An effective introductionAn effective introduction

All you need is a beginning All you need is a beginning statement that launches the topic, statement that launches the topic,

a few elaborative statements to a few elaborative statements to amplify the topic, and a powerful, amplify the topic, and a powerful, theme-based thesis statement.theme-based thesis statement.

An effective introductionAn effective introduction Starting the introduction can be Starting the introduction can be

accomplished a number of ways: a general accomplished a number of ways: a general statement, a quote, a statistic (rare in literary statement, a quote, a statistic (rare in literary analysis), an observation. Then there should analysis), an observation. Then there should be a few sentences that build off the general be a few sentences that build off the general idea (thematic topic) asserted in the first idea (thematic topic) asserted in the first sentence. These sentences elaborate on the sentence. These sentences elaborate on the topic, and foreshadow some of what will be topic, and foreshadow some of what will be specifically discussed in the rest of the paper, specifically discussed in the rest of the paper, to help the readerto help the reader’’s brain forecast the papers brain forecast the paper’’s s content for better clarity.content for better clarity.

Example:Example:John Donne once wrote “No man is an island.”John Donne once wrote “No man is an island.”

An effective introductionAn effective introduction John Donne once wrote “No man is John Donne once wrote “No man is

an island.” an island.” Humans by nature are Humans by nature are social creatures. Though all individuals social creatures. Though all individuals require time alone to think and create, require time alone to think and create, prolonged isolation can produce prolonged isolation can produce damaging effects. Sometimes an damaging effects. Sometimes an individual chooses isolation, while other individual chooses isolation, while other times solitude is a consequence. In times solitude is a consequence. In either case, an individual who either case, an individual who experiences long periods of time alone experiences long periods of time alone suffers, and can often cause others to suffers, and can often cause others to suffer as well.suffer as well.

An effective introductionAn effective introductionJohn Donne once wrote “No man is an island.” John Donne once wrote “No man is an island.”

Humans by nature are social creatures. Though all Humans by nature are social creatures. Though all individuals require some time alone to think and individuals require some time alone to think and create, prolonged isolation produces damaging create, prolonged isolation produces damaging effects. Sometimes an individual chooses isolation, effects. Sometimes an individual chooses isolation, while other times solitude is a consequence. In while other times solitude is a consequence. In either case, an individual who experiences long either case, an individual who experiences long periods of time alone suffers, and often causes periods of time alone suffers, and often causes others to suffer as well.others to suffer as well. In life, as in literature, In life, as in literature, individuals need interaction and socialization with individuals need interaction and socialization with others. When this fails to occur, the negative effects others. When this fails to occur, the negative effects of an individual left in isolation become readily of an individual left in isolation become readily apparent.apparent.

About those Body ParagraphsAbout those Body Paragraphs Major Works: 4-5 paragraphsMajor Works: 4-5 paragraphs

No mini-introductions, just a sentence (or maybe two) of transition—No mini-introductions, just a sentence (or maybe two) of transition—Example: Example: ““Few literary works emphasize the dangers of isolation Few literary works emphasize the dangers of isolation better than Joseph Conrad’s novel better than Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of DarknessHeart of Darkness..”” Each Each paragraph should discuss a literary device or element (and how it paragraph should discuss a literary device or element (and how it reveals your prompt’s theme), using the “Beefing Up Commentary” reveals your prompt’s theme), using the “Beefing Up Commentary” format (textual example + 2 commentary statements X 2). format (textual example + 2 commentary statements X 2). ““The The character Kurtz abuses power to elevate his status at the Inner character Kurtz abuses power to elevate his status at the Inner Station to that of a god (example). This abandonment of all morality Station to that of a god (example). This abandonment of all morality and ethics he learned and lived by in Western Europe gives way to and ethics he learned and lived by in Western Europe gives way to his utter depravity (commentary 1). As he remains alone in the heart his utter depravity (commentary 1). As he remains alone in the heart of the Congo, Kurtz succumbs to mankind’s most base and selfish of the Congo, Kurtz succumbs to mankind’s most base and selfish desires, illustrating how isolation leaves an individual without desires, illustrating how isolation leaves an individual without accountability for his thoughts, decisions, and actions (commentary accountability for his thoughts, decisions, and actions (commentary 2). In contrast, the character Marlow journeys to the heart of the 2). In contrast, the character Marlow journeys to the heart of the Congo and turns away from its evil offerings (example). Seeing what Congo and turns away from its evil offerings (example). Seeing what Kurtz has become shows Marlow that he is just as susceptible to the Kurtz has become shows Marlow that he is just as susceptible to the temptations Kurtz could not resist (commentary 1). However, temptations Kurtz could not resist (commentary 1). However, Marlow, in recognition of his own capacity for evil, chooses to return Marlow, in recognition of his own capacity for evil, chooses to return home, where social order and interaction with others would prevent home, where social order and interaction with others would prevent him from letting his individual fantasies run riot” (commentary 2).him from letting his individual fantasies run riot” (commentary 2).

