis and evaluation of writing style, use of literary devices and rhetoric to elucidate issues and “themes”. Basic: This book is about racism. (not really yet a thesis, just a statement about a topic) Good: This story explores how racism develops, its effects on people, and how we can change. Better: This story explores how latent racism can fester when not acknowledged, destroying community relationships, and how we can only move on if we realize we are all human. Best: This poignant story reveals the inherent biases that even the most liberal and open minded of us harbor, reminding us that in a multicultural society, our divided communities must become more aware of our common humanity— if we are going to affect social justice for the dispossessed. For a literary devices analysis paper, then you focus on a concise evaluation of the author’s style in the piece, or on the main point you want to make about the key device you will focus on. Some thesis statements will have a combination of both types, evaluating how well an author or text utilizes specific types of writing strategies to fulfill the purpose of the text. Note: Better papers will not just have three body paragraphs, so a three pronged thesis is not the best structure all the time! Life does not come in threes, fives and tens! Literary Analysis Paragraphs: C-(ee)-CQC format “Literary Interpretation” covers different kinds of inquiry, including interpretation of themes as well as evaluation of general writing style, analysis of narrative writing techniques, literary devices, and rhetoric. If writing as part of an essay, paragraph topics and claims should be related to the essay thesis. Always write in complete sentences, and try to make ideas flow between parts of the paragraph. Do the best you can in first draft writing using the form sheet, but definitely revise to make your ideas flow even better for final draft, typed writing. Be sure on any “final drafts” have formal paragraph format (take out any labels, format quotations and cite sources). Some paragraphs may include one main quote with lengthy interpretation, others may include a series of examples each with “mini quotations” to support. Claim＝ (Topic sentence with and idea related to your thesis statement.) It can be a reason or a sub-claim. (It cannot just be a statement of fact.). Usually one sentence, but you may elaborate . . . (TS claim may be related to an interpretation of a conflict, issue or theme, character analysis, or to the analysis of writing style including literary methods.) Sometimes an essay writer can add a paragraph “hook” for flare, but for now save that for the expansion and revision process. (e-e)＝ Elaborate/expand including evidence and examples on TS idea/claim with further explanation, related sub-reasons, or initial examples.
