Synthesis Essay: Subject by Subject

Literary synthesis is the combination of ideas from several sources of literature to form a single

conclusion. The writer’s job is to search for areas in which the ideas in the literary pieces parallel each

other by making similar, insightful connections through common themes or traits.

YOUR synthesis essay will focus on the common THEME of multiple pieces of literature.

Think of it as a comparison/contrast essay proving that several different pieces of literature share the

same message and that they express this message in ways that are both similar and different.

Caution: Do NOT summarize the content of the texts. Analyze HOW the authors prove the same point.

Structure and Content:

Paragraph 1 – Introduction

Begin with a hook related to the prompt topic (the theme of the texts).

State the names of the texts and the full names of the authors. (In subsequent references, you

can refer to the authors by last name only.)

State your thesis (that all texts are related through the theme).

Preview the topics of the body paragraphs.

*The names of the text and authors, your thesis, and your preview can be combined into one

sentence or each be their own sentences.

Example: Two of Steven Crane’s works, “A Man Said to the Universe” and “The Open Boat, both

suggest the idea that though man sees himself as important, nature sees him as insignificant.

Though two different genres of literature, both literary works support this theme through the use

of irony and juxtaposition.

Paragraph 2- Body paragraph about text #1

Topic sentence stating that text #1 supports the common theme.

1st Textual evidence proving your topic sentence

o Introduce the evidence

o Quote/paraphrase/summarize the evidence

o Explain the evidence

2nd Textual evidence proving your topic sentence

o Introduce the evidence

o Quote/paraphrase/summarize the evidence

o Explain the evidence

A brief explanation of how this piece’s approach to theme is similar to the other 2 pieces

AND/OR of how its approach is different. You can place this in the beginning of the paragraph

with your topic sentence if you prefer.

Example: While Crane addresses the topic of man’s insignificance to nature through poetry in “A

Man Said to the Universe, he explores the same topic through narrative in his short story “The

Open Boat”. “The Open Boat” also uses irony to prove that man is insignificant to nature. For

example… In addition, the poem employees juxtaposition to prove the theme as can be seen

through the side by side placement of the man’s exclamation and the universe’s response. In line

2, the man exclaims, “Sir, I exist!” (Crane). The poem is more abrupt and blunt in its message

than the short story which requires the reader to interpret the message throughout the

progression of the narrative.

Paragraph 3- Body paragraph about text #2

Paragraph 4- Body paragraph about text #3

Paragraph 5- Conclusion

Restate thesis.

Summarize topic sentences (and possibly most significant differences mentioned in the body).

Close with something to leave the reader thinking (similar to a hook).

Writing Tips:

Write about literature in present tense. Ex. The poem is about… The character says…

Ideas – Demonstrate that you understand the content of the literature and demonstrate an

insightful analysis of the literature.

Fluency – variety of lengths and sentence beginnings

Transitions – include between ideas and between paragraphs

Word Choice – strong verbs, precise nouns

Grammar, punctuation, and capitalization count

Legibility – If I can’t read your handwriting, I can’t grade it.