How to Write a Body Paragraph for an Analytical Essay
by Jordan Feldman
When writing the first body paragraph of an analytical essay, make sure to build off of the introduction paragraph. For reference, below is the model introduction paragraph (adapted from my first blog post) based on August Wilson’s Fences:
The way a child is raised will automatically affect them as parents. In August Wilson’s Fences, Troy’s parenting style is heavily influenced by how he was raised. Wilson uses conflict and imagery to demonstrate how Troy’s traumatic and abusive childhood negatively impacted him as a person, father, and subsequently his children.
In the thesis statement above, there are two literary devices mentioned: conflict and imagery. The first body paragraph will be about conflict and the second body paragraph will feature imagery.
Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is the first sentence of the body paragraph. The topic sentence should inform the reader about the contents of the upcoming paragraph. Therefore, the literary device of conflict must be the focal point of the topic sentence.
Example Topic Sentence: August Wilson utilizes conflict to convey the harsh brutality of Troy’s childhood.
Evidence: The first piece of evidence must support the topic sentence. There are three steps to follow in order to produce strong evidence (direct quote from the text) that supports the claim:
Step 1: Introduce the quote: Incorporate context from the scene in the quote introduction
Step 2: Insert the quote: Insert the quote word for word, exactly as it appears in the text
Step 3: Cite the quote: (Author’s last name, page number).
Example Evidence: After Troy’s father attempted to abuse Joe Canewell’s daughter, Troy “picked up them same reins that he (his father) had used on me. I picked up them reins and commenced to whupping on him…I don’t know what happened. When I woke up…I thought I was blind…Both my eyes were swollen shut. I layed there and cried. I didn’t know what I was gonna do” (Wilson, 54).
Analysis: Make sure to connect your analysis to your claim (topic sentence). Explain why and/or how your evidence supports your claim.
Example Analysis: Troy’s father physically abused Troy during his childhood and adolescence. Troy fought back because he knew this was the only way to save Joe Canewell’s daughter from his father’s ruthlessness. Once Troy awakens from the beating at the hands of his father, he knows that he must leave home for good. At the age of 14, Troy becomes a man. His view of the world is forever changed. This traumatic, life-changing turning point shapes how Troy lives his life and eventually influences how he raises his children.
Example Body Paragraph:
August Wilson utilizes conflict to convey the harsh brutality of Troy’s childhood. After Troy’s father attempted to abuse Joe Canewell’s daughter, Troy “picked up them same reins that he (his father) had used on me. I picked up them reins and commenced to whupping on him…I don’t know what happened. When I woke up…I thought I was blind…Both my eyes were swollen shut. I layed there and cried. I didn’t know what I was gonna do” (Wilson, 54). Troy’s father physically abused Troy during his childhood and adolescence. Troy fought back because he knew this was the only way to save Joe Canewell’s daughter from his father’s ruthlessness. Once Troy awakens from the beating at the hands of his father, he knows that he must leave home for good. At the age of 14, Troy becomes a man. His view of the world is forever changed. This traumatic, life-changing turning point shapes how Troy lives his life and eventually influences how he raises his children.
There is intentionally not a formal conclusion sentence to end the body paragraph because it is not necessary. The last sentence of the analysis addresses how the violence of Troy’s childhood impacts the parenting of his children. The next body paragraph will explore Troy’s parenting methods through the literary device of imagery.
Following this structure and understanding the “why” behind each part will make writing a body paragraph a smooth process.