The Literary Essay is an insightful, critical interpretation of a literary work.

2. The Literary Essay is an insightful, critical interpretation of a literary work. • It is not a summary of plot, character or other elements of fiction.

3. …you provide your own formal interpretation of the topic • …you use the literary work to prove or substantiate your understanding of the topic

4. …try to prove the plot – we know how the series of events unfold because we read the short story • …need to prove that the characters, setting, or themes exist in the literary work

5. …provide an interpretation of the plot, setting, character, conflict, and themes as they relate to the topic you are discussing • …develop elements that will prove your argument

6. …allows you, the writer, to provide your own understanding of the literary work in a properly structured format.

7. In order to be complete, your essay must include the following :

8. …clearly introduces the topic, the literary work, and the author. • Example: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee explores the destructive nature of racial prejudice and discrimination. • The introduction allows you to give the reader the clear and specific direction of your essay.

9. …states the main purpose of the essay • …is often stated in the LAST sentence of your introduction • …answers the question: What will you prove/show through this essay about the literary work under discussion?

10. THE THESIS STATEMENT • …ANSWERS the essay question • …is argumentative, not descriptive • …often indicates subarguments • …TOPIC+OPINION=THESIS

11. You evaluate it… • Life of Pi is an exciting survival novel rich with zoology, religious zeal and human tenacity. • Does it meet the criteria of a good thesis statement?

12. “sounds” good, but… • SO WHAT? • …too descriptive, not argumentative • …need to clearly argue, not just describe

13. YOU Re-write it! • Life of Pi is an exciting survival novel, rich with zoology, religious zeal and human tenacity.

14. …each body paragraph begins with a clear main point (topic sentence) that supports the thesis • quotations are smoothly incorporated and thoroughly analyzed, showing relevance to and support of the main point • concluding sentence ties to thesis; ends with linking sentence that introduces the next paragraph • smooth and logical transitions between and within paragraphs;

15. …serves to PROVE your thesis NOTE: • In order to prove your thesis, you must develop and expand on the topic using examples (quotations) from the literary work to substantiate your statements • Once a quotation is cited, you must provide an interpretation, not a summary, about howthis quote is relevant to the development of the topic and thesis

16. The first sentence of the conclusion is a restatement of your THESIS – use different words, but do not change the meaning Do not introduce any new information in the conclusion. Restate your most important points as a means of bringing your argument to a close and explain the significance of the thesis. • Clincher

17. Introduction : Paragraph One 1st sentence: General overview of the topic 2nd & 3rd sentences: Introduction of the author and the literary work Additional sentences: Description and/or development of the literary work as it pertains the topic. It’s where you introduce your subarguments. Final sentence: Statement of the thesis .

18. Paragraph 2 – Development of first sub-argument Topic Sentence: Introduces only the argument in this paragraph. Development consists of ideas which support the topic sentence and thesis • Choose 3 quotations from the literary work which will develop/support this topic and establish a connection to topic/thesis • A linking sentence will reinforce what was stated in this paragraph and connect it to the following argument.

19. Paragraph 3 – Development of second argument Paragraph 4 – Development of third argument

20. Restates the thesis (in different words) • Summarizes the main points of your argument from each paragraph • Makes final concluding point and connects to an interesting thought beyond the scope of the essay

21. HOW IT LOOKS INTRODUCTION BODY ARGUMENT 1 ARGUMENT 2 ARGUMENT 3 CONCLUSION

22. INCORPORATING EVIDENCE • Introduce your evidence smoothly, providing some context, and embed quotations in your own sentences Example: Pi’s understanding of storytelling becomes clear when he asks Mr. Okamoto, “[d]oesn’t the telling of something always become a story?”(Martel 380) Author’s last name and page reference

23. ANALYZING YOUR EVIDENCE • Offer a thorough explanation, showing the relevance to, and support for, your main point Example: In his question, Pi clarifies that once the “truth” is told, it becomes fictionalized. The very nature of recounting a past event leads to some of the truth being altered for the sake of a good story.

24. Works Cited Martel, Yann. Life of Pi. Orlando: Harcourt, 2001. Print. Use MLA format!

25. MLA FORMAT • Do not make a title page for your paper • In the upper left-hand corner of the first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the date. Be sure to double-space only – leave no extra spaces • Centre the title. Don't underline your title or put it in quotation marks. ONLY underline or italicize the novel title.

26. Here is a sample first page of an essay in MLA style:

27. Ensure you have completed the following before you submit your essay for assessment to your teacher: • Double spaced your essay • Times New Roman, Verdana or Calibri, font size 12 • MLA format throughout • Header on each page, including page 1, with your last name and page number

28. Included a Works Cited page • Cited the literary work on the works cited page and referenced it properly throughout essay (parenthetical citations) • Have introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion • Clearly stated thesis

29. Edited for spelling and language errors (be careful of “typos”) • Stapled the essay in the correct order • Spelled the teacher’s name correctly • Indented each new paragraph 5 spaces to show its beginning • Underlined/italicized all novel titles throughout the essay