A strong introduction: 

1.   Opening sentence -- “hook” or “funnel.”

o  Name the title, author, and original publication date in the first 1-2 sentences.

o  Avoid generalities -- don’t say “in society,” “throughout history,” “in today’s world”…

2.   Very short overview of plot/theme/historical context (optional)

3.   Develop the issue your essay focuses on. Establish that your argument is controversial or that you are exploring a hidden element of the text. You can do this in a few ways:

o  explain the issue you are addressing

o  ask a question you will answer in the next few paragraphs. (This must be a  theoretical question that can’t be answered in just a few sentences.)

o  Use a passage from a critic that your thesis disagrees with.

o  Use a passage from the text to illustrate the issue you will analyze.

4.   Thesis statement (usually final sentence of introduction).

A strong conclusion:  

1.   Recap central argument and synthesize key points.

2.   Reflect on significance of argument.

3.   Raise further questions for analysis based on what you have established in this essay.