Example without explanatory wordsExample without explanatory words

Few literary works emphasize the dangers of isolation better than Few literary works emphasize the dangers of isolation better than Joseph Conrad’s novel Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of DarknessHeart of Darkness.. The character Kurtz abuses The character Kurtz abuses power to elevate his status at the Inner Station to that of a god. This power to elevate his status at the Inner Station to that of a god. This abandonment of all morality and ethics he learned and lived by in Western abandonment of all morality and ethics he learned and lived by in Western Europe gives way to his utter depravity. As he remains alone in the heart Europe gives way to his utter depravity. As he remains alone in the heart of the Congo, Kurtz succumbs to mankind’s most base and selfish of the Congo, Kurtz succumbs to mankind’s most base and selfish desires, illustrating how isolation leaves an individual without desires, illustrating how isolation leaves an individual without accountability for his thoughts, decisions, and actions. In contrast, the accountability for his thoughts, decisions, and actions. In contrast, the character Marlow journeys to the heart of the Congo and turns away from character Marlow journeys to the heart of the Congo and turns away from its evil offerings. Seeing what Kurtz has become shows Marlow that he is its evil offerings. Seeing what Kurtz has become shows Marlow that he is just as susceptible to the temptations Kurtz could not resist. However, just as susceptible to the temptations Kurtz could not resist. However, Marlow, in recognition of his own capacity for evil, chooses to return Marlow, in recognition of his own capacity for evil, chooses to return home, where social order and interaction with others would prevent him home, where social order and interaction with others would prevent him from letting his individual fantasies run riot.from letting his individual fantasies run riot.

Constructing Body ParagraphsConstructing Body Paragraphs

Not sure where to get ideas of what to talk about? Not sure where to get ideas of what to talk about? Consider the prompt and how all aspects of the work Consider the prompt and how all aspects of the work contribute to it—how do the characters, setting, point of contribute to it—how do the characters, setting, point of view, and plot reflect the theme that you are view, and plot reflect the theme that you are investigating. You may also consider literary elements investigating. You may also consider literary elements such as diction, imagery, details, and language.such as diction, imagery, details, and language.

Major Works: 4-5 paragraphsMajor Works: 4-5 paragraphs Minor Works: 3-4 paragraphsMinor Works: 3-4 paragraphs

ChoicesChoices Your paper must include a well-developed introduction that ends with a Your paper must include a well-developed introduction that ends with a

thematic thesis statement, as well as a solid concluding paragraph. thematic thesis statement, as well as a solid concluding paragraph. Between those two paragraphs, you must discuss 6 works that compose Between those two paragraphs, you must discuss 6 works that compose the paperthe paper’’s BODY—for major works, write 4-5 paragraphs, and for minor s BODY—for major works, write 4-5 paragraphs, and for minor works, write 3-4 paragraphs;works, write 3-4 paragraphs;

Body paragraphs should deal with various aspects of the bookBody paragraphs should deal with various aspects of the book’’s s content. You may choose from the following considerations: content. You may choose from the following considerations: character, setting, point of view, conflict, diction, use of detail, imagery, character, setting, point of view, conflict, diction, use of detail, imagery, language, and syntax;language, and syntax;

For each body paragraph, discuss the element/device incorporating at For each body paragraph, discuss the element/device incorporating at least TWO examples from the text. Use this formula to guarantee that you least TWO examples from the text. Use this formula to guarantee that you are truly discussing analytically (not telling the story!): are truly discussing analytically (not telling the story!):

Make an introductory statement (topic sentence);Make an introductory statement (topic sentence); Make your first observation (statement of fact, example, detail);Make your first observation (statement of fact, example, detail); Then write two sentences of commentary that explain the significance Then write two sentences of commentary that explain the significance

of the observation in terms of the work and your thesis;of the observation in terms of the work and your thesis; Make a second observation;Make a second observation; Write two commentary statements for the second observation;Write two commentary statements for the second observation; Write a final commentary statement that considers how the Write a final commentary statement that considers how the

observations relate to the thematic thesis statement of the paper.observations relate to the thematic thesis statement of the paper.

