literary analysis

Writing as Communication

  • Writing is a form of communication that allows students to express thoughts and ideas.

  • Techniques vary based on purpose and audience:

    • Creative Writing: Includes journaling, poetry, songwriting, prayer.

    • Structured Writing: Short stories following a specific format or structure; various types of poems.

    • Expository Writing: Paragraphs that explain or inform (using the structure: TS, Support, CS).

    • Persuasive Writing: Aimed at convincing readers about a certain point of view.

    • Literary Analysis: Involves analysis of literature using present or present perfect tense and third-person perspective.

Writing Patterns

  • Common Structure:

    • TS: Topic Sentence.

    • S1: First Support Point.

    • DS: Direct Support (Concrete Detail).

    • E: Explanation.

    • S2, S3: Second and Third Support Points with respective details.

    • CS: Concluding Sentence.

Literary Analysis Guidelines

  • Always use present or present perfect tense in writing.

  • Always write in the third person.

  • The purpose is to analyze rather than summarize.

    • It is assumed that the reader is already familiar with the literary piece.

    • TS: Must be clear and concise, should mention substance.

    • S1: The first example supporting the TS.

    • DS: Concrete detail taken word-for-word from the source; use quotation marks and be concise.

    • E: Deep insights connecting the Concrete Detail (CD) to the TS; typically 2+ sentences.

    • S2 & S3: Second and third supports follow the same structure.

  • In character analysis, the supports should be taken from specific parts of the text (beginning, middle, end) to provide a full character analysis.

Example Topic Sentence for Literary Analysis

  • In "The Hockey Sweater," Roc Carrier depicts great tenacity as he supports his favorite hockey hero, Maurice Richard.

Brainstorming Points

  • Key points that support the topic sentence:

    • Refusal to wear other teams' jerseys.

    • Takes care in presenting himself, e.g., combs hair.

    • Emotional reactions to discrimination (getting angry).

    • Plays hockey with passion.

    • Devotion to the same team jersey as his idol.

    • Experiences letdowns (e.g., receiving the wrong jersey).

Sample Literary Analysis Paragraph

TS: "In 'The Great Gatsby,' F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of the American Dream's corruption through the character of Jay Gatsby." S1: At the beginning, Gatsby is portrayed as a self-made millionaire who believes in the promise of wealth: "He believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." This symbolizes his hope and the idealism of the American Dream. S2: However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Gatsby's wealth is rooted in illegal activities: "His wealth was extravagant, but it could not buy true happiness or love." This illustrates the emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of material success. S3: Ultimately, Gatsby's tragic demise reinforces the futility of his dreams: "Gatsby believed in the green light... but it led to his downfall." This emphasizes the tragedy of an unattainable dream. CS: Through Gatsby's journey, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream, revealing its underlying corruption and the moral decay of society.

Transition Use in Writing

  • Transitions: Words or phrases that enhance the flow of writing by bridging ideas.

    • Importance: Signals to the reader that a new point is being introduced.

    • Usage: Place a transition before each S1, S2, S3, and CS. Avoid overuse.

    • Examples:

      • S1: Initially, for example.

      • S2: Additionally, further.

      • S3: Finally, most importantly.

      • CS: Clearly, it is evident.

Tips for Writing a Good Literary Analysis

  1. Understand the Text: Read the literary piece multiple times, focusing on themes, characters, and stylistic choices.

  2. Develop a Strong Thesis: Create a clear, arguable thesis statement that reflects your interpretation of the text.

  3. Use Evidence Effectively: Support your arguments with direct quotations and specific examples from the text. Make sure to explain how this evidence connects back to your thesis.

  4. Organize Logically: Structure your analysis with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for supporting points, and a conclusion that reinforces your argument.

  5. Consider Literary Elements: Analyze elements such as symbolism, imagery, and tone, and discuss their significance to the overall meaning.

  6. Stay Objective: Write in the third person and avoid personal opinions that are not supported by textual evidence.

  7. Revise and Edit: Review your work for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.