Karen Russell
St. Lucys Home for Girls Raised by Wolves (2006)
In response to any one of the stories assigned in Module 2 EXCEPT/EXCLUDING “Cathedral,” write a 500-750-word response paper (that’s 2-3 double-spaced pages in 12 pt.).
A GOOD RESPONSE ESSAY: Your THESIS STATEMENT (the last sentence in the introductory paragraph) should express your main focus as you reflected upon the story, and each body paragraph (there should be several; organize well) should develop part of your position taken in the thesis statement
FORMAT: Format your paper in 12 pt. typeface. Use a HEADER on page 1 with your name, the assignment, and the date in upper left corner. Drop down two spaces and center (I recommend boldface) your title. Then double-space the paper. Indent each new paragraph one tab (one-half inch). Use standard one-inch to 1 1/4 inch margins.
Write two full pages, no more than three.
Needs to follow specific outline:
Literary Analysis Outline & Introduction
Outline Overview
An outline serves as a guide to your paper for your reader. If you have not already been making formal outlines, this outline will be a formal version of your previous notes; it lays out your main points and subpoints for your reader. Generally, this kind of outline uses conventions of formal outlining: Roman numerals, letters and indentations.
View the sample outline for a visual representation. Remember, if you are planning on writing a 8 page paper, your outline should be approximately 8 pages.
Example Outline
Catchy Title
Paragraph 1: Introduction (Use HATMAT)
Hook
Author
Title
Main characters
A short summary
Thesis
Paragraph 2: First Body Paragraph (TCQAC)
Topic sentence (what this paragraph will discuss [i.e., scene, quotes, biographical info, etc.], how it will prove your thesis)
Context for the quote or scene
Who says it?
Whats happening in the text when they say it?
Quote from the text (cited appropriately)
Analysis of the quote: How does it prove your thesis? Offer an interpretive commentary on the scene or quotation and make the connection between it and your thesis clear! Explain connections and associations between things both literal and figurative in the text.
Closing sentence (wrap up the paragraph to effectively transition to the next paragraph)
REPEAT III 5-10 TIMES. Repeat this pattern more or less consistently throughout the body of your analysis paper. Do no merely chop into quotations and assume they stand for themselves. Make the connection between your thesis and evidence clear, either implicitly or explicitly.
Conclusion (You do not necessarily have to follow this order, but include the following):
Briefly summarize the main points you have tried to emphasize throughout you discussion.
Clarify the larger meaning of the textthis is a good place to say what the text reveals abut some aspect of human nature.
Comment on what the text made you seeeither for the first time, or in a new way.
Offer your personal feelings/reactions, if appropriate.
The Introduction
The introduction to your literary analysis essay should try to arouse interest in your reader. To bring immediate focus to your subject, you may want to use a quotation, a provocative question, a startling statement, or a combination of these. You may also want to include background information relevant to your thesis and necessary for the reader to understand the position you are taking.
In addition, you need to include the title of the work of literature and name of the author.
