HOWTOWRITEALITERARYANALYSISESSAY_10.15.07_001 (1)1

Writing a Literary Analysis Essay

Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay

• A literary analysis essay examines and evaluates a work of literature or its elements.

• Involves breaking down the subject into components to enhance appreciation and understanding.

Analyzing Different Literary Works

• Poems: Focus on types of imagery or form and content relationships.

• Plays: Analyze subplots, main plots, or character flaws of tragic heroes.

• Short Stories: Identify themes (e.g., adolescence to adulthood) and explore the author's suggestions through point of view or character attitudes.

Importance of Writing

• Writing is a sharpened expression of thought and study.

• Developing writing skills enhances perception and critical abilities.

Central Idea in Thesis Development

1. Cover the Topic: Ensure the essay relates directly to the subject.

2. Central Idea: Establish a thesis that drives the essay's development.

3. Organization: Structure the essay so each part contributes to understanding the central idea.

Elements of a Solid Essay

Thesis Statement

• A thesis statement indicates what to expect from the essay and should be precise and declarative.

• Examples of effective thesis statements:

  • Brooks’s "The Ballad of Rudolph Reed" shows how the poet uses the ballad form to discuss racial intolerance.

  • Antigone's characters illustrate the dangers of excessive pride.

  • Imagery in "Fern Hill" reveals the ambiguity of nature in human relationships.

The Introduction

• Introduction aims to capture the reader’s interest and should include:

  • Quotation, provocative question, brief anecdote, or startling statement.

  • Background information and the author's name.

  • Title of the work being analyzed.

• Examples of introductory paragraphs that incorporate thesis statements:

  • A character analysis of Browning's Duke emphasizes his arrogance through internal dialogue.

  • "The Secret Lion" shows a boy's perspective on growing up, focusing on loss of innocence.

The Body of the Essay

Importance of Topic Sentences

• Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence linking back to the thesis.

• The body of the essay contains at least three paragraphs explaining ideas and evidence from the text.

• Components of paragraphs:

  • Textual evidence: summary, paraphrase, specific details, direct quotations.

Example of a Developmental Paragraph

• Topic Sentence: Sammy’s descriptions present a mundane and regulated setting in the A & P.

• Description includes concrete details that highlight monotony and dehumanization of shoppers.

The Conclusion

Crafting a Concluding Paragraph

• Conclude by summarizing main points or restating the thesis in different words.

• Offer a relevant commentary without introducing new topics.

Example of a Concluding Statement

• Browning emphasizes the Duke’s traits of arrogance and jealousy, leading readers to form a unfavorable opinion of him.

Crafting a Title

• Create a title that reflects the paper's approach and captures reader's attention.

• Avoid using only the title of the analyzed work.

Considering the Audience

• Write considering both your professor and peers, who have the same level of understanding.

• Avoid retelling the work; focus instead on analysis and interpretation.

Using Textual Evidence

Types of Textual Evidence

• Use summary, paraphrase, specific details, and direct quotes appropriately.

• Ensure evidence connects to the argument of the essay.

Example of Summary and Relevance

• Summary of boys burying the grinding ball illustrates their futile desire to preserve innocence.

• Paraphrasing details allows for expanded explanation while retaining original meaning.

Quoting Text

Guidelines for Quotations

1. Brief Quotations: Integrate into sentences, using quotation marks and citing sources appropriately.

2. Lengthy Quotations: Indent and double-space, omitting quotation marks.

3. Punctuating Quotation Marks: Place periods/comma inside; other punctuations outside unless part of quote.

Examples of Citation

• Examples assist clarity and relevance of educational argument within the essay.