English 9name:

Mrs. Sharpperiod:

Writing a Literary Analysis Essay

Notes

Essays have the same basic structure of a paragraph:

T = Topic Sentence  1st sentence, main idea of paragraph

E = Evidence  Quotation

Explain/Elaborate  What does it mean AND How does it support main idea

S = Summary Sentence (Conclusion  Wrap it up)

T = Transition Words and Phrases  Connect ideas

  1. Introduction Paragraph (Would be like the first T)
  1. The firstparagraph of the essay
  2. There are 2 basic purposes in this paragraph:
  1. First, this paragraph must get the reader’s attention

This is called a HOOK. There are several techniques to complete this:

  1. Rhetorical Question
  2. Open-ended – not “yes” or “no”
  3. Must be relevant to the rest of the essay
  4. Avoid “you”

2. Anecdote  Short (relevant) story

a. Summarize the play

b. Must be relevant to the rest of the essay

c. 1-3 sentences max

3. Quotation (from play or other source*)

a. Must be relevant to topic of essay

b. Must be detailed/interesting

4. Surprising or Shocking Statement

a. Must be relevant

b. Maybe a fact from the play

  1. Historical Background/Shakespeare’s World
  2. Must be relevant
  3. Can be info you just know
  1. After you have done this, then this paragraph must prepare the reader for what the essay will entail.

This is called a THESIS STATEMENT. It is like the topic sentencefrom the paragraph level, but it should include the MAIN IDEA of essay + 3 reasons/examples for each of the body paragraphs.

EXAMPLE THESIS STATEMENT: Recycling is something everyone should do because it is good for the environment1, it is good for our health2, and it saves money3.

  1. Body Paragraphs (Would be like the E’s)
  1. This is the middle part of the essay.
  2. It usually consists of 3 or more paragraphs.
  3. Each paragraph is focused around the Main Idea (from the THESIS STATEMENT) of the essay.
  4. Each paragraph gives details to support the main idea. The best kind of details to use are quotations. (First “E”)
  5. Each paragraph fully explains at least one idea and they are connected by transition words and phrases. (Second “E”)

- Explain the quotation (what’s being said?) AND Explain how the quotation supports or proves your thesis.

  1. Conclusion Paragraph (Would be like the S)
  2. This is the last paragraph of the essay
  3. The purpose of this paragraph is to
  4. Wrap it up
  5. Summarize main point and reasons (thesis statement)
  6. Why does this matter? Meaningful conclusion.
  7. There are NO new ideas or topics provided or introduced at this point

Literary Analysis Essay Structure

First Paragraph