Why Write a Researched Literary Analysis Paper? Read critically Think analytically (analysis vs. evaluation) Research competently Focus writing logically Integrate effectively Revise methodically

What does “Researched Literary Analysis” look like Review Rubric Review Sample

The Researched Literary Analysis Paper Step 1: Read and Annotate Primary Text Step 2: Journal Response – Thesis/Theme Thinking Step 3: Preliminary Bibliography Step 4: Working Thesis Step 4: Research Cards or Note pages Step 5: Working Outline Step 6: Research and Revisit Step 7: Rough Drafts and Revisions

Step 1: Read and Annotate Primary Text Emerging patterns Style Setting Questions

Step 2: Journal Response – Thesis Thinking Explore the initial response questions to help determine what a logical thesis might be. What element(s) or aspect(s) of this work might a casual reader misinterpret? What interesting paradox(es), contradiction(s), or tension(s) do you see in this text? What seemingly minor, insignificant, easily ignored element(s) or aspect(s) of this text might in fact have major significance? Possible themes

Step 3: Preliminary Bibliography Collect reputable resources Review sources for usefulness Properly document sources for easy citation Review primary text keeping new insights in mind

Step 4: Working Thesis Provide focus for research Revise as research and analysis develop Perfect throughout the process What the author did What the author accomplished Norton’s LitWeb on Thesis Statements

The novel’s protagonist, Herzog himself, has his body exist in one world, while his mind sojourns in another. Bellow uses the dichotomy between these parts of the character to illustrate that they must fuse for a character to develop into a complete, functioning person.

Step 5: Research Create research cards or note pages Keep track of where everything came from Categorize each piece of information Provide your own context or analysis, including quotations from primary text Consider need for different resources Revise and supplement outline

Step 6: Working Outline Consider what is to be proven – thesis Develop a course of action for proving it Each roman numeral builds upon the previous Establish awareness and space for primary and secondary sources

Note: This version of the preliminary outline is an early draft Note: This version of the preliminary outline is an early draft. It provides a blueprint for the writer’s argument. A complete outline will include three parts: 1. Point to be proven/analyzed 2. Literary criticism for support/expansion 3. Specific text used to support the assertion.

Note how the final roman numeral of the outline arrives at the thesis directly

Step 7: Rough Draft and Revise Introduction Organization and Support Personal Edit Peer Edit

The Final Product A complete and balanced literary criticism paper The rubric