3. Essay #3: Response to the
Novel/Novella
The Writing Assignment
In a thesis driven essay of 4-7 pages, analyze one or more
aspects of Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank
Redemption, Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, Elie
Wiesel’s Night, or Emma Donoghue’s Room. Consider using
one extrinsic theoretical lens (Feminist, Psychoanalytic, or
Trauma theories), we have practiced this quarter to
complicate your argument. Aim to convince readers that your
interpretation adds to the conversation among those who
read stories and write about them. Back up your analysis with
reasons and support from the story. Use the critical strategies
that we have practiced this quarter.
See the complete assignment on our website
4. Due before the beginning of Final’s
Class
Submission Requirements: Essay #3: Please
submit an electronic copy through Kaizena
Format Requirement: MLA-style formatting
and citations
Length: Your finished text should be between
four and seven pages, excluding the Works
Cited page.
Research Requirements: 3-5 secondary
sources are required for this essay.
5. The Interpretive Literary Thesis
The most common method of examining a text
is through an argumentative literary paper: a
paper with an interpretive literary thesis. Note
that an interpretive literary paper differs from a
simple literary analysis. An interpretive paper
or analysis argues; a simple literary analysis
does not argue but rather just points out the
elements of literature in a literary work.
6. Brainstorm
Do some reading and research: What do you need
to know to refine or support your idea.
Develop a working thesis: this must be an arguable
point.
Outline your main points
Gather sources and textual evidence
Write
Revise, Revise, Revise
How to Proceed
7. The Thesis
Consider tensions and themes in the text. Use a theoretical
lens to imagine these tensions and themes from different
perspectives. Sometimes, ideas are fuzzy in their earliest
stages. As you read, think, and write, your idea should take
on more clarity and depth. Sometimes the opposite
happens; if it does, discard the idea and begin again. Often,
such failures are necessary.
Creative ideas and uncommon theses are great, but be
sure that you can find adequate support for your thesis.
Also, make sure that there is not strong proof against your
thesis in the literary work. It also is acceptable to have a
more usual or average interpretation; however, avoid using
a thesis that is so obvious to the other readers of the
literary work that they could choose your thesis and write
your paper as easily as you. You want to have at least
8. The thesis statement is the most important
part of your paper
1. The thesis statement is the announcement of the analytical argument that you
intend prove in your paper. It is the readers’ road map. It is your road map.
2. It should probably be placed somewhere in the introduction of your paper. It
often fits well at the end, though you are not confined by that rule.
3. Successful thesis statements provoke thought and should read beautifully.
This is not the place for awkward sentences or grammar errors.
4. Your working thesis statement should generally include two parts:
What claim are you making about the text?
Why is your claim important? Your thesis should answer the “so what?”
question.
5. A thesis statement is usually, but can be more than, one sentence long.
9. Thesis Example
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a
great American novel.
Why is this thesis weak? Think about
what the reader would expect from the
essay that follows.
10. This thesis suggests you will provide a general,
appreciative summary of Twain’s novel. This is your
opinion of the novel. This is not an interpretive
thesis; instead, think about why it’s such a great
novel—what do Huck’s adventures tell you about
life, about America, about coming of age, or about
race relations?
Pick an aspect of the novel that you think is
important to its structure or meaning—for example,
the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes
between the shore and the river, or the relationships
between adults and children.
11. Thesis Example
In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain
develops a contrast between life on the
river and life on the shore.
Is this one better? Why? What will your
analysis reveal to the reader?
12. Here’s a working thesis with potential: you have highlighted
an important aspect of the novel for investigation; however,
it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal. Your reader is
intrigued, but is still thinking, “So what? What’s the point of
this contrast? What does it signify?”
Perhaps you are not sure yet, either. That’s fine—begin to
work on comparing scenes from the book and see what you
discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and
reactions. Eventually you will be able to clarify for yourself,
and then for the reader, why this contrast matters.
13. Thesis Example
Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s
Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of
American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized”
society and go back to nature.
This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary
work based on an analysis of its content. The words I have
bolded are forecasting words—words that you will return to in
the essay as you work to prove your thesis.
Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now
present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of
your interpretation.
Modified from a handout from “The Writing Center.” University of North
14. Homework
Work on Essay
#3
How will you
approach the
essay?
Write a tentative
thesis.
Outline the essay
Find evidence to
use.
Be prepared to
discuss your final
