Essay CSET Literary Analysis

Remember

Key to success is a thorough understanding of the text

Thesis

mare it specific and argumentative

literary analysis→

less text summary more interpret evidence

Device Explanations

→ Define then analyze the effect of the device

organization

create a better flow separate ideas

grammar+ mechanics

→ use more sophisticated lang syntax

conclusion

refit and synthesize

Genre features

Conclusion

what do theses texts

reveal about the human condition why is this still relevant

tie to historical context

Introduction

Interpret the texts

contextualize the history of both texts

State the common theme

mention literary devices focusing on

THESIS

(needs more precision, to be focus/specific argumentative)

• narrow the focus of the thesis

*Example: While born Arnold's "Self-Dependence" and Ellison's "invisible Man" explore the theme of alienation) they differ in now they use literary devices to argue that true identity can only be found by rejecting societal expectations ."

Body PARAGRAPH

Use split paragraphs X3

PARA 1: theme of alienation in "invisible

PARA 2: theme of alienation in etc…

Literary analysis

more summary + more interpretation

don’t * summarize plot (fall in to ) surface level explanation

dig into why the metaphor matters+ what it reveals Focus on the function of the device ask yourself

- why does the author use this metaphor how does the metaphor relate o emotional, or philosophical

context

what does the metaphor say about the historical link back to theme always

/don’t be vague explore the authors purpose or intentness emotionally

literary devices

when you mention a device show how its demonstrated + example when you name a device, quote an example + explain

don’t just list terms - show their Affect on tone, meaning,

Quotes

don’t just drop quotes into text, introduce, integrate always introduce and follow up on a quote embed In text example. Arnold asks, "what lam?" and" Wouldst tha be as these are?" Rhetorical questions mat reveal his internal struggle urge the reader to retreat on their own identity in comparison . keep quotes a short, integrated, maybe paraphrased Punctuation goes inside quote

Vocab

• Use precision and analytical vocab

• Ax: Ellisons narrator suffers from existential disorientation in rooted in societal expectations and racial alienation .

▶

use verbs like reveals, emphasizes, suggest, illuminates, symbolizes