For this week, and as a short and sweet exercise before the midterm to conclude this book, I want to do something a bit different and more structured. Some of you may find this "restricting" and maybe even more difficult than writing a straight-forward opinion piece, but I think it will help you focus on literary analysis in terms of structure and paragraph concision. It works well with this book, as there are so many dualities where one can clearly offer a "claim."
Similar to a fill-in-the-blank exercise, I'd like you to write a developed paragraph (almost like a mini-essay) that consists of 5 lead sentences that will soundly develop your opinion while referencing the text. You are allowed to tack on added sentences before you elaborate the others if you need them; BUT you must use these 5 sentences and have them appear in this order. Long paragraphs are "okay" but don't get carried away. It should come across as a paragraph and not an essay.
Sentence #1:
At first glance, Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" might appear .....
In this first sentence, you will get to a direct point very clearly and concisely. Your job is to finish that sentence in your own words with a reasonable "claim" that pinpoints an issue of contention about the book. Be clear, and avoid being general.
Sentence #2:
After all, when _____________ .....
Developing the often overlooked contention of the first sentence, you are now going to establish why we need to dig deeper into the subtle subtext referencing the action or narrative of a character.
After all, when _____________ .....
Developing the often overlooked contention of the first sentence, you are now going to establish why we need to dig deeper into the subtle subtext referencing the action or narrative of a character.
Sentence #3:
However, ....
You are now going to complicate your contention with something along the lines of "on the other hand" or "in contrast" etc. Present a contrasting notion that shows your level of thought. There are many conflicting things at work in this book, and you have to illuminate that depth of contention.
However, ....
You are now going to complicate your contention with something along the lines of "on the other hand" or "in contrast" etc. Present a contrasting notion that shows your level of thought. There are many conflicting things at work in this book, and you have to illuminate that depth of contention.
Sentence #4:
Therefore, it is perhaps more accurate to assume that ....
Conclude this sentence succinctly with your official claim reinforced. Perhaps you've illuminated an element of subtext enough to expand your claim. This sentence should capitalize on what the former ones have set up.
Therefore, it is perhaps more accurate to assume that ....
Conclude this sentence succinctly with your official claim reinforced. Perhaps you've illuminated an element of subtext enough to expand your claim. This sentence should capitalize on what the former ones have set up.
Sentence #5
In this sense, ....
Work towards your conclusion. Explore it. You may wish to comment on a choice Wilde made, or a literary device he used. This is your time to sound like Mr. Tame and Mr. Tweedie.
