TURNING THE QUOTATION LOG INTO AN INTRODUCTION
Hint: If you know you will win the race before you start, the race if fixed. There will be nothing authentic in your running.
If you know the thesis before you even interact with text, your essay
will be inauthentic. There will be no energy to it. You will have killed
the enthusiasm.
Trust.
Step 1: Colour code the quotations into groups of three. There will be some quotes which do not fit. Leave them out.
Step 2: Name each colour. For example:
Blue: Fearing the truth.
Green: Willing to stand up for the truth.
Pink: Confronting prejudice
Step 3: Write an ah-ha sentence which summarized the key points of each
colour. Let this sentence reveal something new to you. The idea here is
to synthesize. Let the phoenix rise from the ashes. Create a strong
sentence for each colour.
Samples:
The fact that Bob Ewell believes he is above the law reveals society's flaw:
a great country needs great men.
Atticus Finch strives to be a truthful man, at home and at work; however, he must realize the danger in assuming others seek truth or believe in the law.
In order for attitudes toward prejudice to change, one must be willing to question all assumptions.
Step 4: Create the thesis.
Be frank. Be clear. Be emotional. Change the
world (or how we see this topic) with your interpretation of the novel.
Build the thesis directly from your three summary statements. Be
sure to add the author and the title. Italicize the title of novels.
Sample Thesis:
" ' I can't conceive of a man who--' " (312). In Harper Lee's classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the demise of prejudice takes the courage to question, individuals willing to change, and an absolute loathing of ignorance.
Tonight: Create the introduction.
Use the four sentences you created in
class plus create a definitive hook to slowly entice the reader toward
your thesis. Type it up. Submit it to me for editing tomorrow.
Ensure that you have it printed before class begins.
Introduction
Sentence 1: Hook
2: Thesis, plus author, title
3: First colour summary
4: Second colour summary
5: Third colour summary
6: Repeat the thesis in a more emotional manner. Usually short.
Remember a thesis must SAY something.
Do not say: Maycomb citizens need to change in order for prejudice to disappear. Uh? Yeah? You think?
Tell us what you have discovered about the way people's attitudes did or did not change in this novel.
Ask yourself which events are the most memorable. Why? Go back and re-read those sections of the novel until you are clear about what you want to say.
