- First, let's discuss how to write an essay. Perhaps the simplest, clearest and most efficient plan for an essay is that of the five paragraph essay that is explicated in an excellent text, The Practical Writer by Edward P. Bailey and Philip A. Powell (available on the internet).
Here is what is called by Bailey and Powell "an overview" of the 5-paragraph essay:
PARAGRAPH 1
"Motivator": This is the beginning of the introductory paragraph. Meant to grab the reader's interest, this is often an observation, a quotation, or even a question to pique the curiosity of the reader.
"Thesis Statement": The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph and it states the main idea of the writer, (her argument/purpose and direction of the essay) Often it answers the question, What statement can I make about this topic?
"Blueprint":
A blueprint is brief summary of the main points which will be presented in the essay this follows as part of the sentence that contains the thesis statement. Because a five-paragraph essay has 3 central paragraphs, the blueprint should have 3 strong points, one for each paragraph. (These points are made into the topic sentences for the paragraphs.)
PARAGRAPHS 2,3,&4
The Body:
These paragraphs are the meat of the essay. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence formed from the 3 main points of the blueprint. Support from the two literary works lend them veracity and viability. (You must prove your points). This support comes from your discussion of certain passages, characters, etc. and specific details and citations as proof of what you state.
PARAGRAPH 5
Conclusion:
The conclusion is little more than a reworded thesis statement (="once again let me tell you what those 3 paragraphs were saying") and what is called "a clincher." The clincher gives a sense of finality to the essay; it makes clear that the essay is finished.
Source: http://www.downage.org/ebooks-list/the-practical-writer-with-readings-7th-edition_inge.html
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- Now, let's discuss the writing of your essay. Obviously, you are looking for similarities and differences in the two literary works regarding the treatment/theme of evil.
One motivator that could be used is a reflection upon the origin of the evil that makes a villain. (In other words, is it inherent as Golding implies, or it is attained as apparently Lady Macbeth calls upon the spirits and Macbeth's belief in the witches and his ambitious acts lead him? You might consider some ideas like these and create your motivator from your thoughts)
Your thesis is going to be your main idea on the evil that makes a villain in these works. For instance, you could have something like this if your topic is villains:
In both Lord of the Flies and Macbeth, there are villains who develop as a result of forces that motivate them such as their (3 points=)nature, influences upon them, and environment.
So, then, the three topic sentences for the 3 body paragraphs will be built from these 3 points, or whatever you come up with. Think about and plan out what specific details from the works you can use to support thee topic sentences. For instance, under influences upon them, the boys in Goldings' book are outside society and its laws; they have no conditioning on them. (Remember Roger who did not at first hit Henry in Ch. 4 because of his conditioning; however, later in the narrative, he follows Ralph up the mountain, pounding with a stick behind him; further, he sadistically rolls a boulder down upon Piggy, smashing his head and sending him hurling into the ocean.)
Be sure to support, support, give details, quote. If you prove what you contend, your essay will have worth. Good Luck!
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