1. Briefly introduce the project's topic and scope: Start by clearly stating the subject of your project. Avoid overly broad statements; be specific about the text(s) you're analyzing and the argument you're making. For example:
* *Instead of:* "This project explores Shakespeare."
* *Try:* "This project analyzes the use of imagery in Shakespeare's *Hamlet* to explore the themes of betrayal and revenge."
2. Explain your approach and methodology: Mention the critical lenses or theoretical frameworks you used to analyze the text(s). Did you employ feminist criticism? Psychoanalytic theory? New Historicism? A brief explanation will help the reader understand your interpretative choices.
* *For example:* "This analysis employs a post-colonial lens to examine the representation of indigenous populations in Chinua Achebe's *Things Fall Apart*."
3. Acknowledge any significant challenges or limitations: Honesty is key. If you encountered difficulties accessing sources, faced limitations in scope due to time constraints, or encountered unexpected complexities in your analysis, briefly acknowledge them. This demonstrates self-awareness and strengthens your credibility.
* *For example:* "Due to the limited availability of primary source materials related to X, this analysis focuses primarily on secondary sources..."
4. Express gratitude (optional, but recommended): If you received significant help from teachers, librarians, or others, express your appreciation.
* *For example:* "I would like to thank Professor Smith for her insightful guidance and support throughout this project."
5. Briefly state your main findings or argument (optional, depending on your teacher's preferences): Some prefaces hint at the conclusions reached, while others maintain suspense until the main body. Check your assignment guidelines.
Example Preface:
> This project explores the complex portrayal of female characters in Charlotte Brontë's *Jane Eyre*. Employing a feminist critical lens, I analyze the ways in which Brontë subverts societal expectations of Victorian women through Jane's experiences and relationships. While focusing primarily on Jane's journey toward self-discovery, I also examine the roles of other female characters, such as Bertha Mason, to illustrate the constraints and possibilities available to women within the novel's social context. I encountered some challenges in balancing the breadth of critical perspectives with the limitations of the project's length, but I believe the analysis presented here offers a nuanced understanding of Brontë's portrayal of female agency. I extend my sincere gratitude to Mrs. Jones for her invaluable feedback and guidance.
Remember: Keep your preface concise. It should be no more than a page, ideally shorter. The focus should be on providing context for your project, not summarizing your findings. Your main body will handle the detailed analysis.