How to Write a Body Paragraph for Literary Analysis Essays (Full Paragraph Included)

Summary

This video tutorial explains how to write a body paragraph for a literary analysis essay using an example from Khaled Hosseini's *The Kite Runner*. It covers the structure of a body paragraph, starting with a topic sentence, followed by evidence from the text, analysis, and a conclusion. The narrator discusses crafting effective analysis by examining images, events, language, character motivations, themes, and context. They also provide key insights into analyzing a character's growth and drawing deeper meaning from literary elements. Viewers are encouraged to engage and ask questions about their own essays.

Takeaways

• 📝 The body paragraph of a literary analysis essay should include a topic sentence, evidence, analysis, and a conclusion or transition.
• 📚 The topic sentence presents the main claim of the paragraph, which supports the thesis statement.
• 📖 Evidence should be taken directly from the text (quote, event, symbol, etc.) and smoothly integrated into your writing.
• 🔍 Analysis involves examining the evidence and explaining its larger meaning, while also connecting it back to the topic sentence.
• 🔄 The structure of evidence and analysis can be repeated, but overloading the paragraph can make it too crowded.
• 🔗 The conclusion or transition should reference the main idea of the paragraph and possibly preview the next paragraph.
• 📘 In the provided example from 'The Kite Runner,' Amir’s ignorance leads to his journey toward compassion and redemption.
• ❄️ Seasonal imagery, like winter and spring, is used to symbolize Amir's transition from ignorance to responsibility.
• 🧠 Effective analysis can come from considering elements like images, events, language, character motivation, theme, and context.
• 🎥 The video encourages viewers to ask critical questions about the text and offers tips for analyzing literary works in-depth.

Q & A

What is the structure of a body paragraph in a literary analysis essay?

A body paragraph in a literary analysis essay typically starts with a topic sentence, followed by evidence from the text (such as a quote, event, or symbol), and then analysis of that evidence. This pattern of evidence and analysis is repeated, and the paragraph ends with a conclusion or transition to the next paragraph.

What is the purpose of the topic sentence in a body paragraph?

The topic sentence introduces the main claim of the paragraph and supports the thesis statement. It sets the direction for the evidence and analysis that follows.

What kinds of evidence can be used in a literary analysis essay?

Evidence can include a quote, event, image, symbol, motif, or character's action from the text being analyzed. It must be something that can be further examined and analyzed in the essay.

How should evidence be integrated into the body paragraph?

Evidence should be smoothly integrated into the writer's own sentence, avoiding phrases like 'the character said' or 'the author writes.' The writer should provide a parenthetical citation if quoting directly from the text.

What should the analysis in a body paragraph focus on?

The analysis should examine the meaning of the evidence and connect it to the larger themes or character developments in the text. It should also tie back to the topic sentence and the overall thesis of the essay.

What is the purpose of the conclusion or transition in a body paragraph?

The conclusion or transition should summarize the main idea of the paragraph and may preview what the next paragraph will discuss. It can also serve as a bridge to the next part of the essay.

What is the thesis statement of the example essay on 'The Kite Runner'?

The thesis of the example essay is: 'Amir is resolved to make amends for his ignorance, and 'The Kite Runner' suggests that individuals develop compassion when they learn about their true origins.'

How does the body paragraph example analyze Amir's ignorance in 'The Kite Runner'?

The paragraph discusses Amir's ignorance and journey towards compassion by examining how learning the truth about his father's past helps him understand both his father and himself. The analysis uses images, such as the winter symbolizing desolation and the transition to spring symbolizing Amir’s transformation.

How does the example body paragraph use the metaphor of seasons in 'The Kite Runner'?

The paragraph connects Amir's ignorance to winter, symbolizing desolation and darkness, and his transformation to spring, symbolizing new beginnings and redemption after he takes responsibility for his actions.

What are five elements to consider when developing analysis in a literary essay?

The five elements to consider are: images, events, and objects; language or writing style; character motivation and development; theme or universal concept; and context such as time, setting, or historical background.