Final answer:
A good introduction to a written analysis provides context, engages the reader with a thesis statement and relevant background information, and sets the stage for a deeper examination of the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
An excellent introduction to an analysis of a written work should provide enough context for readers to appreciate the angle of the analysis. A compelling introductory paragraph often includes a thesis statement, a brief summary of the work, relevant background information, and a hook such as a rhetorical question, striking quotation, or vivid description. The purpose is to engage the reader and offer a preview into the analytical approach taken.
To write analytically, one should start by developing a deep understanding of the text, identifying major themes, noting reactions, and considering the author's assumptions and potential biases. It's important to break down the elements of a written piece—whether it's a story, poem, or argument—to see how these parts contribute to the whole, often writing notes or annotations during the first reading. One should then proceed to structure the analysis with clear introductions, body paragraphs with topic sentences that provide meaningful descriptions, and a conclusion tying back to the thesis statement.
An introduction to an analysis may also touch on the work's genre, title, author, and publication date to ground the reader. If appropriate, the introduction may also present the work's literary point of view and place it within its social, historical, or cultural context. A well-crafted introduction lays the groundwork for the analysis, setting the stage for an in-depth examination that goes beyond the surface to ask deeper 'how' and 'why' questions.