SOW Sound Reasoning

SOW: Sound Reasoning and phrases to avoid 

For the thesis: The best characters are close to nature and imagery supports that theme.

NO:

Imagery puts pictures in the readers mind that helps them understand how a character is close to nature, like Shinji. Through out the text, the recurring motif of the ocean shows you how Shinji is close to nature. No "skin could be burned browner" than Shinji's, and the ocean "has bestowed gifts on him" that are better than "intellectuality" (35). The beautiful imagery helps the reader be there on the island and see how Shinji is so close to nature. 

Never say imagery puts pictures in the readers mind. That is DSO (Don't state the obvious). Imagery is an image in the mind, no need to explain. Don't say a theme or motif is "throughout the text," which is only sightly better than "through out the text." Motifs and themes recur. That is part of their definition, so you don't need to say it (more DSO).

The paragraph above only proves Shinji's connection to nature, not his nobility. You must prove both to support the thesis, as shown more effectively below. 

The imagery that describes Shinji reinforces his connection to nature and how that connection improves his character and abilities. Vivid descriptions of Shinji focus on Shinji's close interactions with nature: his skin is "browned by the sun," and his body has been "honed and muscled" by his work on fishing boats where he contends with the ocean to make a living (13). Furthermore, nature has rewarded Shinji by improving his character. The sea "bestows" Shinji with a wisdom "beyond intellectuality" (42). Shinji's "accord" with nature allows him to instinctively make decisions without the benefit of a watch or a lamp or even other people;  as he observes "the great wheel of the day turn," he automatically knows "whether or not he will go fishing" that day (98). And without a torch or light, he can "instinctively climb the treacherous path" up to the shrine, knowing, even without light, where to step.  Furthermore, it is the sea which answers all his questions in their "wordless conversation" (99). Day to day, he communes with nature, and in turn, nature provides Shinji with an instinct that precludes the need for such material and synthetic possessions as flashlights or clocks. Nature makes him independent and strong,  marks of his true nobility.