TIPS FOR WRITING LITERARY ANALYSIS Plot Summary vs. Plot Interpretation vs. Analysis

WHAT IS PLOT SUMMARY?  SUMMARY is recapitulation, review, retelling a story or scene without original thoughts or interpretations. Summary is not the goal of expository essays. It is usually easier than analysis because it requires less thought. Assume that the reader of your essay knows the story and needs just the slightest reminder.  Usually more than a few sentences of summary in an analytical essay is TOO MUCH!  EX:  Quotation: As Gatsby is driving Nick to lunch, he notices a change in his manner; “We hadn’t reached West Egg Village before Gatsby began leaving his elegant sentences unfinished and slapping himself indecisively on the knee of his caramel-colored suit. ‘Look here, old sport,’ he broke out surprisingly. What’s your opinion of me anyhow?’”(69).  Summary: Nick is riding with Gatsby to lunch. He notices that Gatsby is speaking differently, leaving his sentences unfinished. Gatsby asks Nick what he thinks of him.

WHAT IS PLOT INTERPRETATION?  An interpretation of the plot is just that—an interpretation. Interpretation often occurs when writing literature papers about poetry or complex works such as epic poems. The student interprets the meaning of the literary work, but simply stops there. Instead of trying to analyze the deeper meaning(s) of the literary work, which is what analyzing is, the student interprets what he or she believes the author is trying to portray.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT ANALYSIS?  ANALYSIS is examination, evaluation, dissection, original opinion, reading between the lines, connecting to other knowledge, etc. It is the goal of most expository essays. The analyzer starts with a quotation or question and uses it to show his/her understating and interpretation.  A literary analysis is examining the different elements of a piece of literature to help you better appreciate and understand its work as a whole.  This process requires you to use the sharpened, focused expression of thought and study into the literary work, especially a narrowed section of it.  Analyzing literature sharpens your perceptions and increases your critical thinking abilities.  The goal of a literary analysis is to broaden and deepen your understanding of a work of literature.  The process of analyzing a literary work is to carefully examine and sometimes evaluate an aspect of it. Professors often provide topics of discussion, or ask questions in their assignment instructions to guide students on what literary elements needed to be analyzed and discussed.

HOW DO I PUT THIS TOGETHER IN MY ESSAY? STRIVE FOR 90% ANALYSIS/INTERPRETATION and 10% SUMMARY

EXAMPLE OF ANALYSIS  Analysis: In this scene, we see a break in Gatsby’s affected calm. Nick had noticed previously that he “pick[ed] his words with care”(53); now he leaves sentences unfinished. His agitation is seen also in his physical movements, as he “slap[s] himself indecisively on the knee”(69). Gatsby is making plans to meet Daisy again, and his change in manner is brought on by his nervousness about seeing her. Gatby’s insecurity about what Daisy might think of him after all these years leads him to ask Nick for his opinion of him, a fact which surprises Nick because it is such a change from Gatsby’s usual aloof confidence. In fact, Gatsby is so rattled as he draws near the critical moment in achieving his dream that he is unable even to be direct with Nick. Instead of just asking him if Nick would plan a meeting, he arranges for “Miss Baker [to] speak to [him] about this matter”(72). This is a crucial moment in Gatsby’s life, and its weight is illustrated in his unusual behavior.

STEPS FOR ANALYSIS  Begin by development of an idea. This idea can be about a specific part of the literary work, its author, writing style, genre, or elements such as theme, tone, plot, characterization, setting, etc.  Centralize this idea by writing the thesis statement. The thesis forms the foundation upon which all supporting ideas will derive. Therefore, these supporting ideas will form the body of the paper and will always go directly back to the thesis statement.  Discuss and analyze each supporting idea at a time. Ideally, each idea is discussed in one or two paragraphs.

STEPS FOR ANALYSIS  Find evidence to support (not explain) your ideas. Evidence is derived from the following examples from the original literary work:  Direct quotations  Summaries of scenes, events, etc.  Paraphrases of long quotes  Find and use secondary sources if the professor allows and/or requires them.  Ensure you analyze throughout your entire essay, not at the end of discussion or only in the conclusion paragraph.  Draw your analytical conclusion in the closing paragraph. This conclusion should suggest the significance, or the reason the reader should care, about your topic. Again, there is no total right or wrong conclusion in whatever you decide. The key is to ensure your conclusion has been discussed and supported in the body of the paper as introduced by the thesis statement.

TIPS FOR ANALYSIS  When using sources, remember that most of what is said in the paper should be your own ideas, not your source’s. Quotes from sources are used as evidence to support your own ideas.  Keep your goals in mind. These may change as you progress through your essay, but you want to be sure to stay on topic.  Remember that most writing requires steps toward the final version (i.e., brainstorming, researching, drafting). Don’t expect to complete all of these sequences the day before (or the same day) the essay is due.  It is almost impossible to analyze a text that you haven’t finished reading.