When writing about literature, we can only offer our interpretation of meaning rather than the meaning. However, there are limits to interpretation: it must be supported by evidence that a reasonable reader finds plausible. The only way to do this is to refer specifically to the work of literature at hand.
Begin the Analysis
1. Interpretation begins with personal responses. An analysis should be a committed exploration of a work�s meaning. The idea is to find a part and explain how that part relates to the whole.
2. Developing a thesis statement takes careful thought and practice and should only be developed after careful consideration of the work. After your initial personal responses, decide which part of the whole that you wish to explore.
Example of introduction/ thesis statement:
Macbeth, the last of the four great Shakespearean tragedies, offers a particularly terse and gloomy view of humanity�s encounter with the powers of darkness. Macbeth has to face the temptation of committing what he knows to be a monstrous crime and yet goes ahead with his disastrous plans. His tragic doom is unavoidable and from the beginning of the play is damned and in despair.
Guidelines for Using Quotations in Literary Analysis
Use quotations to support your assertions, not to pad the paper. Quote at length only when necessary to your argument.
When you use a quotation, specify how it relates to your idea. Introduce the quotation and comment about its relevance after the quotation.
Reproduce spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and other features exactly as they appear in the source.
Document your quotations immediately after the quotation.
Sample documentation
To an extent not found in the other tragedies, the issue is stated in terms of salvation versus damnation. Macbeth knows before he acts that Duncan�s virtues �Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against / The deep damnation of his taking-off� (1.7.19-20). After the murder, he is equally aware that he has �Put rancors in the vessel of my peace�and mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man� (3.1.68-70). Even after his crime, Macbeth still has time to repent, as horrible as they are, but cannot find the words. �Wherefore could not I pronounce Amen?� Macbeth has already committed himself to evil that he cannot turn back. His sentence has been pronounced: �Glamis hath murdered sleep, and therefore Cawdor/ Shall sleep no more; Macbeth shall sleep no more� (2.2.46).
Checklist for Revising a Literary Analysis
Does the title of the essay consist of more than the title of the work? Your title should give the reader an idea of your topic.
Does the introductory paragraph avoid openings such as �In this play��? The opening should draw readers into the analysis. You should name the author and the title so that the readers know exactly what work you are discussing. Develop your thesis a bit so that the readers know were they will be going.
Is the organization effective? They essay should not dwindle or become anticlimactic. It should build as you go.
Do quotations provide evidence and let the reader hear the author�s voice? Is the essay chiefly devoted to analysis, not summary? DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE PLOT IN GREAT DETAIL!! A couple of sentences may be helpful if your readers are not familiar with the work, but a summary is not an essay!
Have you avoided the first-person completely? The essay is about the literature, not you!