Let's start your paper...

Step one is to write your thesis statement. The thesis statement tells your reader what you are going to write about. It provides focus to the essay.

Your essay is going answer the question, "What effect does the Masquerader of Red Death have on the reader?" or, you could choose, "The Masquerader of Red Death symbolizes __________________________________."

Your thesis statement could fit into this format:

Poe uses the Masquerader of Red Death to _______________________________________.

The thesis statement is usually the last sentence in the 1st paragraph, but it can go elsewhere.

Now onto the introduction. There are several ways you can begin your introduction.
*Funnel: Give background information about the character and then introduce
your thesis.
*Ask a question: This has the effect of peaking the reader's interest.
*Begin with a quotation: this can be a quote from the story or may be a quote from elsewhere.
*Paint a descriptive picture.

The introduction should include:
*Identify the story's title and author (full name).
* Talk about the story's theme (message the author is trying to convey.
*Include your thesis statement.

Next we move on to the 2nd paragraph. This is where you will provide evidence for your thesis statement. Use quotes from the story as evidence.

When you've finished your 2nd paragraph it's time to move onto the conclusion. The conclusion should include:
*Revisit the thesis-make sure you've answered the question What effect does the Masquerader of Red Death have on the reader?
*You may want to apply it to how the reader's generation feels about death.

Literary Analysis paper

Hi everyone, here is the place where we will go over how to write your first "Literary Analysis Paper." This sounds a bit intimidating, but really isn't that difficulty if we break it into steps.

First step is to set aside a block of time to reread the story, so that you become more comfortable with it. You might want to write alongside each paragraph your impression of what happened. Pay special attention to the parts involving the phantom of death.

Then we'll begin the task of writing. Our first step as writers is to identify who our audience is. When writing Literary Analysis, you always assume your audience is one that is familiar with the book, so there is no need to summarize the plot.

Before we begin, keep in mind a couple of rules about writing literary analysis. First you must write in the present tense. Second, you must write a thesis statement (more on that later). Thirdly, you must back up your thesis statement with quotes from the story.

Let's break here to reread the story and then return for further instructions.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
Enjoy the rest of your break.

When we return we'll be reading Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Simon Armitage. Please have this ordered or checked out from the library by our next class time.

Merry Christmas!
Ms. Michelle

Short Stories for tomorrow....

Hi all, we'll be reading/listening to The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Anderson on Friday. Please print out the story here:

http://www.online-literature.com/hans_christian_andersen/971/

Please also print out The Snow Man by Anderson too:

http://hca.gilead.org.il/snow_man.html

We will be listening to The Fir Tree too, so if it's too much to print or if you're running low on ink, feel free to skip the printing on this one.

See you in the morning!
Ms. Michelle

Arthur's Regret

I'm quite curious as to how everyone felt about chapter 8, when Lancelot was to have his head cut off and Guenever was to be burned. Arthur's pain and agony made me want to cry, just like he was! I thought it was so sweet and so sad that the two people he loved dearly were to be killed right in front of him...BECAUSE OF HIS OWN LAW. And when he he kept wishing for Lancelot himself, at the moment one of his prisoners, to come and rescue Guenever...SO PRECIOUS! And then finally, what we all were waiting for, Lancelot comes and saves her! Everything is alright again...for then. It's been my favorite chapter thus far.

How did everyone else feel about it?

Bring Colored Pencils,,,

Please try and bring a green, red and blue colored pencil tomorrow.
Thanks!

Let Christmas Begin!!!

Hi all, hope you had a wonderful Turkey Day!

Please print out the following short story and bring it to class on Friday:

http://www.bfsmedia.com/MAS/Dylan/Christmas.html

Also, please bring 3-4 pictures of winter or Christmas scenes. They should include children, relatives or other people having fun. They can be real pictures or printed off the internet.