1. What is the Point of this Poem?

2. Literary Analysis
Stefan T, Myrisha P

3. In literary analysis, making a point is the center of all arguments
There has to be a point being made in order to be a literary analysis
A literary analysis is NOT relaying multiple interpretations of a passage
An analysis is firm and confident in its arguments
A literary analysis is, at heart, argumentative and persuasive
Making a Point

4. Which is considered analysis?
"This is just to Say" could be about loss of innocence, virginity, or rape. It could be read multiple ways, and in this essay I will explain why all interpretations are valid and...
Which is considered analysis?
"This is just to Say" is a poem about a person losing their virginity too early. This can be proven with word choice and metaphor, primarily the plums being symbolic of one's virginity...

5. Typically speaking, the author's intentions are never truly known
Knowing this, authors write their stories with the option for analysis
Whatever the author intended isn't necessary for an analysis
Use only what is on the pages for the analysis; do not use other texts, the authors past, etc. unless your point directly ties to these things (Allusion or allegory)
Author's Intent

6. "This poem is about loss of innocence because in the author's own life he struggled with it. The book has characters that struggle with it as well. In a paper published by..."
Which is Appropriate?
"Throughout the poem, elements symbolic of virginity are seen. Starting with the plums and then continuing to the ice box protecting them. Using these elements..."

7. Proof More than anything, an analysis needs proof!
All conclusions must have evidence and justification.
This evidence should primarily from the text, if not exclusively from the text.
Using archetypes, tropes, and other essential elements of all literature is fine, but do not rely on it solely
Again, it must be tied to the overall point you're trying to make
Saying that a character is an archetype is fine if you're proving that a text is an allegory or retelling of another story, but it's not helpful while proving a story is about a theme
Proof

8. Which uses Proof Correctly?
"The poem's use of adjectives like 'delicious' and 'sweet' show use of common descriptors of indulgence. This is juxtaposed with 'cold,' which typically means something bad. This juxtaposition is echoing..."
Which uses Proof Correctly?
"The poem uses plums, which in greek mythology mean... And the color of plums are purple, which mean royalty. Plums were used in another story... This proves that plums are important..."

9. MLA Format!
 Maia T, Irwin S

10. Introducing MLA Format
When creating a citation in MLA Format remember to keep in mind that in-text citations should be consistent throughout your paper.
Be sure to include the author's name, title of source has to be in italics, publication date and other information depending on that type of source.
Example: "Jolley, Elizabeth. Milk and Honey. Fremantle Press, 2009."
Introducing MLA Format

11. Use in-text citations for whenever you take a quote directly from the book
To get full points for this essay, you MUST use quotes from the book
If not cited properly, it could be viewed as plagiarism
In-text citation follows the basic format of (Author's last name, page number)
Example: In the book, Stefan says "Blah blah blah, blah blah. Blah!" in response (Stefan, 32).
When to use MLA format

12. Basic Citation Formats
Last Name, First Name. Title of Book in italics. Publisher, Publication Date Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Pascal Covici, (Last Name, Page #) (Steinbeck, 22)
Basic Citation Formats

13. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Published in 1960 by Warner Bros.

14. This assignment requires no outside sources; only use the book for this essay
No online sources or otherwise are permitted
DO NOT STEAL FROM OTHER SOURCES FOR YOU ESSAY
Plagiarism results in an automatic zero
If your thesis requires you to pursue online articles/sources, use a different thesis
Plagiarism