1. Writing A Critical Essay Ch.9

2. Features of the Critical Essay: • Novel, short story, poem, or essay is the most important source of information. • Critical essay resembles an argument essay (pointing out/arguing certain points) • Make claims/pose questions as the focus of your critical essay • Provide short summary of work for the audience (summary should not be the central focus or the whole paper)

3. Organizing your critical Essay: • Focus on a particular question/theme Examples: (suicide “The Awakening”, role of women “Color Purple” (novels), opportunities in life “Rode not Taken- Frost (poem) • Focus on literary elements: characters, point of view, tone, imagery, symbolism, setting, form/structure, theme, appeal (LB Brief 127)