This is a set of directions for my online course.

1. The Seven Steps to a Good
Analytical Essay
 There is no foolproof formula for writing a strong essay. However,
here are some tips for writing your first essay in my class.
 Remember: I am always here. Please contact me if you are having
trouble coming up with an idea or developing your essay.

2.  Choose ONE topic from the assignment sheet.
 The topics are focused because your essay must be focused.
 If you choose to analyze a section, make the section short (1/2 page or less).
 Keep your focus on the object, character, or section. Bring in outside issues only if they are
directly related to the object, character, or section.
 It is OK to summarize the plot in a few sentences in this essay, but do NOT make this paper a
plot summary. That is not what is assigned. Plot summaries are NOT analysis.
 Never plagiarize. Plagiarism includes any attempt to pass off the writing of another person as
your own. That includes paraphrase. Always quote or cite other works with proper citations.
Step One: Choose a Topic

3. Step Two: Focus
 Focus on your chosen topic.
 Identify passages in the play that you want to focus upon.
 Annotate those sections heavily: What does a word mean? Why not a different word?
What is missing? What is inferred? Pay attention to word definitions, settings, colors, the
meanings of names, how things are described.
 Research that section in the library or in Google Scholar in order to find legitimate
sources. Save those sources in a collection in Zotero so that you can use them in your
essay.
 Think about why it is important to understand your topic to better understand the play.
How is the meaning of the play enlarged by considering this topic?

4. Step Three: Freewrite
 Freewrite on your topic to get ideas.
 When you freewrite, choose a specific section of text or object and focus on it like it is under a
microscope.
 Remember this is a play written by an author for a specific purpose. Everything was chosen to be here.
 Take that section, character, or object apart word by word, phrase by phrase, write down every
idea that comes into your head. You are seeking answers to Reed’s Rule: Why is this word, and no
other word, in this place, and no other place?

5. Freewriting Example
 Read the opening paragraph of Trifles (1155-56)
 What makes the strongest impression on you?
 Go back and take it apart, word by word, phrase by phrase.
 E.g. “The kitchen in the now abandoned farmhouse of John Wright”
 Why is the kitchen setting important to the theme(s)?
 What could you say about abandoned? How is that word relevant?
 John Wright – How might his name be symbolic? Why is it referred to as the farmhouse of “John
Wright” and not “Minnie and John Wright”? Look for what is missing as well as what is there.

6. Step Four: Make a Claim
 The Claim should be a strong statement that you have to prove.
 A Question is NOT a claim. The claim must be a statement.
 Example: The stitching on the quilt serves as documentation of Minnie’s declining mental
health.
 Example: Trifles is a feminist play that demonstrates how much is lost when women, and
their experience, is diminished.
 Example: The loaf of bread serves to bind the women to each other with common experience.
(You are welcome to use any of these claims for your paper if you wish.)

7. Step Five: Organize Your Essay
 Organize your Essay.
 First Paragraph: Introduce the play, make a short plot summary, then introduce your claim
 Body Paragraphs: Divide your claim into “mini claims” – how can you use your analysis of the play and
information gained from outside sources to prove what you want to say?
 Rebuttal: What could a reasonable person say against your claim, and how would you answer them?
 Conclusion: Summarize your claim and the backing your gave. Why is your claim important to
understanding the play? Did you sufficiently prove your claim?

8. Step 6: Use a Quote Sandwich
 Anything you couldn’t have known by simply living your
life must be cited (MLA Parenthetical Citation), and
included in your Works Cited page or it is plagiarism.
 Every quote or paraphrase must have a “quote sandwich”:
 Introduce the quote or paraphrase,
 Give the quote or paraphrase & cite with parenthetical citation.
 Explain the quote or paraphrase.

9. Step Seven: Formatting
 Correctly Format your Essay
 Include a Title that is Interesting (not the assignment title!!)
 Double Space the essay.
 Each paragraph begins with an indented first line.
 The essay must have many paragraphs. Always opt for more paragraphs, not less.
 The essay must have parenthetical citations for Trifles and two outside sources.
 The essay must have Works Cited Page in MLA Style. The Works Cited page must be on a
separate page following the essay.
 The essay must be at least three pages (all the way to the bottom of the third page).
This does NOT include your Works Cited page.