How is Holden’s character revealed through his conversations, thoughts/feelings, and actions throughout the novel? (Prompt for thesis)
Your essay should focus on one character trait of Holden. Your thesis statement and each body paragraph should focus on that one character trait of Holden as it is relates to Holdens thoughts/feelings, conversations, and actions.
Use your work from your Body Bio assignment and the outline provided to help you develop your thesis and brainstorm the focus for each paragraph. The outline is not optional. Plan first.
The body paragraphs can be in any order that you see fit, but I suggest that you consider doing it chronologically based on the part of the book that you are analyzing.
Your essay should include the following:
An introduction with a well-crafted thesis statement as the last sentence. Highlight your thesis.
Body Paragraphs (3): Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, textual evidence that is correctly integrated and cited, and clear “so what” moves explaining the significance of your evidence in relation to your thesis.
Topic sentence 1: identify the character trait of Holden as it is revealed by his conversations with others
Topic sentence 2: identify the character trait of Holden as it is revealed by his thoughts/feelings
Topic sentence 3: identify the character trait of Holden as it is revealed by his actions
3. A conclusion, or the “so what” move to your entire paper
Other parameters to remember:
Each quote needs to be from a different part of the book (beginning, middle, and end).
Do not use the phrase “this quote shows” to introduce your textual evidence. This is lazy and too formulaic.
Avoid referencing yourself or the reader to maintain a formal academic style of writing. You cannot use these words: I, I’m, we, us, me, you, your
You may not use a quote from one of our tone assignments we used in class.
As with any literary analysis, you should use literary present tense when discussing the content of literary works or other artistic creations.
