Writing a literary analysis essay AP IV Observation
Writing a literary analysis essay AP IV
Observation: • Salinger’s novel Catcher in the Rye presents the mindset of a teenager trying to maintain innocence while rebelling against societal norms. �That is merely an observation on the part of the essay writer. It’s a good observation, but it’s one most readers could recognize without your help. Think of your essay as a teaching tool that will help to analyze or illuminate the text.
Thesis Claim or an Argument that can be debated. Holden’s contempt for society and lack of maturity exemplifies his “god-complex” of becoming the savior of innocence.
Locate quotations that support your thesis statement. • As a rule of thumb, try to find at least three direct quotations to support each element that will be used as support.
Writing an introduction. • An introduction may be more than one paragraph, though in a short essay, it is typically one. • The thesis statement usually is placed at the very end of the introduction.
More on introductions … • A guideline to follow is that your introduction should contain at least five significant sentences, including your thesis statement.
Thesis Statement • Closed Thesis Statement • Holden’s decline into depression is caused by his isolation from family, friends, and his teachers. • Open Thesis Statement • Holden’s continuing isolation and self- alienation are the source of his decline into depression and derive from societal and conflicts as well as attribute to his cynical and immature perspective of life and maturation.
Introduction • An effectively-written and wellorganized introductory paragraph should act as a signpost for the rest of the paper.
Example Introduction Many writers tackle the struggle that characters must face within themselves, whether it be a conflict that is mental, emotional, cultural or societal. J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye delves into the angst and complexity of growing up in the conformist era of the 1950’s. Holden Caulfield struggles against the societal norms of the time period and strives to prevent change and retain the goodness and purity of childhood. Although a noble cause, Holden truly exhibits characteristics that reveal not only an unrealistic perspective, but one that is arrogant and self-centered. Holden’s contempt for society and lack of maturity exemplifies his “god-complex” of becoming the savior of innocence.
Body Paragraph • Topic sentence • 3 supports for each body paragraph • 1 major, 2 minor • Each support is discussed and related to topic of paragraph as well as thesis statement • The major and minor supports should include quotes to support.
Body Paragraph Formula • Topic Sentence • Introduce support #1 • Quotes with citation • Explain and relate to topic sentence and thesis • Introduce support #2 • Quotes with citation • Explain and relate to topic sentence and thesis • Introduce support #3 • Quotes with citation • Explain and relate to topic sentence and thesis
Body Paragraphs for Support • Thesis: • Holden’s continuing isolation and self- alienation are the source of his decline into depression and derive from societal conflicts as well as attribute to his cynical and immature perspective of life and maturation.
Furthermore, Holden’s desperate need for companionship results in alienation and self-isolation. Holden is constantly isolating himself from others his own age. Promptly before exiting Pency Prep, Holden stands alone on top of the hill overlooking the rest of the student body at the football game, “Anyway, I kept standing next to that crazy cannon, looking down at the game and freezing my ass off. Only, I wasn’t watching the game too much. What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of good-by” (Salinger 4). Despite Holden having relationships at school, he still isolates himself from activities that would put him in close proximity with others his own age. This sequestration indicates that he purposely isolates himself from social situations and interactions contributing to his feelings of alienation and isolation.
Moreover, after leaving Pency Prep, Holden continues to alienate himself when he refuses the company of Faith Cavendish. Holden has the confidence to call a random stranger in hopes of a companion for communication and interaction; however, when faced with actually meeting her, he is quick to decline and make excuses, “’I can’t make it tomorrow, ’ I said. ‘Tonight’s the only time I can make it. ‘’What a dope I was. I shouldn’t have said that…Boy, I really fouled that up. I should’ve at least made it for cocktails or something’” (Salinger 78 -79). Holden’s inability to make a date with Faith continues to shows his lack of self- confidence and despair when trying to connect with others. Even though Holden does not choose the appropriate people to make connections with, these random people indicate his overwhelming desire for companionship.
Holden seeks companionship once again with Sally Hayes. Not only is Holden unable to focus on his feelings for Sally, he also lacks the ability to form a conversation and appropriate interaction with her, thus driving her away. Holden desperately wants to be with Sally, but his erratic, frantic ramblings coupled with his ignorant and sarcastic remarks force Holden to be alone once again. Holden’s desperation and desire for isolation are shown when he says, “’We’ll stay in these cabin camps and stuff like that till the dough runs out, I could get a job somewhere and we could live somewhere with a brook and all…’” (Salinger 132). His yearning to remove himself from society is a way for him to prevent maturing and enables him live within the glass case of youth. Sally’s insincerity and lack of understanding Holden’s plight further pushes him into isolation and alienation from those around him directly increasing his depression and despair.
Conclusion • Restate thesis • Reiterate main ideas • No new information
V. Conclusion It is sometimes helpful to think of the conclusion as a reversal of your introduction. You may want to begin by rephrasing your thesis statement.
The final conclusion looks something like this: Holden’s “messiah-complex” is directly caused by his quest to save innocence and protect the youth of society. This desire is what aggravates his cynical outlook and self-centered perspective of the adult world. Holden’s refusal to abide by the societal norms of the 1950’s is an internal struggle, which he must face and eventually overcome. Holden must realize that he cannot always grab the gold ring and he must transcend into the adult world.
Smith 5 Works Cited Last name of author, first name. Title. Place of publication: publisher, copyright. • • alphabetical order double space same margins and header Second all subsequent lines indent
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