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158Each sentence explains what happens without providing unnecessary narrative details. It is important to note, too, that none of these sentences offer any analysis into why and how the events have significance and contribute to the story%u2019s meaning. Your job, in crafting a strong literary argument, is to make a case for why and how these events reveal that your interpretation of the text%u2019s meaning is valid.The following sample paragraph uses short references to the events of the story in an effort to strike the right balance between summary and analysis:While the school symbolizes safety and opportunity in the future, the blizzard symbolizes challenges beyond the characters%u2019 control. The blizzard%u2019s suddenness catches Ivek by surprise and prevents him from remaining on the road, but he knows he must continue driving and feels relieved that he has enough fuel. Even early in the trip, Ivek knows the school is a much more important destination than merely a place for education. Instead, it is a place of refuge that will offer life-saving warmth and shelter in the midst of the storm. In this way, the school can be seen as a symbol for the protection of children and their futures. In order to get there, though, Ivek finds himself very much at the mercy of the storm. Not only does it slow his progress, but it also literally forces him from the road. Ivek%u2019s lack of autonomy suggests the blizzard is a symbol of helplessness and uncertainty, in contrast to the safety of the school. Interestingly, even though the children know there is very little they can do under the circumstances, they still work together to manage what little is within their control: they stay positive, share their food, and limit distractions. Ultimately, the symbols of the school and the blizzard reveal the human tendency to find moments of solace, even in overwhelming situations. Choose one of the sample topic sentences and use it to write a full paragraph. First, summarize the part of the story you plan to analyze. Next, condense that summary to a short sentence or phrase. Finally, use the sentence as a jumping-off point to explore how and why the events contribute to meaning and support the topic sentence you have chosen. As you write the paragraph, ask yourself, %u201cSo what?%u201d at the end of each sentence to make sure you provide enough commentary to properly support your evidence.ACTIVITY Supporting Your ThesisIntroducing Your EssayIt may seem a bit odd to only now be considering an introduction, after we have already planned our body paragraphs. Not to worry%u2014while an introduction appears first in a finished essay, it%u2019s not unusual to consider it near the end of your pre-writing process.Your essay introduction is where you introduce your audience to the subject of your essay%u2014in this case, an analysis of theme in Louise Erdrich%u2019s story. If you are writing in Writing Workshop Analysis of Theme in FictionCopyright %u00a9 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. Distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Not for redistribution.