Thesis WritingShort Story Analysis Paper

Sample thesis:Through contrasting the serene and welcoming rural setting and the strict adherence to rules during the ritual of the lottery, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” advocates that readers should question their surroundings and, even more so, their traditions and beliefs.

Breakdown - Through contrasting [why] the serene and welcoming rural setting [what] and the strict adherence to rules during the ritual of the lottery [what], Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” advocates that readers should question their surroundings and, even more so, their traditions and beliefs. [so what]

“Formula”Through [contrasting/comparing/connecting] the [lit device #1] and the [lit device #2], [author/short story title] [verb - shows/reveals/demonstrates/relates] that readers [the “so what” - why should readers care about this story and the lit devices, or what can they learn from your story analysis?].

Essay StructureI. Intro

A. Attention grabberB. Introduce story and provide backgroundC. Thesis statement

II. 1st Body paragraphs discussing literary device analysisIII.2nd Body Paragraph discussing liteary devicesIV. 3rd Body paragraph synthesizing both devicesV. Conclusion

A. Restated thesisB. Summary of main pointsC. Final thought

QNTQUOTE NOTE THOUGHT

Quote with citation from the short story that relates to your literary device.

Quote from the story’s analysis. It should discuss or relate to the quote you selected from the story.

An explanation that discusses the connection between both columns.

There is a sample QNT in your packet on page 11 - did you look at this??

What you should know:● If you’re struggling to find textual evidence

and analysis to support the literary devices that you selected, SELECT NEW DEVICES!

● A rough draft of your paper is due on Monday. This is a four-paragraph assignment (minimum), some may have five paragraphs

● 8-10 sentences per body paragraph.