learning module 4 writing about symbolism. learning recognize how symbols enhance meaning develop...
TRANSCRIPT
LearningModule
4
Writing About
Symbolism
Learning
• Recognize how symbols enhance meaning
• Develop thesis statement
• Explain and interpret symbols in an essay using an introduction with thesis, supporting paragraphs, and conclusion
Recognizing Symbols in Chopin’s A Story of an Hour
Springtime means new life:She could see in the open square
before her house the tops of trees that are all aquiver with the new spring life. The delicious breath of rain was in the air…The notes of a distant song which some one was singing reached her faintly, and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves (Chopin, para. Five).
Patches of blue sky through the clouds represent new life:
There were patches of blue sky showing here and there through the clouds that had met and piled above the other in the west facing her window (Chopin, para. Six).
Developing Thesis Statement• First Step: Ask Questions
1. Why is Mrs. Mallard happy about her husband’s death?
2. Does the timeframe the story was written in play a role in interpretation?
3. Are there any historical implications to consider?
4. Is there any textual evidence to support the historical implications?
Developing Thesis Statement Cont’d
• Second Step: Answer Questions
1. Mrs. Mallard feels free because she was an oppressed wife.
2. The story was written during the 19th century; women’s rights must be considered.
3. During the 19th century women were expected to stay at home and take care of the children. Women still did not have the right to vote. Women were largely oppressed.
4. Mrs. Mallard whispers “free.” A “monstrous joy” holds her. She drinks in the “very elixir of life” through the open window.
Developing Thesis Statement Cont’d
• Third Step: Write Down Controlling Idea
The elements of symbolism in Chopin’s A Story of an Hour suggests that Mrs. Mallard was an oppressed wife in a male-dominated society.
Writing
• First sentence should have a “Wow” factor and grab reader’s attention – interesting quote, question, or anecdote can be used
• Author’s name, genre of literary piece, and title of piece should be mentioned
• Introduction should include background information leading up to the thesis
• Thesis is usually last sentence of introduction
Body Writing
• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence• Topic sentence should relate to thesis• Example: The symbol of springtime represents Mrs.
Mallard’s new life• Four or five supporting sentences explain and illustrate
the topic sentence• Use textual quotes, examples, and illustrations• Example: The reader immediately feels that Mrs. Mallard
isn’t sad about her death when she whispers ‘Free…body and soul free!’
• End paragraph with concluding sentence• Repeat process for remaining body paragraphs
Using TransitionsTransitions should be used to impel the reader through the essay
Examples of transitions:To Add:
and, again, and then, besides, equally important, finally, further, furthermore
To Compare:whereas, but, yet, on the other hand, however, nevertheless, on the contrary, by comparison, where, compared to
To Prove:because, for, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, moreover, besides, indeed, in fact, in addition, in any case, that is
To Show Exception:yet, still, however, nevertheless, in spite of, despite, of course, once in a while, sometimes (Purdue Online Writing Lab, 2008)
Conclusion Writing
Summarizes main idea, argument or findings
Renders a clear answer or points out what the evidence suggests.
Repeats the key information and arguments
New information can not be introduced here
Kinds of Conclusions
Restating of thesis statement with a closing thought
Question to ponderCall to actionQuotation Predict the futureExpand the logic one step furtherPersonal reflection
You Did It!!
Great Job on Making it Through
Writing About Symbolism
References
• Chopin, K. (2008). A Story of an Hour. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/hour/storyofhour.html
• Transitional Devices. (2008). Purdue University Online Writing Lab. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02/
• Writing Videos. (2008). Tools For Writers. Retrieved March 30, 2008, from http://waw.taa.usf.edu/sites/waw/Lists/Video/AllItems.aspx