Analytical Essay Prompts
Below prompts are possible questions that can be adapted to various selections. Elements/devices can be changed in accordance to the specific texts.
- Decisions often have far-reaching consequences. Using ONE of the following, show how this theme is developed:
a) conflict,
b) relationships with others
c) character development.
- Analyze how a character’s response to conflict reveals his/her true nature.
- Writer’s often develop characters through a variety of literary techniques. Discuss how tone, word choice, and dialogue develops the character in the prose piece.
- In the piece, “***” examine how imagery is used effectively to create mood, stereotype, suspense
- Identify the message/purpose/theme of the piece and discuss how it is developed through the use of any three of the following.
a) Informal language style
b) Symbolism
c) Irony
d) Flashback
e) Point of view
f) literary devices
g) foreshadowing
h) Diction
i) Analogy
j) etc. Any literary term
Literary Analysis
I. Introductory paragraph
- refer to the question and state the title/author of selection
- thesis statement/your point
- definition or clarification if needed
- organizational statement with three main points
II. Three Body Paragraphs
- topic sentence introducing the point you are using from your organizational statement
- You may need to identify a character, define a term here
- Give the context and lead in to the quote you are using to support your argument. This is a direct quote from the selection. Include an in-text citation (author’s last name and page in brackets after the quote.
- explain how the ref. you’ve chosen illustrates the overall point you are trying to make.
-Transition to your second quote (Context/lead in/citation)
- explain how the ref. you’ve chosen illustrates the point you are trying to make.
-conclude the paragraph and move on to next
III. Conclusion
- clue up the discussion
-restate thesis
-restate 3 key points
### Your thesis statement must follow these four rules:
The Thesis Statement should be expressed in a complete sentence(s).
A Thesis Statement expresses an opinion, attitude or idea; It does not simply announce the topic the essay will develop. Don’t do this: “I’m going to write about...”
A Thesis Statement should express an opinion, it should NOT express a fact.
A Thesis Statement should express one idea toward one topic
**** Use direct quotes from the excerpt for a total of SIX Quotes.
No Man’s Land Essay Sample Introduction
Thesis statement: Explain how major characters can be developed throughout the minor characters
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
Introductory Paragraph:
Kevin Major’s No Man’s Land is a historical fiction about the Newfoundland Regiment’s experiences in the Battle of Somme. Often in literature, a major character is developed through their interaction with minor characters. This is the case with Alan Hayward, a 2nd Lieutenant with the regiment. In the novel, he has many interactions with his men and the people of the small town of Louvencourt where he is billeted. Hayward’s character is revealed through his interactions with the minor characters, _______, _________ and ________________. Over the course of the twenty-four-hour period heading into the Great Push. Major does a fantastic job in enabling the reader to see the true character of Hayward.
Things to keep in mind:
Each point should present a different idea.
You should not use the same quote/reference twice.
Read over to make sure your sentences are coherent.
Check over for grammatical errors.
When referring to the author in your body paragraphs, use the last name.
Avoid contractions (can’t should be cannot).
Avoid use of personal pronouns (I think or I feel).
Try to use “the audience/reader” instead of “you”.
Capital letters are used at the beginning of sentences, character names and proper nouns.
Use proper punctuation.
Title and the author really only need to be stated in the introduction and conclusion.