Julius Caesar Critical Essaywith quotations in MLA style

Review of thesis…and…Writing the Outline

and Revising

Create a Thesis!

• Based on your brainstorming ideas, develop a thesis statement. • Thesis Statement: states the main point of the essay– what are you specifically going to tell your reader?• Clearly state the thesis first. Write the thesis before you write anything else. You can’t write an essay unless you know what you will be proving!• Next, you need to make points, called arguments, in support of the thesis. There are a minimum of three supporting points in an essay.

Sample Thesis Good thesis: Shakespeare’s diligent attention to structure and literary devices results in a satisfying and properly paced tragedy that audiences can relate to and enjoy. Based on this thesis, the body paragraphs should address each argument or point, using specific examples from the text.

Sample Thesis BreakdownShakespeare’s diligent attention to structure and literary devices results in a satisfying and properly paced tragedy that audiences can relate to and enjoy. Based on this thesis, the body paragraphs should address each argument or point, using specific examples from the text.

-- Shakespeare’s diligent attention

-to structure and- literary devices

- results in a satisfying and- properly paced tragedy - that audiences can relate to and enjoy.

Sample Thesis BreakdownShakespeare’s diligent attention to structure and literary devices results in a satisfying and properly paced tragedy that audiences can relate to and enjoy. Based on this thesis, the body paragraphs should address each argument or point, using specific examples from the text.

-- Shakespeare’s diligent attention

-to structure and (exposition, conflict, denouement)

- literary devices (foreshadowing and characterization)

- results in a satisfying and (add opinion)

- properly paced tragedy (use Poetics)

- that audiences can relate to and enjoy. (opinion)

Reminder…Thesis and topic sentences…

• Thesis statement is the controlling idea for your entire paper.

• Topic sentences (Point) in the body paragraphs control the ideas for each of the body paragraphs.

A new example of how to build out an argument from the same thesis

• Thesis: With the combination of a writer’s craft and a desire to please the crowd, Shakespeare devotes diligent attention to structure and literary devices to create a play that results in a satisfying and properly paced tragedy that audiences can relate to and enjoy.

Sequence ideas carefully to create an argument…another example

-Define tragedy using a quote or paraphrase from Aristotle or handouts.

-Identify one or more structural elements of tragedy to focus on.

-Identify literary devices (foreshadowing and characterization) that help support ideas and quotes you will use with elements listed

already.

Aristotle – Tragedy defined, Section VI

• “Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions” (Aristotle, Poetics).

Aristotle – Structural elements defined and tied to tragedy,

Section VI

“The Plot, then, is the first principle, and, as it were, the soul of a tragedy: Character holds the second place” (Aristotle, Poetics).

How do I tie the literary devices into tragedy?

• “Tragedy, then, is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions” (Aristotle, Poetics).

Review of the same thesis

• Thesis: With the combination of a writer’s craft and a desire to please the crowd, Shakespeare devotes diligent attention to structure and literary devices to create a play that results in a satisfying and properly paced tragedy that audiences can relate to and enjoy.

How can I make a body paragraph?

…by using a controlling idea, or topic sentence…and adding details…

How do I tie the literary elements into tragedy to play in

a body paragraph?

Topic Sentence:

Shakespeare follows Aristotle’s direction on how to create a tragedy by using “language embellished with each kind of artistic ornament” (Poetics). The following are examples of this: …add here…

How do I know if I am doing it right?

• Go back to make sure that your thesis and topics sentences align and create an argument and are sequenced properly.

• Try explaining to a friend what you are doing, and ask them if what you are thinking makes sense.

• Revise or restructure argument around your existing writing

• Add new sentences to strengthen the framework of your argument

Do Now….Check your progress so far…

• Identify thesis and write on graphic organizer

• List the sub-points (topic sentences for the body paragraphs) you want to make based upon your thesis.

• List the paragraph topic sentences you have already written.

HOMEWORK

• Yes, you’re doing this at home.– Finish your thesis statement graphic

organizer, and realign with your body paragraphs!

– Add all the notecards you are using and have used already to your graphic organizer.

– REORGANIZE AND REWRITE AS NEEDED.