Body Paragraph ExampleBody Paragraph Example(topic sentence) F. Scott Fitzgerald(topic sentence) F. Scott Fitzgerald’’s fascination with the Roaring s fascination with the Roaring

Twenties was obvious, as he receives credit for naming that era the Twenties was obvious, as he receives credit for naming that era the ““Jazz Jazz Age.Age.”” (observation) A period of decadence and opulence, it provided the (observation) A period of decadence and opulence, it provided the perfect backdrop to Jay Gatsbyperfect backdrop to Jay Gatsby’’s tragedy. (commentary) Gatsbys tragedy. (commentary) Gatsby’’s failure s failure to consider the future as he obsessively endeavored to cross paths with to consider the future as he obsessively endeavored to cross paths with his beloved Daisy matches the general mood of the time, where many his beloved Daisy matches the general mood of the time, where many people reveled in abundance without concern for the future. (observation) people reveled in abundance without concern for the future. (observation) Narrator Nick Carraway comments that the conduct of GatsbyNarrator Nick Carraway comments that the conduct of Gatsby’’s party s party guests was both wasteful and messy: guests was both wasteful and messy: ““they conducted themselves they conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement parkaccording to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park”” (41). (commentary) In this manner, Gatsby(41). (commentary) In this manner, Gatsby’’s extravagant, continual s extravagant, continual parties at his ostentatious mansion in West Egg, where new money parties at his ostentatious mansion in West Egg, where new money attempted to brush up against the generational wealth of East Egg, attempted to brush up against the generational wealth of East Egg, indicate carelessness and excess that afforded opportunities for people to indicate carelessness and excess that afforded opportunities for people to indulge their more base desires. (observation) Yet, nothing lasts forever, indulge their more base desires. (observation) Yet, nothing lasts forever, and consumption leads to waste, clearly made evident through the Valley and consumption leads to waste, clearly made evident through the Valley of Ashes. (commentary) As a particularly important aspect of the novelof Ashes. (commentary) As a particularly important aspect of the novel’’s s setting, it is a physical manifestation of wastefulness in that time, and setting, it is a physical manifestation of wastefulness in that time, and mirrors how Gatsby wasted much of his life attempting to resurrect a love mirrors how Gatsby wasted much of his life attempting to resurrect a love affair that had long since expired. (final commentary related back to the affair that had long since expired. (final commentary related back to the thematic thesis) Throughout the novel, the decadence, carelessness, and thematic thesis) Throughout the novel, the decadence, carelessness, and wastefulness of the 1920s surround and amplify how Gatsbywastefulness of the 1920s surround and amplify how Gatsby’’s obsession s obsession leads to his ruin.leads to his ruin.

Paragraph without explanatory wordsParagraph without explanatory words

F. Scott FitzgeraldF. Scott Fitzgerald’’s fascination with the Roaring Twenties was obvious, s fascination with the Roaring Twenties was obvious,

as he receives credit for naming that era the as he receives credit for naming that era the ““Jazz Age.Jazz Age.”” A period of A period of decadence and opulence, it provided the perfect backdrop to Jay Gatsbydecadence and opulence, it provided the perfect backdrop to Jay Gatsby’’s s tragedy. Gatsbytragedy. Gatsby’’s failure to consider the future as he obsessively endeavored s failure to consider the future as he obsessively endeavored to cross paths with his beloved Daisy matches the general mood of the time, to cross paths with his beloved Daisy matches the general mood of the time, where many people reveled in abundance without concern for the future. where many people reveled in abundance without concern for the future. Narrator Nick Carraway comments that the conduct of GatsbyNarrator Nick Carraway comments that the conduct of Gatsby’’s party guests s party guests was both wasteful and messy: was both wasteful and messy: ““they conducted themselves according to the they conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement parkrules of behavior associated with an amusement park”” (41). In this manner, (41). In this manner, GatsbyGatsby’’s extravagant, continual parties at his ostentatious mansion in West s extravagant, continual parties at his ostentatious mansion in West Egg, where new money attempted to brush up against the generational wealth Egg, where new money attempted to brush up against the generational wealth of East Egg, indicate carelessness and excess that afforded opportunities for of East Egg, indicate carelessness and excess that afforded opportunities for people to indulge their more base desires. Yet, nothing lasts forever, and people to indulge their more base desires. Yet, nothing lasts forever, and consumption leads to waste, clearly made evident through the Valley of Ashes. consumption leads to waste, clearly made evident through the Valley of Ashes. As a particularly important aspect of the novelAs a particularly important aspect of the novel’’s setting, it is a physical s setting, it is a physical manifestation of wastefulness in that time, and mirrors how Gatsby wasted manifestation of wastefulness in that time, and mirrors how Gatsby wasted much of his life attempting to resurrect a love affair that had long since expired. much of his life attempting to resurrect a love affair that had long since expired. Throughout the novel, the decadence, carelessness, and wastefulness of the Throughout the novel, the decadence, carelessness, and wastefulness of the 1920s surround and amplify how Gatsby1920s surround and amplify how Gatsby’’s obsession leads to his ruin.s obsession leads to his ruin.

