Outline for Literary Essay

I. Introduction:
a. Lead (an interesting first sentence that makes the reader want to read more; should relate to and lead into the thesis):

b. Title and author; brief context or background

c. Thesis/Focus (overall interpretation):


II. Body:
a. Paragraph 1:
* Topic sentence - state example, observation, inference, or reason that supports the thesis:


* I think this because (textual evidence; provide quotation):


* This quote shows that (elaboration):


* This example proves that (concluding sentence; connect back to topic sentence and thesis):


b. Paragraph 2:

* Topic sentence - state another example, observation, inference, or reason that supports the thesis:

* I think this because (textual evidence; provide quotation):

* This quote shows that (elaboration):

* This example proves that (concluding sentence; connect back to topic sentence and thesis):

c. Paragraph 3:

* Topic sentence - state another example, observation, inference, or reason that supports the thesis:

* I think this because (textual evidence; provide quotation):

* This quote shows that (elaboration):

* This example proves that (concluding sentence; connect back to topic sentence and thesis):

III. Conclusion:
i. What deeper discoveries have you made about your topic in writing this essay? How does the text relate to you, the reader, the world, and/or another text?

ii. Connect back to your lead and thesis and examples you provided.

iii. What final opinions, arguments, ideas, and/or feelings do you want to convey to the reader about you thesis?