Sample Conclusion Paragraphs

Directions:
1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the sample conclusions to follow.
2. Identify possible references to the thesis statements, introduction, and body paragraphs.
3. Identify broader implications.
4. Identify and evaluate other strategies used.

SAMPLE 1
Both great works of epic literature from historical India and Japan certainly provide fascinating insights into the
study of the idealization of women and wives. We can see how the different social conventions of each time and place
have a defined impact on womens roles within the institution of marriage. In reflecting on the societal expectations of a
wife as represented in classical world literature we can gain new insights into womens roles within marriage in a
contemporary world. Future generations will look to our contemporary literature as a depiction of our societys
expectations and values of women not only as wives, but as single and independent women, as well.

SAMPLE 2
Ednas character transforms from sleeping through life by meeting expectations to a great awakening, in which
her thoughts and actions are consistent with each other. Ednas struggle between her inner desires and her outward
conformity is one in which her best solution was to satisfy no roles and expectations, including her own. Her character is
so memorable because the reader can empathize with Ednas internal conflict to both conform and defy. She is
unforgettable because she does what each of us has wanted to do; her character resonates with the universal human
condition of defying and abandoning societal expectations and impositions.

SAMPLE 3
The culmination of Stephen Dedalus linguistic and artistic development in James Joyces A Portrait of the Artist
as a Young Man in indicated at the end of the novel when his story is no longer dependent on a narrator, but is told by
Stephen himself through his journal. The journal entries are projected forth in the unfiltered language of the artist. He
completes his linguistic journey, coming full circle from a child who merely perceives others language to the artist, who
creates his own. The language implicit in Stephens journal represents the realization of his identity; his language
displays the confidence and independence of one who is autonomous. At the end of the novel, Stephens physical,
intellectual, and emotional transformations have been chronicled through the intricacies of language.

SAMPLE 4
Throughout Morrisons Beloved memory has a power distinguished from other motifs in the novel. Memory is so
pervasive that it functions as a separate character within the plot. It interacts with, and has a unique relationship with,
each character; it brings up painful past experiences, and preys upon those resonances. Indeed, memory functions as an
additional antagonist, dredging up the past, teasing and torturing without remorse the characters who attempt to
forget. Ultimately, however, memory is defeated with Morrisons dictate: this is not a story to pass on.

SAMPLE 5
The values of leadership portrayed by Tamburlaines character are still honored in society today. We desire a
leader who is passionate and eloquent, but who is a leader of action, as well. We also value a leader who is proud and
confident in his or her abilities and experience. Todays leaders would do well to consult Marlowes example of
leadership in Tamburlaine.

SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON

Analyze the two paragraphs. Decide which one is stronger and explain your decision. Then decide how it can be
improved.
SAMPLE 6
Broken Chain by Gary Soto is a story that many
young people can relate to. It tells the story of
insecure Alfonso, who is trying to find a bike for
his potential girlfriend, Sandra, to ride. When
describing the types of conflict of Broken Chain
readers see there are external and internal
conflicts. First, there is an external conflict
between Alfonso and his brother, and second,
there is an internal conflict Alfonso has with
himself.
SAMPLE 7
Thomas Hardy was one of the most influential
writers of the late 1800s. His novel Tess of the
DUrbervilles is one of his most famous novels. It
tells the story of a young girl, Tess, who has an
extremely hard life. Throughout the novel she
endures many hardships. Tess is a complex
character. Her experiences, naivet, and
perseverance make her one of literatures great
characters.
SAMPLE 8
Love can be a revolution of thinking; an
overcoming of barriers. It can be confusing, and
at times, love defies all reason. Love inspires such
passion that people endure great tragedy and
conquer in overwhelming circumstances. Love
provokes emotions that can cause a person to
accomplish the impossible. For good reason, love
has been put on the highest pedestal; however,
love is not flawless or effortless. It may at times
require work, and patience, and then even more
patience! The short story, Wife Wooing by John
Updike and Robert Burns poem, A Red, Red
Rose share similar overall messages and literary
motifs about love, yet depict distinctly different
versions of love in their themes and
characterization.
Broken Chain is full of conflicts. The first
conflict is external: Alfonso and his brother Ernie
do not get along. The second conflict is internal:
Alfonso is very unhappy with the way he looks.
At the end of the story, both conflicts are solved.
Ernie lends Alfonso his bike, allowing him to ride
bikes with Sandra. Because Sandra clearly is
romantically interested in Alfonso, his self-
esteem has increased, leaving him happy.
Tess is a complex character. She goes through
many tragic experiences in the novel, which only
make her stronger. Though she starts the novel
as a very nave, trusting girl, she learns very harsh
lessons about life. Even though she preserves
through the novel, life is still too hard for her.
Hardys uses Tess to tell readers that sometimes
a persons circumstance works against them and
they will have a terrible, unhappy life.
Realistic love is not so easy as the love read about
in poems. Poetic love may send one floating
through the clouds and inspire fabulous love
letters, but realistic love takes time, and work,
and patience. Updikes piece helps to understand
that marriage isnt simple and that some days are
not going to seem to be happily ever after. There
will be times of frustration and jealousy. When
we are young, we dream of a passionate love like
that of Burns poem, but Burn helps us to realize
that passion is just one component of love. By
comparing and contrasting Updikes and Burns
pieces, it is clear that both realistic and idealistic
portrayals of love are important, but in my world,
I prefer the real to the ideal. I think the soft
toothpaste kiss far outweighs promises of love till
the seas go dry..