Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis

Outline

Introduction:

1.    Hook: opening or attention grabbing sentence that is general, but still relates to the prompt.

2.    2 Transition sentences: still general, but becoming more specific to the Thesis statement which drives the essay.

3.    Thesis Statement includes the title of the work, the author and the focus of the essay. It is the last sentence of the paragraph.

2 Body paragraphs:

1.    Topic sentence to indicate what paragraph will analyze.

2.    Concrete Detail #1 in the form of a specific example (quote) from the literature.

3.    2 Commentary sentences include your interpretation, insight, explanation, analysis of how the Concrete Detail used supports your Thesis.

4.    Concrete Detail #2 in the form of a specific example (quote) from the literature.

5.    2 Commentary sentences include your interpretation, insight, explanation, analysis of how the Concrete Detail used supports your Thesis.

6.    1-2 Concluding sentences that summarize the thoughts of the paragraph.

Conclusion:

1.    Restate the Thesis Statement to bring a sense of coming full circle.

2.    Summarize and reflect main ideas of essay

3.    Should give a sense of closure of the topic; a finished feeling.

4.    It does not repeat words or phrases from prior paragraphs

5. Create a strong closing sentence!

Essay Writing Suggestions

~ Follow 4 paragraph analysis outline (Jane Schaefer)

~ Use Literary Present

~ Do not use contractions: can’t

~ Avoid casual word choice/phrases

~ Do not ask a question

~ Avoid transitions: First, second, lastly

~ Order of rhetoric listed in thesis statement is same order as your paper analyzes (organization)

~ Do not (parenthetically) cite the author if the reader has the source in hand

~ Use author's full name at first reference, then last name throughout rest of essay

Instead of says/ tells:

~ reiterates

~ explains

~ illustrates

~ describes

~ outlines

Study Tips for

Reading & Writing

~ When writing, never forget who your audience is. The written word is meant to be read, but it won't always be read by the same audience.

~ Tailor your writing style to suit the people who will be reading your work.

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