If I had a quarter for every time I’ve been asked about the use of plot summaries in English essays… well, I wouldn’t be rich but, at the very least, I’d have twenty bucks. As a freelance editor and tutor, friends and clients will ask me to quickly read through their papers and provide feedback. Aside from grammar issues, which are easily fixable, the parasitic presence of plot summary is the easiest way to kill a great paper. The last thing any professor needs, or wants, is a complete play-by-play of the “novel in question.”
And then, and then…
Take this scenario into consideration: you want to see a movie, okay? It doesn’t matter which movie but, for the sake of my example, let’s say you want to see the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster. So, to make sure you’re not wasting ten dollars of your hard-earned paycheck, you decide to Google a few reviews. But, here’s the catch. The review doesn’t actually say anything. The author simply lists the plot from beginning to end, without offering any insights or opinions. “And then Tom shoots that weird guy, jumps off the roof of a car before it blows up, kisses the heroine, and then stares menacingly at the villain, who’s wearing a really expensive-looking black suit. Then…”
Was the movie any good? Who can tell?
The next review, on the other hand, talks about the quality of production, the stupidity of the script and, perhaps, provides a manifesto on really cool explosions. The writer then incorporates a few examples to prove his or her argument. Whether or not we agree at this point is irrelevant.
More analysis
Yes, you can incorporate opinion. Actually, analysis is evidence-based opinion. Do not be afraid to introduce new and quirky ideas into your paper. Just be prepared to back them up with solid, well argued proof.
Think of yourself as a lawyer. Prove your case. People aren’t going to believe vigilante-style hysterics: “The defendant is guilty! Why? Well, because I said he is!” That’s just not going to fly, and thank God it doesn’t. Otherwise, our legal system would be up to its ears in random he said/she said chaos.
Break your argument into bite-sized, but impactful pieces. With each quote you introduce, explain why it’s important, what insight it contributes to your overall argument, and its significance within the terms of your paper.
Explain yourself
Don’t expect the professor to read your mind. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Analysis is important, yes, but it’s useless if you haven’t specified what you’re trying to accomplish. If you propose a thesis in which tree and plant imagery throughout Jane Eyre represents female sexuality in Victorian England, then say so! “Trees are interesting thematic devices” just doesn’t count. It’s simply too vague.
Questions to ask yourself
When you’re at a loss for words or ideas, the following is a list of questions that serve as prompts for generating analytical language:
What does [this quote] tell me about the character? (look at behaviour, dialogue, descriptions of places, etc.)
Why should my reader care what I have to say?
What are the major themes within the novel?
What kind of insights can I offer? Be unique. Don’t be afraid to be controversial.
How will [this quote] prove my argument? If it’s interesting, but irrelevant to the topic, pitch it!
What does this novel say about the writer, or the time and place in which it was written? (Think in terms of decades, political influences, social hierarchy, psychological influences, etc.)
I hope this helps! Feel free to add to my list. Do you have any tips and tricks to share?
