Hello, I need some help with an introduction. I've tried rewriting this; I'm normally a good writer, but, to me, this just lacks rhythm and sounds incredibly clumsy. Any help is appreciated.
Prompt:
It has often been noted in literary criticism that an author reflects his or her own personal trials, tragedies and triumphs within the pages of their works, and, because of these reflections, most literary works can be, at least to some extent, either literally or metaphorically autobiographical.
In a well-organized essay, discuss how Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley reflects on, or interjects elements of, her personal life into Frankenstein. You may focus on character, plot, setting, literary allusion or some combination of the above. While you must avoid merely summarizing the plot, do not neglect to cite the text directly for support of your argument.
Introduction:
Our own personal tragedies and triumphs often permeate every aspect of our lives. For some, these are latent or inconsequential; for most authors, however, these struggles and successes are intricately woven within the pages of their writings. Mary Shelley is one of example of these authors: in her revered novel, Frankenstein, Shelley mirrors her own world in her fictional world.
It probably sounds clumsy because most of it is unnecessary. You could just start with "In Frankenstein, Shelley's fictional world mirrors elements of her own life."
The only problem I have with that is that the essay would seem really boring to start with. It needs something interest to at least draw you in - even if the rest isn't as interesting.
A hook isn't normally necessary for literary essays, but if you absolutely must have one, try to make it something interesting about the parallels you are going to be talking about, even if you have to add a bit of explanation to connect the hook to your final thesis.
Yes, I know, but I can't help it. That's my writing style: I feel the need to interject myself, even in a small way, in my writing.
But, thank you. I will certainly take your advice.
I would suggest starting with something more specific, instead of a general statement about personal triumphs and tragedy. Of coarse they effect every part of our life. Maybe give a specific example from your life and tie that into rest of the intro. Or something specific from the authors life. General statements like that don't give the reader any new information.
