Mrs. Bondi
ELA 5-6
Literary Analysis Practice for District Assessment
Literary analysis is writing that interprets the work of literature. It looks at literary elements and judges
how and why the author used and placed these elements in the piece.
Objective: Write a four paragraph essay analyzing Kurt Vonnegut’s use of motif and symbolism, and
how those elements contribute to the theme in his short story “Harrison Bergeron.”
Steps:
1. Read the story (we will also view 2081 – the movie version of this short story).
2. Determine and write in the space provided a motif, symbol, and theme in the story (definitions in
Notes section of your notebook).
3. Follow the format below to create your four paragraph essay (use 3rd person point of view).
Introduction:
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Remember the upside down triangle.
Attention getter/hook (startling statement/fact/statistic, quotation, rhetorical question,
anecdote, etc.).
Narrow – provide additional information to set up your thesis.
Thesis – include author and title of piece (use quotation marks around short works), and
opinion. E.g. In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, the mockingbird serves as a symbol which
helps develop the theme of Good vs. Evil.
Body 1:
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Present the element (motif) ________________________________________________
Provide support/evidence using quotations, examples, details, and incidents drawn from the
work.
Remember to weave evidence (concrete detail/facts/examples) & your analysis
(commentary/opinion) throughout the body paragraph.
Concluding sentence – how this motif contributes (helps develop) the theme
Theme ________________________________________________________________
Body 2:



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Present the element (symbolism) ____________________________________________
Provide support/evidence using quotations, examples, details, and incidents drawn from the
work.
Remember to weave evidence (concrete detail/facts/examples) & your analysis
(commentary/opinion) throughout the body paragraph.
Concluding sentence – how this symbol contributes (helps develop) the theme (listed above).
Conclusion:
Remember the triangle (reiterate thesis and end on a powerful note).