Analyze in the Laboratory With Agassiz°, by Samuel Hubbard Scudder.
An analysis conveys the essence of the essay. That is, you must read in the Laboratory With Agassiz,° understand it, then write an essay explaining what the piece is about.
First of all, address the main point to the essay–the claim. What is it? What is Scudder arguing for? Why did he write the essay? What does he want you–the reader–to understand (and agree with)?
Then, explain his supports. How does he support his claim? With facts? How does he use them? Are they effective? Can you think of other facts he might have used instead?
Finally, if you identify them, explain his warrants. What are his assumptions? Are they explicit or implicit (that is, are they clearly stated, or are they left unsaid but understood by the reader)?
Be sure to discuss the conclusion. Explain what Scudder means when he says, At the end of eight months, it was almost with reluctance that I left these friends and tumed to insects; but what I had gained by this outside experience has been of greater value than years of later investigation in my favorite groups.°