Fahrenheit 451​: Brief Literary Analysis Last week, you were asked

Fahrenheit 451​
: Brief Literary Analysis Last week, you were asked to answer the following question about ​
Fahrenheit 451​
in one to two paragraphs: What does fire symbolize in the novel? Consider how the meaning of fire changes as the novel progresses. Be sure to support your conclusions with some of the evidence that you collected from the text. Many of your responses did not contain enough evidence, so today, you will work in pairs to rewrite a response that fully answers the question. Since a literary analysis is indeed a type of written argument, you should use the suggested outline below as a guideline for your answer’s content and organization. Sentence 1:​
Your opening sentence should include your ​
claim​
. In your first sentence, you should at least begin to answer to the question: ​
What does fire symbolize in the novel? Sentence 2:​
If your first sentence does not include a claim that fully answers the prompt, then your second sentence might ​
elaborate on your claim​
by beginning to answer the second question implied by the prompt: How does the meaning of fire change as the novel progresses? Sentences 3 & 4:​
Now you are ready to introduce ​
evidence​
. Since the meaning of fire changes, consider introducing your evidence with a general statement about what fire represents in the beginning of the novel. (This sentence, by the way, is a ​
subclaim​
.) Consider using introductory phrases such as “Initially, . . .” or “In the beginning, . . . .” Then introduce ​
at least one quotation​
that supports your point. Sentence 5:​
Next explain how your evidence supports your point. In other words provide a ​
connector​
that explains what the quotation/s suggest/s about the meaning of fire. Sentences 6 & 7:​
Now transition to how the meaning of fire changes. Begin with a ​
subclaim​
that asserts the new meaning of fire. Since you’re introducing a change, consider using transitional phrases such as “However . . .” or “Later in the novel . . .” or “By contrast . . . .” Again, provide a quotation or two that demonstrates what you mean. Sentence 8:​
This sentence, like sentence 5 above, will connect your new quotations to your claim by answering the following question: ​
How do these passages reveal a new or evolving meaning for fire? Sentence 9:​
In this final sentence, conclude your argument. Restate your ​
claim​
in a new way. Now that you have discussed your evidence, you can also summarize the support for your conclusions. The outline above is only a suggestion for the arrangement of your ideas. It’s possible, for instance, to combine some of the sentences above. As long as your paragraph answers the prompt and logically presents all of the elements above, you’re fine. You may also decide to organize your argument in two or more paragraphs. Other tips to remember: ● Discuss literature in the present tense. E.g. “Montag ​
says​
,” not “Montag ​
said​
.” ● Do not use the personal pronouns “I” or “you.” The subject of each sentence should instead be some aspect of the novel. ● Use a formal voice appropriate for academic essays. Don’t say “Well . . .” or “sort of,” etc. ● Proofread for grammar and conventions! Homework due Monday, May 11​
: Independent practice on writing a brief literary analysis For ​
Monday​
, revise the paragraph you wrote either about the development of Montag’s character or about the contrast between Mildred and Clarisse. You can consider the work that you have already completed on this topic as a ​
very​
rough draft. Now that we have finished reading the novels, I’ve revised and expanded the prompts below. Option 1:​
In at least one full paragraph, describe how Montag’s character changes in Part One of the novel. What realizations does he make and how does he make them? Your response should address how these changes in Montag’s character support the novel’s theme. Option 2:​
In at least one full paragraph, contrast Clarisse and Mildred. What are the key differences between these characters and how do these differences support the novel’s theme? Apply the steps and tips on the other side of this sheet to your revised argument. Make sure that your response presents a clear ​
claim​
, ​
subclaims​
, ​
evidence​
(at least three quotations) and ​
connectors​
. (As in today’s exercise, you can decide whether or not to divide your argument into multiple paragraphs.) Your final response should be a polished piece of writing. Your analysis should be double spaced and either typed or neatly written in either blue or black ink. (This assignment is worth 10 points.) If done well, this assignment will prove you can do two things ­­ both of which will help you prepare for Monday’s final test on the novel: Skill 1:​
You can discuss themes of the novel and support them with relevant details. Skill 2:​
You can present your ideas in the form of a well organized written argument.