EWRT 1C CLASS 32

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Agenda Essay #3

How to Proceed

Essay #3: Response to the

Novel/Novella The Writing Assignment

In a thesis driven essay of 4-7 pages, analyze one or more

aspects of Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank

Redemption, Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Elie

Wiesel’s Night, or Emma Donoghue’s Room. Consider using

one extrinsic theoretical lens (Feminist, Psychoanalytic, or

Trauma theories), we have practiced this quarter to

complicate your argument. Aim to convince readers that your

interpretation adds to the conversation among those who

read stories and write about them. Back up your analysis with

reasons and support from the story. Use the critical strategies

that we have practiced this quarter.

See the complete assignment on our website

Due before the beginning of Final’s

Class

Submission Requirements: Essay #3: Please

submit an electronic copy through Kaizena

Format Requirement: MLA-style formatting

and citations

Length: Your finished text should be between

four and seven pages, excluding the Works

Cited page.

Research Requirements: 3-5 secondary

sources are required for this essay.

The Interpretive Literary Thesis

The most common method of examining a text

is through an argumentative literary paper: a

paper with an interpretive literary thesis. Note

that an interpretive literary paper differs from a

simple literary analysis. An interpretive paper

or analysis argues; a simple literary analysis

does not argue but rather just points out the

elements of literature in a literary work.

Brainstorm

Do some reading and research: What do you need

to know to refine or support your idea.

Develop a working thesis: this must be an arguable

point.

Outline your main points

Gather sources and textual evidence

Write

Revise, Revise, Revise

How to Proceed

The Thesis

Consider tensions and themes in the text. Use a theoretical lens to imagine these tensions and themes from different perspectives. Sometimes, ideas are fuzzy in their earliest stages. As you read, think, and write, your idea should take on more clarity and depth. Sometimes the opposite happens; if it does, discard the idea and begin again. Often, such failures are necessary.

Creative ideas and uncommon theses are great, but be sure that you can find adequate support for your thesis. Also, make sure that there is not strong proof against your thesis in the literary work. It also is acceptable to have a more usual or average interpretation; however, avoid using a thesis that is so obvious to the other readers of the literary work that they could choose your thesis and write your paper as easily as you. You want to have at least some originality.

The thesis statement is the most important

part of your paper

1. The thesis statement is the announcement of the analytical argument that you

intend prove in your paper. It is the readers’ road map. It is your road map.

2. It should probably be placed somewhere in the introduction of your paper. It

often fits well at the end, though you are not confined by that rule.

3. Successful thesis statements provoke thought and should read beautifully.

This is not the place for awkward sentences or grammar errors.

4. Your working thesis statement should generally include two parts:

What claim are you making about the text?

Why is your claim important? Your thesis should answer the “so what?”

question.

5. A thesis statement is usually, but can be more than, one sentence long.

Thesis Example

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a

great American novel.

Why is this thesis weak? Think about

what the reader would expect from the

essay that follows.

This thesis suggests you will provide a general,

appreciative summary of Twain’s novel. This is your

opinion of the novel. This is not an interpretive

thesis; instead, think about why it’s such a great

novel—what do Huck’s adventures tell you about

life, about America, about coming of age, or about

race relations?

Pick an aspect of the novel that you think is

important to its structure or meaning—for example,

the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes

between the shore and the river, or the relationships

between adults and children.

Thesis Example

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

develops a contrast between life on the

river and life on the shore.

Is this one better? Why? What will your

analysis reveal to the reader?

Here’s a working thesis with potential: you have highlighted

an important aspect of the novel for investigation; however,

it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal. Your reader is

intrigued, but is still thinking, “So what? What’s the point of

this contrast? What does it signify?”

Perhaps you are not sure yet, either. That’s fine—begin to

work on comparing scenes from the book and see what you

discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and

reactions. Eventually you will be able to clarify for yourself,

and then for the reader, why this contrast matters.

Thesis Example

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s

Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of

American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized”

society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary

work based on an analysis of its content. The words I have

bolded are forecasting words—words that you will return to in

the essay as you work to prove your thesis.

Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now

present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of

your interpretation.

Modified from a handout from “The Writing Center.” University of North

Carolina

Homework

Work on Essay

#3 How will you

approach the

essay?

Write a tentative

thesis.

Outline the essay

Find evidence to

use.

Be prepared to

discuss your final

essay plan in class.