A literary analysis is first and
foremost, an essay. As such it must have those elements that make it
an essay, an introduction, a body and a conclusion. However in an
analysis, you also examine the parts or elements of a piece of
writing in order to go beyond your personal feelings for the novel,
short story or poem, and there by gain a deeper understanding of it.
The development of the literary analysis focuses on the plot,
setting, characters, point of view and/or a thematic element. In the
analysis, you look closely at its elements and how they fit
together.
There are two ways to structure a literary analysis. You can
examine individual elements or you can compare and contrast them.
You begin with a key question such as : "How does the setting of the
story help to set the mood or tone?" or "How does the author develop
her theme?" or "How would you contrast the moral integrity of the
protagonist and antagonist?" In answering the key question you must
support your conclusion by using specific references to the
literature itself. In doing so, you begin to analyze it. Thinking
about the question and its answer should help you to clarify your
own thinking and to understand the author's purpose.
To develop
an analysis, follow these preliminary steps:
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- Read one or two stories or poems closely
- Chose one or two elements for analysis
- Identify a thesis for the essay
- Think about your purpose, audience and tone
- Find details, quotes and examples, in the literature that
support your thesis
- Outline before you write, not only to organize the essay but
to organize your thinking as
well
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STILL CONFUSED? SEE THESE SAMPLE FRAMEWORKS FOR
THREE STYLES OF LITERARY
ANALYSIS |
SINGLE ELEMENT FRAMEWORK
Introduction (includes a thesis statement)
Main Point 1
Main Point 2
Main Point 3
Conclusion (restatement of thesis or summary of main points)
COMPARISON AND CONTRAST FRAMEWORKS
(Point by Point Method)
Introduction (statement of thesis concerning A&B)
Main Point 1
discussion of A
discussion of B
Main Point 2
discussion of A
discussion of B
Main Point 3
discussion of A
discussion of B
Conclusion (restatement of thesis or summary of main points)
(Block Method)
Introduction (thesis statement about A and B)
Discussion of A
main point 1
main point 2
main point 3
Discussion of B
main point 1
main point 2
main point 3
Conclusion (restatement of thesis or summary of main points)
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THE PARTS THAT MAKE UP THE
WHOLE |
| Essays are like big
juicy burgers. There's the burger itself, covered in cheese,
dripping catsup with the lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions all
stacked on top. Mouthwatering and delicious, but a sloppy mess
without the two bun slices that hold it all together. Think of the
essay's introduction and conclusion as bun slices that frame and
hold that burger in place. The bun slices are very important; they
make the meat, the cheese, the lettuce, the tomato, the pickle and
onion look like a sandwich.
When I was a kid and times were tough, we sometimes ate mayonaise
sandwiches for lunch, two slices of bread stuck together with
"mayo". It was a sandwich but it didn't quite satisfy. The bread was
good, but it just wasn't enough. Neither does an essay satisfy with
an introduction and conclusion and a "mayonaise" body. What makes
the perfect burger is the same thing that makes the perfect
essay...put some meat on it. |
1. The introduction
should grab the reader's attention by perhaps asking a question,
revealing an interesting detail or including a significant
quotation.
2. It should supply the reader with enough background
information so that what is being said is understandable. This
information should include the title, author and genre of the
literature being analyzed. In addition, if the reader may not be
familiar with the literature in question, enough details (no more
than four sentences) about its plot or the elements discussed,
should be given in order to avoid the reader's possible
confusion.
3. It is imperative that the introduction include a
thesis statement, which reveals the focus of the analysis. A thesis
is a statement that lets the reader know what your position is on
the matter discussed in your essay. It is what you must prove to be
true through the development of your essay's body paragraphs.
Without a thesis you do not have an essay. You do not have an
analysis. You do not have a grade. Mrs. Coy-Gonfa will read no
further in the paper, because there would be nothing to support in
the body paragraphs, nor any point to sum up in the conclusion.
Therefore, without a thesis statement, it is impossible to get a
passing grade. |
| The purpose of the body
of any essay is to prove the thesis. A typical essay includes three
to four body paragraphs. Each paragraph discusses one sub-topic
derived from the thesis. In other words, it breaks down the thesis
into parts. Each part is developed in a separate paragraph.
It is not enough to make statements that you believe to be true;
you must go back into the text and find the evidence that supports
your statements and backs you up. Use details, examples and quotes
as proof that your thesis is correct because, without literary
witnesses, you have only hearsay evidence that will not hold up in
Mrs. Coy-Gonfa's court.
Refer back to your thesis by using key words and transitional
expressions. This helps to link your ideas and give the essay unity.
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Here's the easy part.
The job of the conclusion is to bring your essay to a close. Here
are two good ways to end a literary analysis.
1. While using
different wording, restate your thesis. This brings focus back to it
and unifies the essay.
2. Summarize your main points by gathering
in one paragraph the ideas that you developed in the essay's
body.
You might add here, in the conclusion, a new insight or
perspective that you have gained through the development of your
thesis. The essay should sound finished and not leave the reader
looking for a lost page. |
 DON'T FORGET: DOUBLE SPACE, TIMES NEW
ROMAN, FONT SIZE 12, ONE INCH MARGINS, LAST NAME ON THE TOP RIGHT OF
EACH PAGE. |
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