Writing an Analytical Paragraph

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Additionally, Connell also skillfully weaves suspense throughout this tale. After General Zaroff reveals that he is going to hunt Rainsford, Rainsford flees in panic to separate himself from the general. He manages to weave intricate trails which he is sure Zaroff will not be able to follow, but becomes truly terrified as he watches the general make his way toward him as he hides in a tree. “The General’s eyes had left the ground and were traveling inch by inch up the tree. Rainsford froze there, every muscle tensed for a spring” (27). This passage serves to build up suspense as the reader wants to know if Zaroff will find Rainsford and what will happen if he does. Though the very idea of man hunting man is interesting enough on its own, Connell’s writing style, including his use of literary devices such as foreshadowing and suspense, is what draws the readers in and makes the story even more interesting to read.

What is it?

It is a tool that can help you organize your thoughts and ideas when you are analyzing a subject.

1. The Topic Sentence

• It is the most important part of the paragraph because it is the first thing a reader reads.

• It also is the guideline for the rest of the paragraph.

A. If the paragraph stands alone…

• It should state what the paragraph is going to be about.

• It needs to be straight to the point!

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense.

B. If the paragraph is to be part of the essay…

• Then, the topic sentence should follow the guidelines above.

• But, it should also be directly connected to the thesis (located in the first paragraph of your essay).

2. The introduction of Evidence

• We often think the quotes or examples we choose to back up our thoughts speak for themselves, THEY USUALLY DON’T!

• We know what we are thinking but the reader doesn’t.

A. Provide the reader with context…• Context = frame or reference• This should indicate (show) who is involved in the

quote/example, why this happened, what is going on in general, when this is all happening (in terms of the story), and/or where this is all taking place.

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says,

B. It isn’t necessary…

• To include who, what, why, when, AND where.• Pick and choose what you believe is necessary

to create a smooth flow for your readers.

3. The Support/Examples

• When choosing the proper piece of the text to support your topic sentence (and this is ALL about supporting the topic sentence), it is important to choose wisely.

A. Choosing Quotes

• Choose quotes that expand upon your main point (the topic sentence) and allow for elaboration (explanation) or analysis.

• In other words, choose quotes about which you have something to say.

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19).

Quotes to Avoid

• Quotes that simply repeat what has already been said

• Quotes that are too complex to support one idea

• Quotes that have parts removed in order to make your point

• Quotes that simply don’t have much or anything to do with your topic sentence

4. Analysis

• This is where YOUR ideas come into play.• You will tell the reader why you think the

example/quote you have chosen supports your point – thus, proving it!

A. Analyzing Your Quote

• While analyzing your quote, clearly explain the connections you see.

• Remember, the reader may not see this connection – your job is to make it as clear as possible!

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down.

4B. When you analyze a quote…

• Be sure NOT to simply re-state what the quote says.

• Also, AVOID phrases like “this quote shows,” “this proves that,” etc.

• Unless you tell us, we don’t know what it shows or HOW it proves.

5. Transition

• A good, solid, analytical paragraph should have a least two examples that support the topic sentence.

• However, you simply can’t plop another example down in the paragraph.

• You need to show the connection between the previous example and the one you are about to provide.

5A. Transitions may…

• Be just one word• Be just one phrase• Be just one sentence*As long as the relationship between example #1 and example #2 is indicated, you will be in good shape.

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Additionally, Connell also skillfully weaves suspense throughout this tale.

5B. Transitions should express what you are trying to say!

• If you say “however” you are indicating (showing) an opposing idea or thought; therefore, you CANNOT follow it with an idea that is the same as the one before.

6. REPEAT

• Repeat numbers 2-4 with your next example.

Remember to follow the guidelines provided in these notes.

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Additionally, Connell also skillfully weaves suspense throughout this tale. After General Zaroff reveals that he is going to hunt Rainsford, Rainsford flees in panic to separate himself from the general. He manages to weave intricate trails which he is sure Zaroff will not be able to follow, but becomes truly terrified as he watches the general make his way toward him as he hides in a tree. “The General’s eyes had left the ground and were traveling inch by inch up the tree. Rainsford froze there, every muscle tensed for a spring” (27). This passage serves to build up suspense as the reader wants to know if Zaroff will find Rainsford and what will happen if he does.

7. Concluding Sentence

• When you end your paragraph, you are leaving your reader with your ideas.

• Be sure to TIE it ALL together for the reader so that the reader knows exactly what you are talking about, but also so that he/she has something to think about.

7A. This statement can be more specific than our topic sentence.

• But, avoid repeating every idea you have just said.

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Additionally, Connell also skillfully weaves suspense throughout this tale. After General Zaroff reveals that he is going to hunt Rainsford, Rainsford flees in panic to separate himself from the general. He manages to weave intricate trails which he is sure Zaroff will not e able to follow, but becomes truly terrified as he watches the general make his way toward him as he hides in a tree. “The General’s eyes had left the ground and were traveling inch by inch up the tree. Rainsford froze there, every muscle tensed for a spring” (27). This passage serves to build up suspense as the reader wants to know if Zaroff will find Rainsford and what will happen if he does. Though the very idea of man hunting man is interesting enough on its own, Connell’s writing style, including his use of literary devices such as foreshadowing and suspense, is what draw the readers in and makes the story even more interesting to read.

7B. DO NOT simply re-state your topic sentence!

Author Richard Connell draws the readers in to his famous short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” with his use of foreshadowing and suspense. In the story, the main character, Rainsford, ends up on a deserted island after falling off his yacht, traverses over a rocky shoreline and through a jungle until he reaches the house of General Zaroff. Zaroff immediately recognizes Rainsford, welcomes him into his home and feeds, clothes and visits with him, in general, making him feel very comfortable. However, the author reveals Rainsford’s thoughts when he says, “But there was one small trait of the general’s that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly” (19). This exemplifies foreshadowing in the story, letting the attentive reader know that there is something different about Zaroff and that he is studying Rainsford. Of course, those who go on to finish reading the story learn Zaroff was studying Rainsford as potential prey as he eventually hunts him down. Additionally, Connell also skillfully weaves suspense throughout this tale. After General Zaroff reveals that he is going to hunt Rainsford, Rainsford flees in panic to separate himself from the general. He manages to weave intricate trails which he is sure Zaroff will not be able to follow, but becomes truly terrified as he watches the general make his way toward him as he hides in a tree. “The General’s eyes had left the ground and were traveling inch by inch up the tree. Rainsford froze there, every muscle tensed for a spring” (27). This passage serves to build up suspense as the reader wants to know if Zaroff will find Rainsford and what will happen if he does. Though the very idea of man hunting man is interesting enough on its own, Connell’s writing style, including his use of literary devices such as foreshadowing and suspense, is what draws the readers in and makes the story even more interesting to read.

A Trick to Remember the Step

• Tigers – Topic Sentence• In – Intro. to Evidence• Egypt - Examples• Are - Analysis• Totally - Transition• Rad, - Repeat numbers 2-4• Cousin – Concluding Sentence