Write a literacy analysis for island of the blue dolphins. Make sure to include a hook, background, thesis, 3 body paragraphs, citing+evidence in the 3 body paragraphs, 5 sentences and paragraphs minimum, and a conclusion. The literary device I chose is the text structure. I need an 8th grade literary analysis essay reference for this. Thank you!
Hook: Island of the Blue Dolphins is a captivating novel that explores the life of a young girl stranded on an island, battling the challenges of survival and facing the cruelty of the wild.
Background: The novel Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on a true story of a young girl named Juana Maria, who was left alone on San Nicolas Island, California, in 1835. The author of the book, Scott O'Dell, used this historical event to narrate the story of Karana, the protagonist of the novel. The book was published in 1960 and has received multiple awards, including the Newbery Medal.
Thesis: O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins employs a unique text structure that evokes sympathy and admiration for Karana while emphasizing her resilience and bravery in the face of harsh adversity.
Body Paragraph 1: The novel starts with a flashback that foreshadows the events that lead to Karana's isolation on the island. The use of flashback in the introductory chapter prepares the readers for the imminent tragedy that befalls Karana. This literary device immerses the readers in the story right from the start, creating an emotional connection with the protagonist. For example, "I remember the day the Aleut ship came to our island" (O'Dell 3).
Body Paragraph 2: The novel's middle section follows Karana's survival on the island, including her remarkable ingenuity in providing for herself despite the harsh conditions. The author employs a chronological structure to chart Karana's journey from her first days on the island to her eventual discovery by passing sailors. Additionally, O'Dell uses descriptive imagery to paint vivid pictures of the island's natural beauty and dangers. The author uses hyperbole to illustrate the ferocity of the storms and the waves that Karana must overcome, "There were nights when I thought that great winds were erasing the island from the sea" (O'Dell 67).
Body Paragraph 3: The final section of the book emphasizes Karana's emotional and psychological transformation. Her encounters with the various creatures on the island reveal her emotional vulnerability and her development of empathy towards animals. The use of a reflective structure emphasizes her emotional growth and her determination to survive against all the odds. The dialogue between Karana and the priest towards the end of the book serves to highlight her maturity and growth. "I have been alone here for eighteen years," I said, "and have survived many dangers. Yesterday was the most terrible of all" (O'Dell 177).
Conclusion: Island of the Blue Dolphins' unique text structure emphasizes the emotional and psychological journey of the protagonist. The author's use of flashback, chronological and reflective structures, and descriptive imagery invokes sympathy and admiration for Karana's story. O'Dell's powerful use of language immerses readers in Karana's world, to experience her struggle, resilience and bravery in the face of adversity. This book is a beautiful tribute to human resilience and strength and is a must-read for all.