The Prose Essay

Types of prose

• A work of fiction or non-fiction• Usually no more than a page in length• Section from a novel, short story, drama,

essay, biography, autobiography, or article

Purpose

• Understand the text• Analyze those techniques and devices the

author uses to achieve his/her purpose• Demonstrate your ease and fluency with

terminology, interpretation and criticism• Demonstrate your ability to make connections

between analysis and interpretation (ie. find a metaphor and connect it to the author’s intended purpose or meaning)

Some example topics

• Analyze the narrative and literary techniques used for characterization

• How does a narrator reveal character? (tone, diction, point of view)

• Explain the effect of the passage on the reader• Compare/contrast two passages concerning diction and

details for the effect on the reader• What is the attitude of the speaker toward a particular

subject• Analyze style and tone and how they are used to explore

the author’s attitudes towards his/her subject

Timing

• 1-3 minutes to read and work the prompt• 5 minutes to make notes and isolate

quotations (at least 2 that strike you)• 5 minutes preparing to write• 25 minutes to write essay• 3 minutes to proofread

Example prompt

In the following passage from the short story “The Dead” James Joyce presents an insight into the character of Gabriel. Write a well-organized essay in which you discuss various aspects of Gabriel’s character that Joyce reveals to the reader and to Gabriel himself. Refer to such techniques and devices as imagery, point of view, motif, diction, and syntax.

Reading and Notating the passage

• Read quickly to get the gist of the passage• Reread using the visual and marginal notes

approach

Or• Read slowly using highlighting and making marginal notes• Reread to confirm that you understand the full impact of the passage

Writing the opening paragraph

• Sets the tone of your essay • Make certain your topic is clear• A suggested approach is to relate a direct

quotation from the passage to the topic• Include the author and title• Address the prompt• Mention the techniques you will refer to in

your essay

Writing the body

• Present your interpretation of the points you wish to make

• Use specific references and details from the passage – quote and paraphrase

• Use “connective tissue” – Ie. repetition of key ideas from your opening

paragraph– Echo words (ie. synonyms)– Transitions

Concluding

• Restate your thesis• Draw a conclusion about the piece as a whole• Aim for 3-5 sentences