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 Supporting Point 2 Supporting Point 3 Specific Specific 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 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): Paraphrase: To restate an idea using different words, especially to make it simpler or shorter. 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.