Fate and Free Will

Lit Analysis

Introduction

• Thesis: Lit elements plus theme– In “The Youngest Doll” Ferre uses symbolism, motif and

doppelgangers to portray that each character’s life is governed by fate.

• See sample from previous lit analysis for more detail– Be sure to include

• Attention getter• Plot summary• Lit elements• Theme• Thesis

Sample BODY paragraphFerre’s use of the doppelganger in “The Youngest Doll” illustrates that the character’s lives are pre-determined. The aunt and the youngest daughter can be considered doubles because they both end up sitting motionless in rocking chairs. Additionally, both characters are placed into their inert states as a result of the treatment of the parasites preying on them. The youngest daughter is forced to sit in her rocking chair in order to show “passersby…that [the young doctor] has married into high society” (485). Since the youngest daughter is the doppelganger of her aunt, she was destined to end up with a similar fate; thus, nothing she would have done could have changed the way her husband treated her. Her fate dictated that she be objectified by the rising middle class.

REPEAT FOR ADDITONAL SUPPORTING DETAILS The pairs of characters- the youngest daughter and the aunt, and the young

doctor and his father- illustrate how each character in “The Youngest Doll” has a destiny that he or she will not be able to escape, as fate governs each of their lives.

Topic SentenceIntro Example #1

Integrate Quote

So What?

Clincher

Conclusion

• See previous sample for more detail– Be sure to include• Restatement of thesis• Summarization of body paragraphs• Hook back to attention-getter