Introductions: Structure and Content

Purpose of Literary Analysis Introductions

1. Identify and explain the subject and what you are topically analyzing
2. Introduce the guiding analysis examples in your subject text
3. Introduce your ideas==>your argument and reasons
• thesis and subtopic claims
4. By doing #3, organize the body paragraphs by giving the order of your thesis statement claims

General Introduction Structure: 

1. Hook: opening sentence(s) of essay that sets up your topic==>something thematically connected 

2. Put the hook in context for thesis topic: transition from topic to specific subject matter

• Provide  background information on thesis subject

• Name the author and subject matter and/text that you are analyzing
• Contextualize the subject matter (the book, in this case) based on essay prompt's purpose
• Thematic summary==> how does the subject text fit the topic? What's its individual view/place on the larger topic?

• Introduce and define main characters (analysis examples) used in analysis -- what are you going to break down with regard to these characters? 

3. Then transition to the Thesis Statement and subtopics that body paragraph explores

• The most effective writing can combine #2's behaviors 

General Hooks (p.26 in RR)

The purpose of a hook is to draw your reader in to what you have to say. You don't want the hook to sound too broad and anonymous. You want to one of the general hooks below in a creative, but thesis-connected way: 

1. Relevant quote  (something that not only relates to the topic, but your point of view of the subject matter)

2. Personal anecdote (in 3rd person analysis, the only time "I" is 'allowable')

3. Provocative and relevant question

4. Specific Example that fit your subject ==> In 2014, what is a relevant example that relates to your subject text and the themes you will analyze in your essay? 

5. Relevant fact: particularly one that sets the tone and allows you to explore the fact specifically as it relates to your thesis.