Choose one literary work from this semester’s readings to analyze.
Gilgamesh/The Iliad/Oedipus/Aeneid/The Canterbury Tales/Petrarchan poetry/Sunjata/Hamlet
form an analysis of any of the following aspects of the story:
Characterization
Conflict
Imagery
Point of view
Symbolism
In 1000 to 1500 words
Include a thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph.
Include Topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph.
must be formal and written in 3rd person.
must include at least 2 Secondary (outside) sources from a Literature Database.
must include multiple quotes from Primary (the literary work) and Secondary sources (the research or outside source).
Complete informal outline
Use MLA headings (See example below)
must be double-spaced
Font must be 12-point; Font must be Times New Roman or Courier New
Margins must be set at 1″ on all sides
Indent each paragraph (use a Tab) and only double-space between paragraphs
Do not add extra returns between paragraphs
Key Features of a Literary Analysis
An arguable thesis — A literary analysis is a form of argument; you are arguing that your analysis of a literary work is valid. Your thesis, then, should be arguable, or at the very least, persuasive.
Careful attention to the language of the text — The key to analyzing a text is looking carefully at the language, which is the foundation of its meaning. Specific words, images, metaphors—these are where analysis begins. You may also bring in contextual information, such as cultural, historical, or biographical facts, or you may refer to similar texts. But the words, phrases, and sentences that make up the text you are analyzing are your primary source when dealing with texts. That’s what literature teachers mean by “close reading”: reading with the assumption that every word of a text is meaningful.
Attention to patterns or themes — Literary analyses are usually built on evidence of meaningful patterns or themes within a text or among several texts. These patterns and themes reveal meaning.
A clear interpretation — A literary analysis demonstrates the plausibility of its thesis by using evidence from the text and, sometimes, relevant contextual evidence to explain how the language and patterns found there support a particular interpretation. When you write a literary analysis, you show readers one way the text may be read and understood; that is your interpretation
Informal Outline
INTRODUCTION (One paragraph)
What will you include in the Introduction paragraph?
Quote?
The SUMMARY SECTION (One paragraph)
What are the essential plot points?
Quote?
THE LITERARY ANALYSIS SECTION (Multiple paragraphs)
What is your main point of analysis or main theme?
What is the basis for your analysis? (Characterization, Conflict, Imagery, Point of view, or Symbolism)
Have you found any sources yet?
