Short Story Literary Analysis A quick reference guide to make sure we are all on the same page… Ms. Moss

Introduction The introduction must introduce the author, the title of the story, provide a brief plot summary, state the theme of the story, and explain which literary devices the author uses to develop the theme. Do not forget that the entire essay must be written in present tense!!!!

Examples of literary devices: How does the author use the following literary devices to develop the theme of the story? Setting Characterization (character’s actions, inner thoughts and motivation. Is the character dynamic?) Foreshadowing Irony Point of view (who is telling the story?) Symbolism Plot (conflict, climax, resolution)

Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph must focus on one literary device and how the author uses the device to develop the theme. For example, The conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” reveals the theme that people can not understand another’s perspective until they have experienced his perspective.

Quotes Each body paragraph must include at least one quote and must follow proper format for integrating quotes. (Directions for integrating quotations are below.)

Conclusion Restate your thesis in different words Tells what you’ve learned by analyzing the work What did you learn about the short stories that can be applied to life?

Details This essay is at least a five paragraph essay. Do not use personal pronouns or contractions. The entire paper must be written in present tense. You must use a minimum of three quotes.

Opinions supported by evidence, relating to: Characterization Voice Style Theme Setting Technical qualities of the writing (artistry, style, use of language) Interpretation Complex ideas and problems Relationship of work to the time, social, historical or political trends

Summary versus Analysis A summary re-tells a story. An analysis examines the cause or effect of an incident in the story, compares or contrasts 2 characters, explains how an event occurred etc… Ex: Mary had a little lamb

Summary: Mary had a little lamb. It followed her to school. No lambs were allowed in school. The children laughed. Analysis: One reason Mary may have brought the lamb to school was to get attention. All the children “laughed and played,” making Mary feel at the center and popular.

Quote Examples 1. Statement (your original idea or insight) Mary appears to have a fetish for lamb wool 2. Quote (example) Dr. Benton states that “ Mary’s proclivity for her lamb makes her pet it often and bring it with her.” (Benton 22) 3. Explanation of how quote supports my idea. Mary’s constant need to touch and stroke her lamb illustrates Mary’s obsession.

Correctly Integrating Quotations

Every quotation should have a reference that indicates where you got it. “ I shall not see on earth a place more dear” Author: Page: Line #:

Anytime you quote something, you need to give the author’s name and the page number the quotation can be found on. Example- Potok 78 DO NOT WRITE THE WORD “PAGE”

If you are quoting poetry, use the line number instead of the page number. Example- Homer lines Type line or lines so readers know you are not referring to the page number

The author’s last name and page number go after the quotation inside of parentheses. This is called the QUO-PAR-PUNC rule. “I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137). QUO= quotation PAR= parentheses PUNC= punctuation

Naked Quotations… don’t do it!  You wouldn’t wear clothes that only cover up the front-side or the back- side of your body, so don’t leave your quotation half naked either. Naked quotations happen when you don’t use quotation marks or explain who or what is speaking…

Clothe the Front There are two ways to begin a sentence that includes a quotation. 1. Use a signal phrase. 2. Integrate the author’s words into your own writing.

Odysseus speaks to Alcinous’ court about his homeland in Ithaca, recalling, “I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137). Thus, he demonstrates the Greek value of loyalty to one’s homeland. This concept of loyalty to one’s home is foremost in Odysseus’ quest to return home to Ithaca and his queen, Penelope. Although he has been gone for a decade, thoughts of home and family have been present in the forefront of his mind through every adventure.

Signal Phrases A signal phrase indicates that you are about to use language that is not your own. If you do not show that these are not your own words it is PLAGIARISM!

Signal Phrases Examples: Polyphemus says of Odysseus, “…..” (line 95). Homer writes, “…..” (lines ). Odysseus tells his men, “…..” (lines ).

Example 1 Revise: Odysseus shows that he is an epic hero in the Cyclops episode, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines ).

WARNING Just adding a quotation to the end of a related sentence does not mean that you have used a signal phrase.

Example 1 Fixed: Odysseus reveals that he desires the credit for his deeds, saying, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines ).

Example 2 Revise: Homer shows that Odysseus is an epic hero by saying, “ I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships …” (line 211).

Example 2 Fixed: Odysseus shows his loyalty to his homeland by forcing his men to continue on their journey. He explains, “ I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships …” (line 211).

Example 3 Revise: Odysseus cleverly deceives the Cyclops. “ My name is Nohbody …” (Homer line 360).

Example 3 Fixed: Odysseus cleverly deceives the Cyclops, declaring, “ My name is Nohbody …” (Homer line 360).

Example 4 Revise: Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last task he must accomplish before his world is set right again, “Then a seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon you/ when you are wearied out with rich old age” (Homer lines ).

Example 4 Fixed: Odysseus’ sacrifice to Poseidon is the last task he must accomplish before a peaceful “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines ).

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Other than naked quotations, the most common mistake is referring directly to the quotation.

Do Not Refer to the Quotation WRONG: Teiresias predicts the end of Odysseus’ life in the quote “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines ). RIGHT: Teiresias predicts the end of Odysseus’ life when he declares that “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines ).

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Odysseus cleverly deceives the Cyclops, declaring, “ My name is Nobody …” (Homer line 360). This duplicitous maneuver proves that Odysseus uses intelligence in situations wherein strength is not an option.

For Future Reference… Quote is a verb Quotation is a noun