Writing Homework Help

Copy this format for your final paper outline on the DEATH OF A SALESMAN FINAL PAPER PROMPT

Sample Literary Analysis Outline

Thesis Statement (one sentence that sums up your specific interpretation of the story): In “Desiree’s Baby,” Chopin illustrates that dependence can be an important component of healthy relationships, but she also strongly warns of the dangers of being overly dependent.

Topic Sentence (sums up a major point about the story that helps support your interpretation): Desiree’s dependence within her relationships begins even before her marriage, in her upbringing in the Valmonde household.

1. Support
2. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): Monsieur Valmonde found her when “she was of the toddling age”
3. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topicsentence):As a toddler, she’s completely dependent on those who found her.
4. Support
5. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): She was the “idol of Valmonde” and thought to be “sent to her [mother] by a beneficent Providence. . .”
6. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence): With such a status, Desiree completely taken care of by mother, father, servants, furthering her dependence on others
7. Support
8. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation): Desiree was “beautiful and gentle, affectionate and sincere”
9. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence): Apparent mutual benefit for everyone, including Desiree, as a result of her dependence

Topic Sentence (sums up a major point about the story that helps support your interpretation): Desiree’s dependence within her family carries over into her marriage to Armand Aubigny.

1. Support
2. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
3. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):
4. Support
5. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
6. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):
7. Support
8. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
9. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):

Topic Sentence (sums up a major point about the story that helps support your interpretation):

1. Support
2. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
3. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):
4. Support
5. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
6. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):
7. Support
8. Evidence from the story (relevant detail and/or quotation):
9. Your explanation of the evidence (what it shows that is relevant to your topic sentence):

Conclusion

Summary of facts.