Literary Analysis essay:
Developing Each Body Paragraph
The introduction of your literary analysis essay will be followed by three body paragraphs: one about Frankenstein, one about The Mysteries of Udolpho, and one comparing or contrasting the two. Each body paragraph should include
a topic sentence that
appears at the start of each body paragraph
directly supports the claim
forecasts the main idea of the paragraph
sentences that build upon and support the topic sentence
a concluding sentence
sums up or reflects on the main idea of that paragraph
Example of a Body Paragraph
Here is an example of a body paragraph for this assignment:
Through the fearful experiences of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley skillfully meditates on the grim and unintended consequences of humanity’s actions. The fear Frankenstein feels regarding the monster is more than his own; he is terrified for those he loves. Upon discovering the body of his dear friend Henry Clerval, Frankenstein declares, “Have my murderous machinations deprived you also, my dearest Henry, of life? Two I have already destroyed; other victims await their destiny; but you, Clerval, my friend, my benefactor—” His narration continues: “The human frame could no longer support the agonies that I endured, and I was carried out of the room in strong convulsions.” Through these painful mental and physical effects of fear, Shelley shows how Frankenstein is wrestling with the larger implications of what he has done.
Notice that the first sentence is a topic sentence that supports the claim of the essay and forecasts the main idea of the paragraph. The sentences that follow build upon and support the topic sentence. The concluding sentence of the paragraph sums up the main idea.
Developing a Conclusion
A well-written conclusion should
restate the claim
briefly summarize the main ideas
connect back to the introduction and show the significance of the topic
Your conclusion should wrap up the argument you make in your analysis and connect everything else together.
