BOOK: WHEN THE EMPERROR WAS DIVINEChoose a specific aspect of either character or imagery and write an analysis essay that offers your own ideas about how that element is connected to a specific theme in the novel. You will need to discuss the novel in depth including examination of specific scenes and quoted textual evidence to support your points. Your discussion should cover all of the relevant parts of the novel, not just one or two chapters, and you can use this to organize your discussion. Walk the reader through the scenes you discuss in the order in which they appear in the novel.
Essay Requirements:
1.) Write an opening paragraph that sets up your discussion and establishes your thesis. Be sure to identify each story by title and author in your opening paragraph and engage your reader in the idea or ideas that are central to your discussion. Don’t talk about yourself or the assignment. Be sure your introduction includes a clear thesis statement.
If you’re not sure how to write an effective introduction for an essay like this, here’s an easy template to try:
–Write an opening sentence that introduces a big or relatable idea, something interesting for the reader to think about
–Introduce the work or works you will discuss, perhaps with a very brief summary that doesn’t give away anything important
–Offer your own idea about these the work or works and the connections you will be making
–State your thesis directly
2.) Offer the necessary context for the points that you make. What will you need to explain about each work in order to make your point? Imagine your audience has read the works but may not have studied them as closely as you have. Your classmates are a good audience to imagine: they have read the same works as you have but have not necessarily studied them in the same depth and they may not see what you see and think what you think about them
Direct your reader’s attention through your discussion to the scenes, passages, or lines that support your thesis.
3.) Support your points throughout the paper with textual evidence: exact words from the text in quotation marks. Include a citation after each direct quote. A Works Cited page is not required since we have all used the same texts. Remember to vary the way you present quoted evidence.
Criteria
Introduction engages the reader’s interest and establishes the necessary context. Thesis statement is clearly established. Conclusion is effective in wrapping up the discussion and the thesis idea.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSpecific, in-depth analysis is offered of each literary text being discussed. Analysis is clearly and effectively connected to the thesis.
Points are effectively supported with textual evidence. Quotes are integrated clearly and effectively into the discussion.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization of ideas is clear and easy to follow and includes effective transitions. Writing style demonstrates clarity and variety on the sentence level and is free of serious or recurrent mechanical errors.
Length: Four pages (double-spaced, 12 point font, no extra margins or spaces between paragraphs)
