The Literary Essay
The Concluding Paragraph
Every exit is an entry to somewhere else.
-Tom Stoppard
Recall…
An Essay’s Introduction: Moves from a general topic to a
specific thesis. Along the way it previews the main points of
an essay’s body paragraphs (the organizing sentence).
An Essay’s Body: Develops, and supports, each of the essay’s
main points. It presents proof / evidence to back-up each of
these points , and in turn supports the overall claim put forth
by the thesis.
Which Brings Us To…
An Essay’s Conclusion: Summarizes, and reinforces, the
essay’s focus; it ends by addressing the essay’s broader significance -- ideas that the essay raises for consideration.
The Introduction - Conclusion *CONNECTION*
•The introductory paragraph moves from general ideas to
specific points.
•The body paragraphs, in middle of the essay, continue to
develop specific points that support the thesis.
•The concluding paragraph moves from these specific points
to general ideas once again. Thus…
The concluding paragraph reverses the structure of the introduction
Introduction
General to Specific
Supporting Point 1
Specific
Supporting Point 2
Specific
Supporting Point 3
Specific
Conclusion
Specific to General
Topic Sentence
Subject Sentence
Organizing Sentence
Thesis
The Introduction
The Conclusion
Thesis
Organizing Sentence
Subject Sentence
Thematic Statement
The Thesis
Begin by paraphrasing your thesis…
•Gently remind the reader of your thesis by
Paraphrase: To restate an idea using different words, especially
to make it simpler
or shorter.
paraphrasing it, using slightly different words but
maintaining the original meaning. For example:
Thesis (Introduction): Fate, masquerading as chance, ultimately leads Romeo and Juliet to their
final destination: death.
Paraphrased Thesis (Conclusion):
Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are the result of fate -- well disguised as chance.
The Organizing Sentence
Paraphrase your organizing sentence:
•Remind your reader of the three main points you have developed to support your thesis. Also, be sure that these
supporting points are repeated in the order that they appear
in your essay. For example:
1. Details of the Capulet ball --which Romeo acquired from his
enemy’s servant; 2. Mercutio’s death -- in defense of Romeo’s
honour; and 3. the prolonged delay of Friar Lawrence’s letter
to Romeo -- explaining his drastic efforts to help the young
couple, expose “chance” as an illusion which disguises the real
culprit of Romeo and Juliet’s deaths: fate.
Subject Sentence
In the introduction of your essay, your subject sentence linked your
topic to your subject -- you told your reader that your essay would
be about fate (topic) in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (author and
subject). Now, your subject sentence must link your subject to your
essay’s theme -- which you will develop in the next step. Make sure that you use transitional words or phrases as you bridge
these ideas. That is, use words that show how the ideas you are
discussing relate to each other. For example: While the idea that fate can take many disguises is paramount in the play
Romeo and Juliet, it seems, ultimately, that Shakespeare has a greater
purpose in exposing fate’s many myths. Thematic Statement
Unlike your introduction, which contains a topic sentence,
your conclusion offers your reader a thematic statement.
Although both are general in nature, they are not the same.
E.g. Where a topic sentence introduces your reader to the
topic of fate in Romeo and Juliet, your thematic statement
compels him/her to consider why this topic is worthy of reflection. What is its social, personal and political relevance?
It should challenge the reader to reconsider his/her views
about the topic being addressed, or to take action. It answers
the question: SO WHAT???
Some tips to consider when writing a thematic statement:
DO:
•Identify the general theme of the essay directly by making a
single statement about it.
•Address its overall merit and significance; what value do
the ideas raised in this essay have for all readers?
E.g. In general, what are the positive and negative
consequences of “fate”?
DON’T:
•Address the text, author, plot or any of the characters •Reduce the overall point of your essay to a cliché.
E.g. Whether or not fate shapes who we are, the danger of
believing that it can transcend all obstacles comes at great
personal and social cost.
Concluding Strategies
Retrace your line of thought
•Retracing does not mean repeating. You and the reader both know where you
have been -- all you need to include in your conclusion is a reminder of the steps
you have taken on your journey. Use key words and phrases that you have
presented in your essay. Echo your argument, don’t repeat it word for word. A
subtle reminder of your points will help readers recall your line of thinking; a
word-for-word repetition will just annoy them.
Refocus your argument
•Just as a film director may end a scene by changing the camera focus to wide
angle or softening it, so too can the essay take a broader and less stringent view of
its subject in its closing. Widen the focus as you conclude by showing the
importance of your topic (in your thematic statement). Be careful that your final
thoughts do not make unreasonable claims or suggestions.
Make your words resound
•The tone of your conclusion should convey a sense of finality, a sense that you
have done all that can be expected within the bounds of your thesis statement.
Adding…
…all the pieces of
the puzzle together
Sample Conclusion
Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are the result of fate -- well
disguised as chance. Details of the Capulet ball --which
Romeo acquired from his enemy’s servant; Mercutio’s death
-- in defense of Romeo’s honour; and the prolonged delay of
Friar Lawrence’s letter to Romeo -- explaining his drastic
efforts to help the young couple, all expose “chance” as an
illusion which disguises the real culprit of Romeo and Juliet’s
deaths: fate. While the idea that fate can take many disguises
is paramount in the play Romeo and Juliet, it seems,
ultimately, that Shakespeare has a greater purpose in exposing
fate’s many myths. Whether or not fate shapes who we are,
the danger of believing that it can transcend all obstacles
comes at great personal and social cost.
Thesis!
Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are the result of
fate-- well disguised as chance.
Organizing Sentence!
Details of the Capulet ball --which Romeo acquired from
his enemy’s servant; Mercutio’s death -- in defense of
Romeo’s honour; and the prolonged delay of Friar
Lawrence’s letter to Romeo -- explaining his drastic efforts
to help the young couple, all expose “chance” as an
illusion which disguises the real culprit of Romeo and
Juliet’s deaths: fate.
Subject Sentence!
While the idea that fate can take many disguises is paramount in the play
Romeo and Juliet, it seems, ultimately, that Shakespeare has a greater
purpose in exposing fate’s many myths.
Thematic Statement!
Whether or not fate shapes who we are, the danger of believing that it can transcend all
obstacles comes at great personal and social cost.