Literary essay 6v

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Literary essay

Introduction & thesis statement

What is an essay?

• An essay is a piece of writing where you share your ideas about a topic in an organized way. It usually has an introduction, body paragraphs with your main points and examples, and a conclusion to sum up your ideas.
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• an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view.

What is a literary essay?

A literary essay is really an analysis of a literary work, in this case: our book Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.

It is not merely a summary. Instead, it is an argument about the work that expresses a writer's (that's you guys) personal perspective, interpretation, judgment, or critical evaluation of the book.

A literary essay is really an analysis of a literary work. An insightful, critcial interpretation, in this case: our book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

It is not merely a summary. Instead, it is an argument about the work that expresses a writer's (that's you guys) personal perspective, interpretation, judgment, or critical evaluation of the book.

1. "Science should have no limits when it comes to advancing human knowledge."
2. "Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children."
3. "Social media does more harm than good"
4. "Technology can never replace the emotional connections humans have with each other."
5. "Revenge is never justified, no matter the circumstances."
6. ""School uniforms should be mandatory"

CRITICAL THINKING

EXAMPLES

Explore the theme of ambition and its consequences. How does Victor’s pursuit of knowledge and power ultimately lead to his downfall?

Discuss the role of nature in Frankenstein. How does Shelley use descriptions of the natural world to reflect the emotions and states of the characters?

Examine the ethics of scientific experimentation in Frankenstein. How does Victor’s creation of the monster raise questions about the moral responsibilities of scientists?

It should have these 3 elements:

1. An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on. Hook, background information, thesis statement

2. A main body, divided into paragraphs, that builds an argument using evidence from the text.

3. A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

Restates the thesis, summarizes key points, and leaves a final impression.

The introduction

> background information
> End with your thesis statement (your main argument)

The introduction

> Start with a compelling opening statement - Hook

> background information
> End with your thesis statement (your main argument)

The introduction

> Start with a compelling opening statement - Hook

> background information: You clearly introduce the topic, the literary work and the author

> End with your thesis statement (your main argument).

The introduction

> Start with a compelling opening statement - Hook

> background information
> End with your thesis statement (your main argument)

Frankenstein

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is set in 18th-century Europe and follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist, who creates a living being from assembled body parts. However, horrified by his creation, Victor abandons the creature, who faces rejection and cruelty from society because of his appearance. Through the perspectives of both Victor and the creature, the novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and isolation. The creature's growing despair and anger lead him to seek revenge against Victor, resulting in tragedy for both. Ultimately, the story delves into the consequences of unchecked ambition and the human need for connection, posing profound questions about what it means to be a monster.

Which of the following would be a good compelling opening sentence of a literary essay?

This essay explores the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and its themes of creation and responsibility..

What does it truly mean to be human? Frankenstein challenges this question through its complex characters.

No one is born a monster; it is society and rejection that often turn them into one.

Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein tells the story of a scientist who defies nature.

No one is born a monster; it is society and rejection that often turn them into one.“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful,” declares the creature in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, a statement that underscores the novel’s exploration of ambition, rejection, and morality. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, whose relentless pursuit of scientific achievement leads him to create life, only to abandon his creation. Through the creature’s suffering and Victor’s moral failings, Shelley examines the consequences of neglect and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity. This essay will analyze how Shelley portrays these themes and challenges readers to reconsider what truly defines a monster.

What is the best thesis
statement?

1

2

3

Objective: Quickly write a clear thesis statement in response to a fun prompt.

Read the prompt and decide your position.

"Homework should be banned."

Write a thesis statement that includes:

Your position and Two supporting reasons.

Example: "This essay argues that homework should be banned because it increases stress and reduces family time."

" Write a thesis statement that includes:
Your position / Two supporting reasons.

"Chocolate is better than ice cream."
"Summer is the best season of the year.
Pizza is the best food in the world."
"Aliens definitely exist."

This essay will provide an explanation for pizza being the best food in the world because it is versatile, widely loved, and available in endless varieties to suit every taste."

This essay challenges the question that aliens definitely exist because the universe is vast and unexplored, and scientists have found signs of potentially habitable planets.

This essay will argue that chocolate is better than ice cream because it is more versatile, lasts longer, and can be enjoyed in any season

This essay will demonstrate that summer is the best season of the year because it offers the longest days, the weather, and opportunities for outdoor activities.

CONCLUSION:

To sum up, the concept of monstrosity in *Frankenstein* goes beyond appearances, as Victor’s actions reveal him to be more monstrous than the creature. For example, his selfish destruction of the creature’s mate reflects his lack of empathy and responsibility. Through this, Shelley challenges readers to question what truly defines a monster—someone's outward appearance or their moral choices. By contrasting Victor’s cruelty with the creature’s longing for connection, Shelley provides a powerful commentary on humanity, responsibility, and the consequences of neglect, leaving readers with meaningful insights into the nature of monstrosity.