Literary Analysis

Research for information Read/review various texts and/or articles pertaining to the topic. Begin to narrow your focus through patterns of information that appear in your research.

Thesis Statement A thesis statement is the sentence that identifies the topic of your writing. The thesis should be scholarly-well written, focused, strong vocabulary choices, concise. It does not have to have 3 elements! Example: Odysseus, an archetypal hero, often follows a difficult journey that initiates him into the real world by forcing him into quests and tests, which challenge his strength and ethics, but eventually lead to his glory and fame as an epic warrior.

Thesis Statements Bad examples: Beowulf is a great epic hero. Beowulf is brave, smart and strong. A good example: Always demonstrating valor, intellect and selflessness in the face of grave danger, Beowulf embodies the characteristics of the archetypal epic hero.

INTRODUCTION Engage the reader by providing them with: interesting detail definition quote fact or data Doesn’t need to have a build up of the writer. For instance, “HG Wells is a famous writer who has written many wonderful science fiction short stories.” Must mention how the story, novel, or poem relates to thesis. THESIS must be clear to the reader. Provides direction.

Quote as a hook: As he approaches the Danish shores, even the watchman can see that Beowulf is “the strongest and bravest of anybody anywhere”(156). The epic warrior arrives to save Herot from destruction and prove himself as a great warrior. Beowulf, a Danish warrior, “heard how Grendel filled nights with horror /and quickly commanded a boat fitted out, / Proclaining he would go to that famous king” (93-95).

Anglo Saxon epic heroes had to be warriors, and “warriors had to be willing to face any odds, and fight to the death for their glory and people”, according to literary critic Christopher Garcia.

EXAMPLE Definition/detail According to Joseph Campbell, archetypes are “the song of the universe” or patterns that connect mankind throughout all time and place. Furthermore, the heroic archetype reflects upon a society’s culture and provides a role model that not only slays evil, but stands for the desire for greatness. In the heroic epic “The Odyssey”, Homer creates this model through his depiction of the mighty Odysseus. This archetypal hero follows a difficult journey that initiates him into the real world by forcing him into quests and tests, which challenge his strength and ethics, but eventually lead to his glory and fame as an epic warrior. A true archetypal hero that portrays a great warrior facing and beating evil, as well as a man who seeks fame and glory for himself. THESIS Transition

Organization Body paragraphs must begin with a strong topic sentence connected to thesis. Throughout the paragraph contextual evidence should be examined and tied to the thesis. Must end with a strong concluding sentence that ties entire paragraph with thesis.

Example In Beowulf there are a lot of things that come out of the Anglo-Saxon period. How would you rewrite this in a mature style?

Frost’s extensive use of figurative language is apparent even throughout the poem. However, the extended metaphor of a forking road symbolizing choices in life is engaging to readers because people are required daily to make life changing decisions. Frost writes, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference” (23-25). The forking road symbolizes the choice the speaker must make even though he is questioning which will be the best. This engagement is further explained by literary critic David Kelly when he implies that the reader “ can sense a speaker who is too nervous about taking a step forward and too delighted (but still uncertain) once he or she has acted” (201). Kelly recognizes that the audience will be absorbed in the idea of these emotions surrounding life decisions. Furthermore, Kelly is confirming Frost’s renowned use of figurative language, especially his usage of a vivid metaphor. Topic sentence Student commentary Evidence Lead in Student commentary Lead in Evidence Student commentary

Example Beowulf is often a model hero because he continuously puts the needs of his king or other’s before himself.

Strong Body Paragraphs Each paragraph should have the following topic sentence tied directly to thesis contextual support student commentary tied to thesis critical (expert) support or additional commentary/conclusion tied to thesis Everything you write should reiterate the thesis!

Supporting Evidence Literary analysis must always contain evidence from the text. Some evidence can be relayed in writer’s own words. Direct evidence (quotes) are always needed! Always use lead in to quote and follow with an explanation of how it supports the thesis.

Conclusion-transition Topic sentence From his first interactions with the watchman of the Danes and then King Hrothgar, Beowulf displays his desire for honor and glory. The mighty Geat warrior declares, “The monster’s scorn of men / Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. / Nor will I. My lord Higlac / might think less of me if I let my sword / Go where my feet were afraid to” (246-250). Beowulf’s willingness to fight the heinous monster without the use of weapons proves he holds his honor and reputation higher than the eminent threat of death. According to literary critic Anniina Jokinen, “the epic hero lives in a ‘shame culture’, or an honor/shame society, where a man’s good name is his most prized possession”. Beowulf isn’t merely showing off, flexing his muscles and boasting; he is searching for the glory of beating an formidable opponent while maintaining his honor and reputation. Moreover, Beowulf’s oath to fight evil on an equal playing field depicts his unequalled valor and prowess. Lead in Evidence Student commentary Student commentary Conclusion-transition

Writing the Body All body paragraphs should have a topic sentence and a variety of evidence along with student commentary All evidence should be in a complete sentence using lead ins All evidence should be followed by student commentary

Topic sentences: This sentence should introduce the subject of the paragraph and naturally tie back to the thesis. Not a simple sentence. As soon as Beowulf’s ship makes shore, it is apparent that he thinks highly of his accomplishments, and immediately begins to boast to the watchman.

Evidence All evidence must be in a complete sentence. No quote can stand ALONE! Evidence should be commented on by the analyst. Beowulf proudly boasts, “ I drove / Five great giants into chains, chased / All of that race from the earth”( 232-234). Beowulf provides proof of his heroic feats to prove his ability to be able to defeat evil. According to literary critic Anniina Jokinen, Beowulf lives in a “honor/shame society, where a man’s good name is his most prized possession”, and one in which boasting is perfectly acceptable.

Outer Space-the final frontier Literary analysis has so much unchartered territory that it is like traveling to outer space. On top of that, everything is CONNECTED but equally important and relevant! Thesis-topic sentences-conclusion- Evidence-MLA-student commentary-thesis- MLA-Works Cited-Evidence and on and on

Lead in: Making the quotation a part of the complete thought/sentence Beowulf implies “ Beowulf demands,” Hrothgar pleads, “ Unferth argues, “ Beowulf states that “ King Hrothgar believes that “ Literary critic Harold Bloom writes, Mr. Bloom supports this idea that “

Example The multiple Christian references contained in the story of Beowulf enhance the story. In the beginning there is a reference to the tale of Cain and Abel. The creature Grendel os said to be so evil he was spawned from Cain, who was the first murderer. In the same part it refers to demons forever opposing the Lord’s will. The kenning hell-forged is used to describe Grendel’s hands. Grendel is violently murdering people in Herot.