Below
I have sketched out a very basic outline for the kind of analysis you
must develop. Your essay should
be organized to demonstrate how a variety of contextual themes are communicated
in the work.
I. Introduction
[Your
introduction should: a) provide background on the context b) provide
background on the work c) explain exactly what you will be proving in
the rest of the paper, and d) how you will do so.
In general, this will take the conceptual form of an upside down
triangle (general to specific).]
A. Background about
the “context”, establishing major themes (gleaned from our class conversations,
our background reading, etc.).
B. Background about
the creator
C. Background of
the work: origins, significance, etc.
D. Statement of thesis
and plan of argument: that the work is representative of its “context,”
since it conveys some or all of the themes addressed above (in the
order that they will be covered in the body).
For example: “This paper will demonstrate that [my primary source]
is highly representative of the major themes of [the related cultural
context], namely: 1, 2, 3, 4….” This
thesis with plan is absolutely necessary in any paper.
II. Evidence of Theme One
in the work
[In
each body section you must first establish the importance of each theme
in the culture in general—make brief reference to some other examples,
whether from “history” or the arts—then
move to your example. Thus, body sections must include at least two
separate paragraphs or sub-sections: A & B.]
A. Information about
this theme in the context in general
1. (Smooth
transition from previous section, using conjunctions and subtle
references to preceding material)
2. Material
about the theme of the context, from our background reading, discussion,
or other sources
a)
b)
c)
B. Details in the
work
1.
Proof that the theme is communicated in the work: each of
these sections must be supported with very specific evidence from
the source itself.
a)
b)
c)
2.
Close each section by reiterating how it supports your thesis
III. Evidence of Theme Two
in the work
[In
each body section you must first establish the importance of each theme
in the culture in general—make brief reference to some other examples,
whether from “history” or the arts—then
move to your example. Thus, body sections must include at least two
separate paragraphs or sub-sections: A & B.]
A. Information about
this theme in the context in general
1. (Smooth
transition from previous section, using conjunctions and subtle
references to preceding material)
2. Material
about the theme of the context, from our background reading, discussion,
or other sources
a)
b)
c)
1.
Proof that the theme is communicated in the work: each
of these sections must be supported with very specific evidence
from the source itself.
a)
b)
c)
IV. Evidence of Theme Three in the work
[In
each body section you must first establish the importance of each theme
in the culture in general—make brief reference to some other examples,
whether from “history” or the arts—then
move to your example. Thus, body sections must include at least two
separate paragraphs or sub-sections: A & B.]
A. Information about
this theme in the context in general
1. (Smooth
transition from previous section, using conjunctions and subtle
references to preceding material)
2. Material
about the theme of the context, from our background reading, discussion,
or other sources
a)
b)
c)
1.
Proof that the theme is communicated in the work: each
of these sections must be supported with very specific evidence
from the source itself.
a)
b)
c)
Etc.
[The body must include a minimum of three sections, but could consist
of many more.]
V. ( . . .) Conclusion:
Develop a full conclusion in which you strongly reiterate your thesis
and the ways you have demonstrated it.
Write it with some passion!
|
