Using Lit Devices in Essays Typical Thesis Structure

Typical Thesis Structure Author uses… (some pattern in the novel) to reveal (theme –

Example from OFK T. H. White uses Wart’s experiences with animal adventures in Book

How do we incorporate the lit. device? For this essay, you MUST use either

What would that look like in a thesis …with juxtaposition? Alan Paton uses… the

What would that look like in a thesis …with symbolism? Alan Paton uses… Clothing

How to do this in paragraphs … for juxtaposition? You juxtapose aspects of the

How to do this in paragraphs … for symbolism? Track the symbol throughout the

What about topic sentences? Think of the jobs you’re doing. You have to… 1.

Pseduo-Topic Sentence Examples Juxtaposition: Paton juxtaposes the wealth of Ndotsheni and the poverty in

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Using Lit Devices in Essays

Typical Thesis Structure Author uses… (some pattern in the novel) to reveal (theme – message about big idea) because… (clause explaining logic of theme).

Example from OFK T. H. White uses Wart’s experiences with animal adventures in Book I to suggest education helps develop personal judgment and decision-making because it allows a person to make correct choices based on informed experience rather than impulse.

How do we incorporate the lit. device? For this essay, you MUST use either juxtaposition or symbolism as a basis for your theme. … what’s that mean? You must use the word “juxtaposition” or “symbolism” and in the pattern position of your thesis statement. The juxtaposition/symbolism IS your pattern.

What would that look like in a thesis …with juxtaposition? Alan Paton uses… the juxtaposition of Johannesburg with Ndotsheni to reveal… (theme) (because statement)

What would that look like in a thesis …with symbolism? Alan Paton uses… Clothing to symbolize ____ to suggest… (theme) (because statement)

How to do this in paragraphs … for juxtaposition? You juxtapose aspects of the two elements you’re comparing. You could write a paragraph comparing… Wealth Social structure Cooperation Crime _____?

How to do this in paragraphs … for symbolism? Track the symbol throughout the novel. Paragraph 1: It appears here, symbolizing _____. Paton uses it here to show us ______. Paragraph 2: It also appears here ____. This agrees with / interrupts that pattern because Paton puts it there to show us _____.

What about topic sentences? Think of the jobs you’re doing. You have to… 1. Show me the literary device happening in a specific part of the novel. So name the literary device in your topic sentence each time. 2. Mirror theme using the book. Don’t forget to stay specific to the scene/section you’re discussing.

Pseduo-Topic Sentence Examples Juxtaposition: Paton juxtaposes the wealth of Ndotsheni and the poverty in Johannesburg which exposes that the wealth of Ndotsheni has caused the community to _____ (mirror theme). Symbolism: When Gertrude’s clothing appears ____ (specific spot in the book) representing ______ (connect to your symbolism), the community of Ndotsheni is revealed as _____ (mirror theme).