Rebel Essay Outline – Story Analysis, Author, Rebel
Purpose: to analyze (not summarize) literary piece, explore its themes and how those themes are conveyed through literary elements (e.g., characterization) structure, Audience: - students of literature, teacher Tone: - Academic, passionate (about literature)
Level of Language: heightened, sophisticated, academic (no contractions, third person, present tense), employs elements of style (rhetorical devices), economy of words.
Introduction/Invitation (draw reader in, set context and outline parameters of argument).
**Attention grabbers: quotation from famous literary critic on fiction, philosophers, writers, that prompts readers to begin considering the issues to be addressed in the critique; rhetorical question (no more than one); intriguing, relevant fact, statistic, anecdote (avoid personal/informal voice here).
Ex: “Zhang teaches readers to break from conventions of Patriarchal societies through Shanshan and Zhong Yu’s rejection of relationship norms. In the same way, Ai Wei Wei has rebelled against Chinese restrictions with his art.”
[Note the use of parallel structure – grammatical symmetry of syntax and the specificity of the ideas presented.]
(Body – GERRC ¶1) Argument #1:
Through a discussion of dramatically significant passages, delve into the first topic outlined in your thesis. Focus on story analysis including theme and how the theme is channeled through character development and at least one other story element.
G
eneral
statement
↑ Begins with a smooth transition from last paragraph, opens with a clear topic sentence that connects to the thesis, narrows argument even further into several components, aspects, features. ↑
E
laboration
↑ narrows focus even further before the introduction of evidence. ↑
R
eferences
↑APE (argument, proof, explanation); employs cited, embedded quotations – ex: Macbeth’s realizes too soon that his guilt and ensuing anxiety will manifest in “sleep[ing] no more” (II, ii, 46), a nemesis that ultimately haunts his once callous wife as well.
C
oncluding
sentence
↑ Quick recap of major argument and a clear connection back to thesis. Transition to author and broader story context.
(Body – GERRC ¶1) Argument #2:
Connect story to Author's life and broader message (socio-political background) he/she tries to deliver to readers.
(Body – GERRC ¶1) Argument #3:
Connect story’s message to news item (rebel or issue).
Conclusion/Memorable Farewell
Thesis
Re-
worded
↑ Consider different phrasing here; use thesaurus to assist
Insight
↑ Leave reader with a memorable final thought about the universal message or truth, archetypal import of the piece you have
analyzed. What lessons are gained from reading this text? from writing this paper? Stay in 3rd person.