Some transitional words

To show that you are continuing the same overall claim (ex: to go from one illust and interp to the next illust and interp, or to go from one interp of a quote to a related interp of the same quote)

Furthermore

Moreover

In addition

Also

Besides

Aside from

Just as

Likewise

Similarly

To introduce an opposing argument (ex: to go from your claims to a counterargument, or from a counterargument back to your claims)

However

Nevertheless

Nonetheless

Despite

In spite of

Regardless

But (conjunction)

Yet

Notwithstanding

By contrast

On the contrary

To show cause and effect (ex: to go from an illust to an interp)

Therefore

Thus

Hence

Accordingly

Consequently

As a result

If follows that

so (conjunction)

Also helpful - verbs for moving from illustrations to interpretations:

Show

Demonstrate

Reveal

Suggest that

Imply (note: readers infer; symbols and authors imply)

Indicate

Symbolize

Represent

Connote