1. Writing the Literary Analysis

2. Why Write One?
A literary analysis broadens understanding and appreciation of a piece of literature.
It is a staple in English classes (you will do this in college – multiple times)

3. THINK The author attempts to convey what themes?
The author employs which techniques to convey the theme, mood, characterization, and etc.?
What ideas lie beneath the text?
What significance/importance does the reader find in the work?

4. An Author’s Purpose
When writing a literary analysis, you can go beyond the basic literary elements and apply them to other issues/categories.
(psychology, politics, history, and etc.)

5. Symbols + Foreshadowing Conflict (moral dilemma)
Author’s Purpose
Theme
Symbols + Foreshadowing
Conflict (moral dilemma)

6. A literary analysis should focus on one or a combination of the following elements to convey your investigation of the author’s purpose.

7. Theme
Never analyze theme alone. Instead, analyze how the author conveys theme through the use of other techniques.
You will focus on how symbols reveal the theme.
Symbols also foreshadow, which connects to the moral dilemma/conflict.
Symbolism
Diction
Point of View
Figurative
language
irony
conflict
Theme

8. Theme Examples Strong Themes Weak Themes
One’s coming of age brings disillusionment
Perseverance through faith
Immortality as a lens for the human condition
The timeless quality of love
Weak Themes
Coming of age
Disillusionment
Faith
Immortality
Love
Themes should speak to the human condition. You need to express them in a phrase.

9. The Process
Read the piece of literature closely, with a clear purpose, noting important passages.
Decide upon the literature’s theme and author’s purpose. Then explore the means by which he/she reveals the purpose (I provided you with symbols – you need to decide what the symbols stand for, how they foreshadow future events, what the moral dilemma is, then connect everything to a theme).
Keep collecting information until you have enough to develop your topic thoroughly.

10. The Format - INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPHS CONCLUSION
Use textual evidence throughout
Include in-text citations
Include a Works Cited page
*** Refer to the detailed reference sheet provided in class

11. Class Exercise Review formatting reference sheet
Read a sample literary analysis and answer the critical questions