Topic sentences for body paragraphsTopic sentences for body paragraphs

In addition to characterization, Conrad uses In addition to characterization, Conrad uses conflict to show the impact of isolation on a conflict to show the impact of isolation on a person.person.

Another element which illustrates the Another element which illustrates the effects of isolation is imagery.effects of isolation is imagery.

A final technique Conrad uses to impart the A final technique Conrad uses to impart the destructive nature of isolation is setting.destructive nature of isolation is setting.

An Effective ConclusionAn Effective ConclusionRe-word and re-state your thesis, Re-word and re-state your thesis,

then add a sentence for each then add a sentence for each work discussed—showing how the work discussed—showing how the

common theme unfolds in that common theme unfolds in that particular work, then finish with a particular work, then finish with a

generalized statement that applies generalized statement that applies the theme to life, the world, or the theme to life, the world, or

people today.people today.

An effective Conclusion—easier An effective Conclusion—easier than the Introduction!than the Introduction!

In life, as in literature, prolonged In life, as in literature, prolonged isolation proves to be more damaging isolation proves to be more damaging than beneficial.than beneficial.

An Effective ConclusionAn Effective Conclusion In life, as in literature, prolonged isolation proves to In life, as in literature, prolonged isolation proves to be more damaging than beneficial. be more damaging than beneficial. In both In both Crime and Crime and PunishmentPunishment and and Heart of DarknessHeart of Darkness, characters who select , characters who select isolation over socialization are able to abandon morals and isolation over socialization are able to abandon morals and standards of acceptable behavior to disastrous effects. Dr. standards of acceptable behavior to disastrous effects. Dr. Manette’s mental fragility is the result of being forced to Manette’s mental fragility is the result of being forced to endure eighteen years of solitary confinement. Hamlet’s endure eighteen years of solitary confinement. Hamlet’s fixation on seeking vengeance for his father’s murder fixation on seeking vengeance for his father’s murder causes him to drive away nearly everyone who loved him. causes him to drive away nearly everyone who loved him. Miss Brill’s extended existence on her own distorts her self-Miss Brill’s extended existence on her own distorts her self-concept and view of life. Madame Bovary, Nora Helmer, concept and view of life. Madame Bovary, Nora Helmer, and Addie Bundren’s unspoken misery in their marriages and Addie Bundren’s unspoken misery in their marriages leaves each woman feeling lonely and unfulfilled—leading to leaves each woman feeling lonely and unfulfilled—leading to desperate acts that further isolate them from others.desperate acts that further isolate them from others.

An Effective ConclusionAn Effective Conclusion In life, as in literature, prolonged isolation proves to be more In life, as in literature, prolonged isolation proves to be more

damaging than beneficial. damaging than beneficial. In both In both Crime and PunishmentCrime and Punishment and and Heart of DarknessHeart of Darkness, characters who select isolation over , characters who select isolation over socialization are able to abandon morals and standards of socialization are able to abandon morals and standards of acceptable behavior to disastrous effects. Dr. Manette’s mental acceptable behavior to disastrous effects. Dr. Manette’s mental fragility is the result of being forced to endure eighteen years of fragility is the result of being forced to endure eighteen years of solitary confinement. Hamlet’s fixation on seeking vengeance solitary confinement. Hamlet’s fixation on seeking vengeance for his father’s murder causes him to drive away nearly for his father’s murder causes him to drive away nearly everyone who loved him. Miss Brill’s extended existence on everyone who loved him. Miss Brill’s extended existence on her own distorts her self-concept and view of life. Madame her own distorts her self-concept and view of life. Madame Bovary, Nora Helmer, and Addie Bundren’s unspoken misery in Bovary, Nora Helmer, and Addie Bundren’s unspoken misery in their marriages leaves each woman feeling lonely and their marriages leaves each woman feeling lonely and unfulfilled—leading to desperate acts that further isolate them unfulfilled—leading to desperate acts that further isolate them from others.from others.Clearly, mankind requires interaction with others. Clearly, mankind requires interaction with others. Prolonged isolation takes away needed communication and Prolonged isolation takes away needed communication and accountability that keeps civilization and order moving forward.accountability that keeps civilization and order moving forward.