Literary Analysis

Your essay must… Have a central idea that governs its development Be organized so every part contributes to the reader’s understanding of the central idea Have a carefully conceived thesis

Example thesis statements The fate of the main characters in Antigone illustrates the danger of excessive pride. In his play Death of a Salesman, Arthur Miller suggests that the American Dream psychologically and socially damages those who set their goals based on pride.

Illegal Words Everything, Thing/s, Stuff, Right, Wrong, Good, Bad, Happy, Sad, Something, Absolutes (i.e. always, never), etc. Words that need clarification and/or adjectives: figurative language, diction, tone, syntax, devices, imagery, human nature, decision, conflict, emotion, morals/morality, struggle, etc. Words to use minimally: to be verbs and passive voice

The Introduction Should… Capture your reader’s interest Bring immediate focus to your subject Include background information relevant to your thesis Include TAG

Topic Sentences Should… Relate the details of the paragraph to your thesis statement Tie the details of the paragraph together Not be a part of the plot

Textual Evidence Includes… Relevant summary Paraphrase of significant events Specific details Direct quotations

Quotations… Should usually be no longer than a sentence at a time. Are stronger the shorter they are. Should incorporate an ellipsis (…) to replace chunks of text that are not necessary for supporting your claim.

Quotations… Should be woven throughout your analysis with proper grammar and mechanics. Should incorporate brackets with a substituted word when needed for the sake of grammar. Must be followed by parenthetical citations

The Conclusion… Should give your essay a sense of completeness. May restate the thesis statement in different words. May briefly summarize your main points. Should make a relevant comment about the literary work from a universal perspective. Should not introduce a new topic.

The Title… Should describe the approach you are taking in your paper. Should not just be the title of the literary work.