Conclusion

Portrait: Helen of Troy

Unit Overview
In this unit, you will develop the conclusion for your Literary Analysis essay.

Click here to download notes for this unit.

Over the next few units, we will construct a Literary Analysis essay based on the following prompt.

· Read and take notes on two poems about Helen of Troy—" To Helen" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Helen" by H. D. (Hilda Doolittle).

· Construct a multi-paragraph response in which you analyze how the subject of "Helen" is treated differently across the two texts.

Before we begin, you must read the following two poems:

"To Helen" by Edgar Allan Poe  "Helen" by H. D.

Here are some key vocabulary words from both poems.

ü Nepenthe - a drug or potion for forgetfulness."

ü Lustrous - shining or glowing with light

ü Seraphim - an angelic being

ü Aegis - a shield or protective armor

ü Radiant - shining or glowing brightly

ü Elysian - relating to or resembling paradise

ü Sovereign - having supreme power or authority

ü Adored - loved and admired greatly

ü Perfumed - having a pleasant scent

ü Enthralling - captivating or spellbinding

Remember the outline of the previous unit…

Literary Analysis Essay: Outline

1. Introduction

a. Hook

b. Background Information

c. Thesis (Central Idea)

2. Body Paragraph 1

a. Topic Sentence for Text 1

b. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

c. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

d. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

e. Wrap-Up Topic 1

3. Body Paragraph 2

a. Topic Sentence for Text 2

b. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

c. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

d. Textual Evidence

i. Explanation

e. Wrap-Up Topic 2

4. Conclusion

a. Restate the thesis in a different way (central idea)

b. Why does it matter?

c. Final Thoughts

We will be finishing that outline during this unit.

Conclusion

In a literary analysis essay, the conclusion is your chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader. It is the essay's final paragraph. It should tie together all the threads of your analysis and offer a final, thought-provoking comment that engages the reader's mind and emotions.

· A weak conclusion might summarize the main points of your essay without offering any new insights or leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

· A strong conclusion, on the other hand, should restate your thesis in a new way, summarize the main points of your analysis, and offer a final, thought-provoking comment that engages the reader's mind and emotions.

To write a strong conclusion, you should consider the specific work of literature being analyzed and the ideas and themes that have emerged in your essay. It would help if you also experimented with different conclusions, such as a rhetorical question, a call to action, a metaphor, a quotation, or a personal anecdote until you find the one that best captures the essence of your analysis and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Remember, the conclusion is the last thing the reader will see, so making it memorable and impactful is important. Take the time to revise and refine your conclusion as you revise your essay, and feel free to experiment with different phrasings, structures, and tones until you find the one that works best for you. With practice and feedback, you can learn to write powerful and persuasive conclusions that leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Key Points

The conclusion is the paragraph that brings a speech, essay, report, or book to a satisfying and logical end. It is also called the concluding paragraph or closing.

The conclusion will contain the following:

1) Restate the thesis from your introduction in new words.

a. If you copy and paste the exact thesis, you will sound like a robot.

b. Use new words to state the same idea.

c. One successful formula for this: When one considers (body #1 topic) and (body #2 topic), it's clear that...

2) Why does it matter?

a. Leave behind the novel/topic/issue

b. Explain the bigger reason why the reader should care.

3) Final thoughts

a. The last sentence should leave the reader nodding in agreement and feeling happy that they bothered to read your essay.

b. If stuck? Use a hook strategy.

You can think of your conclusion as a triangle. It starts very specific and becomes more and more general.

Model Outline

Restate Thesis: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley describes loneliness's ability to turn a good person bad. At the same time, Carl Sandburg's "At the Window" shows how desperate a person can become when faced with loneliness. Though each text demonstrates a different effect of loneliness, both illuminate the depth of despair accompanying it.

Why does it matter? Loneliness is becoming increasingly prevalent today, and people must recognize it.

Final Thoughts: Some may say that loneliness is among the worst feelings in this world; Frankenstein's creature and the speaker in the poem would most likely agree.

It's Your Turn

Now develop your conclusion outline!

(you already have your introduction and body paragraphs from Units 12 and 13)

Prompt: Read and take notes on two poems about Helen of Troy—" To Helen" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Helen" by H. D. (Hilda Doolittle). Construct a multi-paragraph response in which you analyze how the subject of "Helen" is treated differently across the two texts.

Restate thesis (in new words): __________________________

Why does it matter? _______________________________

Final Thoughts: ___________________________________

You can print out this graphic organizer to help you.

Congratulations! You have finished outlining your Literary Analysis essay.