Writing a Response to Literature

1. Writing a Response to Literature

2. Introduction Outline: • Introduction: • Attention grabber/Hook • Background on the Novel ( 1-3 sentences) • Thesis statement • Arguable • Supportable • Original

3. Possible Hooks: • 1. an interesting quotation ( related to the theme) • 2. an anecdote ( relating to the theme) • 3. a rhetorical question • 4. Interesting Statement • EXAMPLE: Arthur Miller once said, “Society is inside of man and man is inside society, and you cannot even create a truthfully drawn psychological entity on the stage until you understand his social relations and their power to make him what he is and to prevent him from being what he is not.”

4. Background on the Play • 3-7 sentence background on the play • You only need to give enough information so that they can follow you logic later on. • Focus on summarizing events in the story that are relevant to your topic. • Ex: if I am talking about two characters ( Hale and Parris) then I only need to summarize parts of the story relevant to those two characters. I can leave out the rest.

5. Example: • Arthur Miller once said, “Society is inside of man and man is inside society, and you cannot even create a truthfully drawn psychological entity on the stage until you understand his social relations and their power to make him what he is and to prevent him from being what he is not.” The main character, John Proctor, is a hard working farmer who finds himself in the midst of a society motivated by fear and frenzy. The town has chosen to believe the lies of young girls who have revenge and lust on their minds. The protagonist fights against society in an attempt to see the freedom of friends and the supremacy of the truth throughout the play despite the lack of support from most of those around him

6. The Thesis • Should state the main topic of your paper ( Individual vs. Society/ Character Foils). • Should list your three subtopics ( evidence from the play that supports your topic) • EX: John Proctor displays the theme “individual vs. society” throughout The Crucible by his testament against the court, his decisions to be an ill-attender at church as well as to commit audultery,andultimately his choice to die in this fight against the girls of the town and those that believe their lies.

7. Example Introduction • Arthur Miller once said, “Society is inside of man and man is inside society, and you cannot even create a truthfully drawn psychological entity on the stage until you understand his social relations and their power to make him what he is and to prevent him from being what he is not.” Arthur Miller echoes the largest theme to be seen in the story of the Crucible as it sets a scene on the stage. The main character, John Proctor, is a hard working farmer who finds himself in the midst of a society motivated by fear and frenzy. The town has chosen to believe the lies of young girls who have revenge and lust on their minds. The protagonist fights against society in an attempt to see the freedom of friends and the supremacy of the truth throughout the play despite the lack of support from most of those around him. John Proctor displays the theme “individual vs. society” throughout The Crucible by his testament against the court, his decisions to be an ill-attender at church as well as to commit audultery,andultimately his choice to die in this fight against the girls of the town and those that believe their lies

8. Body Paragraphs: • Add details about body paragraphs to your notes.

9. Topic Sentence • Provide the main idea of the paragraph • It should be utterly clear what the paragraph is going to be about • It should connect to the list you made in your thesis. • Subtopic One= Paragraph one • Subtopic Two=Paragraph two • Subtopic Three=paragraph three EX: John Proctor displays the theme “ individual vs. society” through the testament he argues against the courts of Salem.

10. Supporting Evidence • Include specific textual evidence: • cited quotes from the book or paraphrase of events • Be sure to cite page numbers of the information you use. • Do not simply start a sentence with quotes • You must always use a transition to lead in a quote • Ex: • For example, Golding says, • In addition, He says,

11. Example: • X: John Proctor displays the theme “ individual vs. society” through the testament he argues against the courts of Salem. For example, he states, “It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” ( 987).

12. Analysis • Explain to the reader the significance of the evidence you have provided. Think about why you chose to include it. • How does the piece of evidence support your thesis and answer the question addressed in your essay?

13. Example: • . John Proctor displays the theme “ individual vs. society” through the testament he argues against the courts of Salem. For example, he states, “It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” ( 987). Proctor describes “God’s icy wind” as the truth he is going to share with the court the next day. He has faith in the fact that the truth will reign supreme in the courts since it is reasonable, however, in order to do this, he goes against the religious leadership of his town. Thus, he echoes in this action the theme of one man against the rest of society.

14. Add more evidence and analysis: • Each body paragraph should have at least two quotes/ paraphrases from the play as support. • Each quote should be analyzed in your own words in at least two sentences.

