The%20Conclusion%20Paragraph

1
The Conclusion Paragraph

• Mrs. King
• Wichita Collegiate School
• English I

2
The conclusion paragraph in an essay of literary
analysis functions as follows

• It finishes off the essay and tells the reader
  where the writer has brought them.
• It restates the thesis and contains echoes of the
  introduction and body paragraphs without listing
  the points covered in the essay.
• It creates a broader implication of the ideas
  discussed and answers the questions so what? Or
  why do we care?

3
Anatomy of the Conclusion

• The conclusion begins with a restatement of the
  thesis, not a repetition, and gradually widens
  toward a final , broad statement of implication.
• Borrows from the body paragraphs, without being
  flatly repetitive or listing points already
  covered.
• Creates echoes of the introduction and body
  paragraphs to reinforce analysis/ ideas.
• Moves outward with a statement that relates the
  thesis to a broader implication so the reader can
  see the analytical focus in a larger perspective
  or application.

4
Strategies for Composing Conclusions

• Strike a note of hope or despair.
• Give a symbolic or powerful detail/fact.
• Create an analogy that relates your topic to a
  larger implication.
• Give an especially compelling example.
• Use a meaningful quotation. (If you used a
  meaningful quotation in your introduction, refer
  back to this quote and tie it in with your
  overall analysis.)

5

• Recommend a course of action without being
  preachy.
• Echo the language and approach of the
  introduction.
• Reference and make meaning of the title of the
  work you are analyzing.

6
Consider the following checklist when writing a
conclusion

• Avoid first-person point of view, abstract/vague
  language, poor diction, and slang.
• Avoid simply repeating the thesis and/or listing
  the main points.
• Dont conclude more than you reasonably can from
  the evidence you have presented.
• Echo the language and ideas from your
  introduction and body paragraphs.

7

• Expand on the implications of your analysis So
  what? Why do we care about these ideas? Whats so
  important about what youve developed in your
  paper? Are there any other applications for your
  ideas?
• Avoid any attempts at humor, cuteness, or
  sarcasm.
• The conclusion need not be longer than four to
  six sentences, as with the introduction, but must
  be adequately developed.
• Include the title(s) and author(s) once more.

8
Sample Conclusions

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the
  sample conclusions to follow.
• Identify possible references to the thesis
  statements, introduction, and body paragraphs.
• Identify broader implications.
• Identify and evaluate other strategies used.

9
Sample 1

• Both great works of epic literature from
  historical India and Japan certainly provide
  fascinating insights into the study of the
  idealization of women and wives. We can see how
  the different social conventions of each time and
  place have a defined impact on womens roles
  within the institution of marriage. In reflecting
  on the societal expectations of a wife as
  represented in classical world literature we can
  gain new insights into womens roles within
  marriage in a contemporary world. Future
  generations will look to our contemporary
  literature as a depiction of our societys
  expectations and values of women not only as
  wives, but as single and independent women, as
  well.

10
Sample 2

• Ednas character transforms from sleeping
  through life by meeting expectations to a great
  awakening, in which her thoughts and actions are
  consistent with each other. Ednas struggle
  between her inner desires and her outward
  conformity is one in which her best solution was
  to satisfy no roles and expectations, including
  her own. Her character is so memorable because
  the reader can empathize with Ednas internal
  conflict to both conform and defy. She is
  unforgettable because she does what each of us
  has wanted to do her character resonates with
  the universal human condition of defying and
  abandoning societal expectations and impositions.

11
Sample 3

• The culmination of Stephen Dedalus linguistic
  and artistic development in James Joyces A
  Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man in
  indicated at the end of the novel when his story
  is no longer dependent on a narrator, but is told
  by Stephen himself through his journal. The
  journal entries are projected forth in the
  unfiltered language of the artist. He completes
  his linguistic journey, coming full circle from a
  child who merely perceives others language to
  the artist, who creates his own. The language
  implicit (cont.)

12

• in Stephens journal represents the
  realization of his identity his language
  displays the confidence and independence of one
  who is autonomous. At the end of the novel,
  Stephens physical, intellectual, and emotional
  transformations have been chronicled through the
  intricacies of language.

13
Sample 4

• Throughout Morrisons Beloved memory has a
  power distinguished from other motifs in the
  novel. Memory is so pervasive that it functions
  as a separate character within the plot. It
  interacts with, and has a unique relationship
  with, each character it brings up painful past
  experiences, and preys upon those resonances.
  Indeed, memory functions as an additional
  antagonist, dredging up the past, teasing and
  torturing without remorse the characters who
  attempt to forget. Ultimately, however, memory is
  defeated with Morrisons dictate this is not a
  story to pass on.

14
Sample 5

• The values of leadership portrayed by
  Tamburlaines character are still honored in
  society today. We desire a leader who is
  passionate and eloquent, but who is a leader of
  action, as well. We also value a leader who is
  proud and confident in his or her abilities and
  experience. Todays leaders would do well to
  consult Marlowes example of leadership in
  Tamburlaine.