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The Introductory Paragraph

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The Introductory Paragraph Literary Analysis The introduction paragraph in an essay of literary analysis functions as follows: It focuses the reader s attention on ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: The Introductory Paragraph


1
The Introductory Paragraph
  • Literary Analysis

2
The introduction paragraph in an essay of
literary analysis functions as follows
  • It focuses the readers attention on the topic
    and arouses curiosity for the reader about what
    you, as the writer, have to say.
  • It specifies your subject and implies your
    attitude and tone.
  • It provides background necessary to understand
    the thesis statement.
  • It is concise and sincere.
  • It comes to a point with the thesis statement.

3
Structure of the Introduction Paragraph
  • 1st sentence hook or opening sentence
  • 2nd 3rd sentence transitions from hook while
    including T.A.G. (complete title, authors
    complete name, and genre of the work(s) being
    analyzed)
  • 3rd 5th sentence further logical transitions
  • Thesis Statement final sentence(s) of the
    introductions

4
Strategies for Composing Hooks or Opening
Statements
  • Use a vivid or powerful quotation that has
    relevance to your topic.
  • Create an analogy for your subject.
  • Offer an interesting fact or statistic.
  • State an opinion related to your thesis.
  • Define a concept central to your argument.

5
What to Avoid When Composing Hooks or Opening
Statements
  • Cliché statements Websters dictionary defines
    friendship as
  • First person point of view In this essay I will
    show
  • Asking rhetorical questions Have you ever
    wondered what would happen (Also avoid
    addressing the reader)
  • Vague or abstract language
  • Broad generalizations Symbolism is a powerful
    tool used in literature
  • Any attempt at humor, cleverness, or sarcasm

6
Consider the following checklist when composing
an introduction paragraph
  • ? The hook/opening sentence engages the readers
    curiosity while remaining academic and
    sophisticated.
  • ? The introduction avoids 1st person point of
    view, slang, and poor diction.
  • ? Specific terms or language are defined.
  • ? Necessary background information is provided.
  • ? The paragraph transitions clearly and logically
    from the hook to the thesis statement.

7
  • ? Avoid vague and abstract language and slang.
  • ? The thesis statement appears at the end of the
    introduction.
  • ? The introduction should be clear, logical, and
    reasonable.
  • ? Avoid attempts to be clever, funny, or
    sarcastic.
  • ? Use present tense verbs consistently.

8
  • ? The introduction need not be longer than 4 6
    sentences. Lengthy introductions tend to ramble
    and can distract from the topic and lose focus.

9
Sample Introductions
  • As you read the following samples, consider their
    strengths and weaknesses in light of the previous
    checklist.
  • Identify the hook or opening statement in each
    sample.
  • Identify T.A.G. (title, author, genre).
  • Identify transition sentences.
  • Identify the thesis statement.
  • Identify awkward, vague, wordy, or abstract
    diction.
  • Identify analytical and critical approach.

10
Sample 1
  • A womans role in marriage is a controversial
    subject that has puzzled and fascinated people as
    long as the institution of marriage has been in
    existence. Because women have traditionally held
    a subservient and passive role in marriage in
    contrast to their male counterparts, it is of
    great interest to reflect on world civilizations
    and cultures of the past in order to observe how
    contemporary societal expectations of a wife have
    evolved over time. One powerful way of glimpsing
    into past societies views on wifehood is by
    carefully examining classical world literature.
    The Ramayana of Valmiki and The Tale of Genji,
    examples of classical Indian and Japanese
    literature and culture, reflect their cultures
    values regarding a womans role as a wife.

11
Sample 2
  • The persona in Ana Castillos short story
    Subtitles narrates, I have lived my life in a
    foreign film. The idea that she is typecast
    into roles within her life reflects the dominant
    societys tendency to categorize her as foreign.
    This categorization naturally leads to the
    translation, and therefore transformation, of her
    character into Anglo-American society. This
    unique narrative explored the theme and character
    of the contemporary Chicana. Castillos
    Subtitles explores the problematic and
    contradictory nature of the Chicana identity in
    dominant Anglo-American society through the
    literary conventions of metaphor, point of view,
    figurative language, and symbolism.

12
Sample 3
  • Human memory is one of the greatest mysteries
    known to man. Some scientists claim that the
    human brains capacity to store and remember
    information is infinite yet, despite modern
    technology and advances in brain research, our
    gift of memory is still one that baffles
    scientists, physicians, and psychiatrists alike.
    This mystery of memory intrigues writers, as
    well. In her award-winning novel Beloved, Toni
    Morrison explores the intensity of memory in the
    story of an antebellum family haunted by the
    past. The controlling theme of memory develops
    meaning throughout the novel as a narrative
    technique that weaves insight and emotion into
    the characters, plot, and symbols. (Blueprint is
    vague)

13
Sample 4
  • Among the long list of prerequisites an
    effective leader must possess, confidence and the
    ability to speak eloquently and powerfully are
    necessary to portray a presence of competence.
    Certainly, any effective leader of historical
    significance may be shown to have possessed these
    qualities. In addition to historic figures,
    characters in the great canon of classical
    literature also reveal societal expectations of
    sound leadership. In particular, the playwrights
    hand is responsible for depicting, in dramatic
    form, the role of the heroic leader in all its
    grandeur. Christopher Marlowe, one of the great
    playwrights of the (cont.)

14
  • sixteenth century, portrays the character of
    Tamburlaine as he succeeds to and defends the
    throne in Tamburlaine the Great, Parts I and II.
    In Tamburlaines character we see a model of
    leadership in which confidence and eloquence play
    a pivotal role. Tamburlaines pride, confidence,
    and eloquence qualify him as a competent and
    effective leader.
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