Reflection On Interpretation Of Evidence

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In previous english classes, most assignments consisted of a general summary of the text with little interpretation. Thesis statements and evidence were used mostly to prove that "I read the text" rather than to support any type of argument. However, my experience was much different this semester. Focusing on poetry, short stories, and drama, the essays assigned for this class required me to concentrate heavily on analysis and argumentation. Focusing on these elements allowed me to draft stronger theses supported by interpretation of evidence. Through my positive writing experiences in English 1102, I have become more confident in my ability to analyze literature, interpret evidence and develop strong theses. However, I continue to struggle with …show more content…

When developing essays for this semester, I found it easy to collect multiple examples of evidence from the texts that could be used to support my thesis statements. However, in order to draft a comprehensive essay, I had to answer the question, "So What?", regarding the evidence I provided. The only way to appropriately respond to this question was through interpretation. My intimate interpretation of evidence, acquired through close reading, can be seen in the following passage from my essay "How Irony Dominates 'The Cask of Amontillado '". "Another example of irony being central to the plot is when Fortunato announces "He is an ignoramus", mocking Luchesi (1121). Fortunato 's statement is very ironic because these are the last words he says before being chained to the wall, making him the real ignoramus." In this passage, I begin by presenting evidence. Yet, for this evidence to sufficiently support my thesis, I must follow it with interpretation. By following this pattern of framing evidence with interpretation, my essays have become more skillful and

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