15. Example: • . John Proctor displays the theme “ individual vs. society” through the testament he argues against the courts of Salem. For example, he states, “It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” ( 987). Proctor describes “God’s icy wind” as the truth he is going to share with the court the next day. He has faith in the fact that the truth will reign supreme in the courts since it is reasonable, however, in order to do this, he goes against the religious leadership of his town. Thus, he echoes in this action the theme of one man against the rest of society. Despite Proctor’s attempts to argue reason with the court, in desperation he later says, “But it is a whore’s vengeance…”( 997). He continues his challenge to the court and goes as far as condemning himself to challenge the rest of society. In anger at the false sense of justice leading the town, he challenges the basis of this court.

16. Transition Sentence • End with a transition sentence to the next subtopic. • Connect each paragraph with a sentence or two that demonstrates how each idea leads into the next, and how they work together to support your position. • EX: John’s challenge of the court proceedings in Salem is the epitome of the theme “ individual vs. Society” but it is not the only thing Proctor does to challenge the leadership; he also chooses to die believing in the truth.

17. Example: • . John Proctor displays the theme “ individual vs. society” through the testament he argues against the courts of Salem. For example, he states, “It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now. Aye, naked! And the wind, God’s icy wind, will blow” ( 987). Proctor describes “God’s icy wind” as the truth he is going to share with the court the next day. He has faith in the fact that the truth will reign supreme in the courts since it is reasonable, however, in order to do this, he goes against the religious leadership of his town. Thus, he echoes in this action the theme of one man against the rest of society. Despite Proctor’s attempts to argue reason with the court, in desperation he later says, “But it is a whore’s vengeance…”( 997). He continues his challenge to the court and goes as far as condemning himself to challenge the rest of society. In anger at the false sense of justice leading the town, he challenges the basis of this court.John’s challenge of the court proceedings in Salem is the epitome of the theme “ individual vs. Society” but it is not the only thing Proctor does to challenge the leadership; he also chooses to die believing in the truth.

18. Body Paragraphs: • Topic Sentences • Direct evidence from text/paraphrase • Analyze quote • Support your thesis • Use Quotations from text • Direct quote from text/paraphrase • Analyze quote • Transition Sentence • Begin writing the rough draft of your body paragraphs now. Typed rough draft of ALL Three paragraphs are due tomorrow!

19. Bellwork November 6th: • “Beauty is only skin deep,” the cliché claims. If you had to choose between beauty and brains, which would you pick? Which do you think would get you further in life? Which do you think would make you happier? • 7-10 Sentences. • FYI • 7-10 quality sentences = 1o points (an A) • 5-6 quality sentences = 7 points ( a C) • 4 quality sentences = 5 points ( an F) • Less than 4 = 0-3 points ( a lower F)

20. Conclusion • Restate your thesis statement • Briefly summarize your main points • Avoid repeating body paragraphs • WOW factor adds extra energy to your paper. not necessary, but makes for a stronger paper

21. Fear of the unknown is a dominating theme in the novel Lord of the Flies. The symbol of the Beast and the characters Jack, and Ralph display this fear throughout the novel. Golding uses these characters to tell readers that fear should not be a force in our lives that directs decisions. When we are overcome with fear, we act irrationally as Jack and Ralph do throughout the novel. Golding urges readers to dismiss fears that are based in worry about the unknown.

22. Example : Golding uses three boys stranded on an island to illustrate that people facing fear determine their own paths. Jack’s fear of killing is overcome by his primal instincts, Ralph’s denial of his fear of not being rescued is finally recognized, and Piggy’s fear of standing out is overcome by his anger at Jack’s theft of his glasses. Both Jack and Piggy overcome their fears, while Ralph just learns how to accept the existence of his fears. The varied reactions of the three boys lead each of them to different places in their life journeys. Reactions to fear pave the road for future journeys.

23. Other necessary tidbits… • Use the present tense when talking about events in the book. • Don’t assume the reader has read the book, write a quick, concise summary in the opening paragraph • Don’t use “I” statements, weakens your arguments • Create an original title • Make sure all evidence supports your thesis

24. Bellwork November 7th: • “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” -Martin Luther King, Jr. • Explain what you think this quote is saying. • Do you agree or disagree with this statement? • How does this relate to Lord of the Flies? • 7-10 sentences!

25. Projects: • You have the rest of the class to work on Projects for LOTF. • Use your time wisely: • Not being on task will result in: • Loss of points • Important Dates to keep in mind: • Final Project Due: November 16th : Friday before we go on break for Thanksgiving. You will be presenting your work that day.