How to Write a Parable Paper

A good parable essay must discuss the moral and/or spiritual truth.

To write a parable paper, the student must select a parable to analyze and then do a thorough reading of the chosen parable. Some choices include the parables of Jesus Christ from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, or there are parables such as Ignacy Krasicki's "Fables and Parables" titled "Son and Father" or "The Farmer." Start the essay by outlining the main points of the parable and identifying the lesson or lessons the parable teaches.

Instructions

1. Select a parable that fits the parameters given for the essay assignment. For example, one classic parable is about the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.

2. Read the parable thoroughly.

3. Reread the parable, taking notes about the important plot points of the story. Make sure to write down the lesson taught in the parable, usually stated at the end of the story. For example, in the prodigal son, it states in Luke 15:7: "In the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over 99 others who are righteous and haven't strayed away." Identitfy the line or lines that teach lessons like this line and note them to use in the essay. These notes serve as the rough outline for the essay

4. Begin the essay with a summary of the parable which will serve as the introduction.

5. Begin the first body paragraph by analyzing a lesson that the parable teaches. If only one major lesson is taught by the parable, write about an important plot point that later leads to the lesson being taught. In the essay, use direct quotes from the parable (using proper citation as instructed in the assignment guidelines or ask the instructor for their preference) and then explain what lesson the line teaches. For example, in Luke 15:20 of the prodigal son, it states, "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." This line emphasizes the value of forgiveness.

6. Repeat Step 5 until the required number of body paragraphs are written. For a standard five-paragraph essay, the writer could focus on three different lessons that the parable teaches, or the writer could focus on plot points that lead to the main lesson in each body paragraph.

7. Finish the essay with a conclusion that again briefly summarizes the main points of the parable with emphasis on the lesson or lessons taught.

8. Edit, edit, edit. Start with the last sentence and work backwards to thoroughly check for all errors.

Tips & Warnings

• The writer should select a parable that they understand and enjoy. The enthusiasm for the subject matter will result in a better quality essay.

• A writer shouldn't be afraid to write about lessons that they feel the parable teaches even if they do not find the same lesson listed in their research. All stories can be interpreted differently by individual readers, and one reader may take away more lessons than another reader.

References

• Ignacy Krasicki
• Lesson: The Prodigal Son
• Lessons Learned from the Prodigal Son

Resources

• Parables of Jesus Christ