Analytical Outline Example
ANALYTICAL OUTLINE EXAMPLE
Hills Like White Elephants
I. Introduction A. “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway B. Main themes: relationships, dealing with an unexpected event, liberty of choice C. Conflict: a couple faces a dilemma in their relationship D. Setting: Spain of the 1920s E. Main characters in selected theme: the “man” and the “girl” must decide what the future holds for their relationship if they decide to have an abortion or not
II. Main part A. Argument Statement: Reaching a clear decision can help a person find inner peace B. Clarifying ideas 1. a short wait at a train station gives time for thought 2. the confused, hurt and sad girl comes to a decision 3. this decision leaves her with a sense of inner peace as she resolves her uncertainty C. Evidence 1. girl’s confusion, pain and sadness: questions the man about his wanting an abortion (line 81) and his wanting their life to be “nice again” (line 87) 2. expressing her insecurity about their life together: “And if I do it you’ll be happy and things will be like they were and you’ll love me?” (lines 84-85)
3. contemplating the possibility of having the baby or having abortion a. “We could get along.” (line 128) b. not doing anything that “isn’t good” (line 121) c. going through with the “perfectly simple” operation (line 130) 4. indecision makes the girl demand silence (line 135) and threaten to “scream” if he doesn’t stop talking (line 139) 5. with silence the girl is able to smile and state categorically: “I feel fine. There’s nothing wrong with me, I feel fine.” (line 155)
III. Analysis A. Smile reflects her coming to a decision B. Smile reveals the girl’s sense of peace C. The question remains if the relationship will continue or
Hills Like White Elephants
I. Introduction A. “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway B. Main themes: relationships, dealing with an unexpected event, liberty of choice C. Conflict: a couple faces a dilemma in their relationship D. Setting: Spain of the 1920s E. Main characters in selected theme: the “man” and the “girl” must decide what the future holds for their relationship if they decide to have an abortion or not
II. Main part A. Argument Statement: Reaching a clear decision can help a person find inner peace B. Clarifying ideas 1. a short wait at a train station gives time for thought 2. the confused, hurt and sad girl comes to a decision 3. this decision leaves her with a sense of inner peace as she resolves her uncertainty C. Evidence 1. girl’s confusion, pain and sadness: questions the man about his wanting an abortion (line 81) and his wanting their life to be “nice again” (line 87) 2. expressing her insecurity about their life together: “And if I do it you’ll be happy and things will be like they were and you’ll love me?” (lines 84-85)
3. contemplating the possibility of having the baby or having abortion a. “We could get along.” (line 128) b. not doing anything that “isn’t good” (line 121) c. going through with the “perfectly simple” operation (line 130) 4. indecision makes the girl demand silence (line 135) and threaten to “scream” if he doesn’t stop talking (line 139) 5. with silence the girl is able to smile and state categorically: “I feel fine. There’s nothing wrong with me, I feel fine.” (line 155)
III. Analysis A. Smile reflects her coming to a decision B. Smile reveals the girl’s sense of peace C. The question remains if the relationship will continue or