Literary Precis Templates

Best Template: 4 Sentence Literary Precis with Embedded Quotes

• Sentence 1: author, genre, title, (year) use a strong verb (such as “argues,” “suggests,” or “claims”) followed by a THAT clause and the main theme/message of the work.

• Sentence 2: This claim is supported/demonstrated when the character, (name the character), (explain a specific moment in the work which demonstrates the theme, including an embedded quote).

• Sentence 3: The author’s message is also supported/highlighted by the character (name a second character) when he/she (explain a specific moment in the work which demonstrates the theme, including an embedded quote).

• Sentence 4: The author’s purpose is to . . . in order to . . .

Example:

Notable novelist, J.K. Rowling in the fantasy series, Harry Potter (1997-2007) suggests that humanity can overcome the weaknesses of humanity through friendships, perseverance, and wise mentors. This suggestion is demonstrated when Harry is able to save Buckbeak and Sirius from untimely deaths with the assistance of Dumbledore, Hermione, Ron, and his own Patronus: "Prongs rode again last night... You know, Harry, in a way, you did see your father last night... You found him inside yourself” (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban). The author's message is also demonstrated in the final interaction between Snape and Dumbledore, “We have protected him because it has been essential to teach him, to raise him, to let him try his strength" (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). Rowling's purpose is to demonstrate that humans can overcome feelings of selfishness, narcissism, and hatred through kinship, faith, and education in order to encourage people to continue to work towards bettering themselves.

Another Template: 4 Sentence Literary Precis

Sentence # 1

Name of author, genre, title of work, date in parentheses; an active voice present tense verb that states the author’s apparent purpose in writing the work.

Sentence # 2

An explanation of how the author develops the work, usually chronologically following the development of plot or character.

Sentence # 3

A statement of how the author’s purpose is achieved through his/her use of literary techniques.

Sentence # 4

A convincing statement to support your opinions of the work and its underlying value.

Example:

William Shakespeare, in his tragic drama, Romeo and Juliet (1595), uses the story of two young lovers and their quest for acceptance of their relationship from their families to illustrate how making immature, rash decisions lead to devastating results. Shakespeare showcases their relationship by highlighting external conflicts that threaten to destroy their plans for a life together. The playwright uses Romeo and Juliet , two mere children, to characterize the immature decision-making process that results in their deaths. Shakespeare teaches the reader the consequences of blind prejudice, hasty choices, and the importance of seeking wise council, while considering multiple points of view. 

Another Template: 5 Sentence Literary Precis

Sentence One: Author name, credentials, genre, and title of work, date in parentheses; a rhetorically active verb, and a THAT clause containing a message or theme explored by the text.

Sentence Two: A brief1-2 sentence summary that includes a reference to the main character, the setting and plot.

Sentence Three: An explanation of how the author structures the text to develop and convey the theme.

Sentence Four: A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an “in order to” which explains what the author wants the intended audience to feel, think and/or do as a result of reading the work.

Sentence Five: A description of a place in the text in which the author uses a literary device to achieve a specific purpose. (This sentence sometimes is important and other times can be omitted).

Example:

Notable novelist, J.K. Rowling in the fantasy series, Harry Potter (1997-2007) published by Scholastic addresses the topic of good versus evil and argues that goodness will always overcome the evil in the world. The novel is set in Hogwarts, a magical school in the UK countryside, and follows the story of Harry Potter a young, curious, and talented boy who must overcome several run-ins with Voldemort. Rowling develops her theme initially by introducing several otherworldly versions of the antagonist, then journeying to battle antagonist’s soul, and finally engaging directly in conflict with the antagonist. The author’s overall purpose is to teach humanity/children they can make a difference in the world so that they will make morally right choices. Throughout the entire series the author uses allegory to highlight likenesses between Harry and Christ to demonstrate the desirability of living a righteous life.