Introductory Paragraph
Hook: Grab the reader’s attention with an interesting statement (in your own words) about the general topic of the story.
Your hook should NOT be in the form of a question.
1 sentence
Background: TAG the story (state the title, author, and genre); give a brief background statement. 2-3 sentences.
Do NOT summarize the whole story.
Example: In “STORY TITLE” by AUTHOR NAME,….
2-3 sentences
Thesis Statement: Your thesis will make a statement about what you are examining and how it REVEALS MEANING in the literary work.
(The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants the reader to know.)
Example: AUTHOR LAST NAME uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of…..
1-2 sentences
Body Paragraphs (Claim Evidence)
Please write in complete sentences.
Body Paragraph 1- Characterization
Claim/ Topic Sentence on
Characterization: What type of characterization does the author use?
HINT: Direct Characterization: TELLS the reader what the character is like through description.
HINT: Indirect Characterization: SHOWS the reader what the character is like through action, dialogue, & thoughts.
Video on characterization
1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows characterization in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the character’s traits and the type of characterization used in the story.
2-3 sentences
Body Paragraph 2- Conflict
Claim/Topic Sentence on Conflict: What type of conflict does the author use?
HINT: Man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, man vs. self? Is the conflict internal or external?
1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the conflict in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote proves the type of conflict used in the story.
2-3 sentences
Body Paragraph 3- Theme
Claim/Topic Sentence on Theme: What is one possible theme of the story?
HINT: The theme is the overall message of the story that the author wants to convey to the reader.
1-2 sentences
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows the theme in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author’s last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses. Example- (Bradbury 3).
Direct quote from the story
Analysis: In your own words, explain HOW the quote shows the theme in the story.
2-3 sentences
Conclusion
Restate (reword) your thesis: Explain how the author uses characterization and conflict to present the theme.
Do NOT copy and paste the same thesis that is in your introduction.
1-2 sentences
Final Thought: How does this theme connect or relate to our real-world lives in the present day?
Do NOT use first or second person pronouns like “I” or “you.”
2-3 sentences
Introductory Paragraph
Hook: In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the small town of the story participates in an annual lottery, but the outcome is far from what the reader might expect.
Background: In "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, a small town gathers every year for a lottery drawing. However, the prize is not what one would hope for.
Thesis Statement: Shirley Jackson uses characterization and conflict to present the theme of the dangers of blindly following tradition.
Body Paragraph 1- Characterization
Claim/ Topic Sentence on Characterization: Shirley Jackson uses both direct and indirect characterization to reveal the traits of the characters in the story.
Evidence: "The children assembled first, of course" (Jackson 1).
Analysis: This quote shows indirect characterization, as it reveals that the children are eager and excited about the lottery.
Body Paragraph 2- Conflict
Claim/Topic Sentence on Conflict: The conflict in "The Lottery" is a man vs. society conflict, as the townspeople are pitted against the tradition they blindly follow.
Evidence: "It isn't fair, it isn't right" (Jackson 8).
Analysis: This quote shows internal conflict within the character Tessie Hutchinson, who begins to question the fairness of the lottery.
Body Paragraph 3- Theme
Claim/Topic Sentence on Theme: One possible theme in "The Lottery" is the dangers of blindly following tradition.
Evidence: "It's not the way it used to be... People ain't the way they used to be" (Jackson 9).
Analysis: This quote shows the theme by illustrating the negative effects of blindly adhering to a tradition that no longer holds value.
Conclusion
Restate (reword) your thesis: Shirley Jackson effectively uses characterization and conflict to convey the message of the harmful consequences of unquestioningly adhering to tradition.
Final Thought: This theme resonates with our present-day lives as it reminds us to critically examine and question our own societal traditions and practices to ensure they align with our values and ethics.
Note: The paragraph on theme needs further development to provide a more substantial analysis of the quote and its connection to the theme.