1. Literary Analysis - Session #1
Writer’s Workshop
Literary Analysis - Session #1

2. Goal: I can identify what makes a good literary analysis.
As we study a mentor text today (a completed literary analysis), I want you to continue to ask yourself these two questions.
What makes for a good literary analysis?
What has the author done that I, too, could do?

3. Things to Look for When Annotating a Mentor Text – Literary Analysis
Background information on the text
Author and title identification
Claim (last sentence of introduction)
Topic sentence to begin each body paragraph (gives a reason)
Support with evidence (direct quotes and page numbers)
Analysis of evidence (explain “how” it supports the claim)
Transitions/transitional phrases between and within paragraphs
Concluding sentences for each body paragraph
Conclusion paragraph that restates a claim and signals an end

4. Mini Lesson – Looking at a Sample Literary Analysis

5. Mini Lesson – Looking at a Sample Literary Analysis
Character Analysis of Via in Wonder
Wonder, a novel by R.J. Palacio, is a story about a young boy named Auggie who was born with several challenges, including a craniofacial abnormality. However, the story is not only about him and his struggles; it contains the perspectives and life struggles of those around him as well, including his older sister Via. Throughout the story, Palacio portrays Via to be a protective sister who can sometimes be a bit resentful of the time her brother takes away from their parents.
Because she wants to help him be mentally prepared for his first day of school ever, Via proves to be a protective older sister to Auggie. For example, on page 36 the text states, “ ‘Everyone’s just as nervous as you are,’ said Via in my ear. ‘Just remember that this is everyone’s first day of school. Okay?’.” Because Via has been through middle school before, she knows what to expect. She is just trying to protect her younger brother from being nervous by telling him everyone is nervous. She is also is shown to be protective when she inquires about his first day. On page 96, she asks “ ‘So how was school?’ ” and “ ‘No one was mean?’.” This shows she is protective because she wants to know if the day went well and if anyone was not nice to him. There are older siblings who would not ask or care, but Via is not one of them. She wants to know because she cares and wants to help. Via is quite protective of Auggie, but that does not mean she does not resent her brother from time to time.

6. Active Engagement – Continue Annotating the Sample Literary Analysis
Finish annotating the body paragraphs with your writing buddy. Refer back to today’s anchor chart when annotating.

7. Active Writing Time Annotate the conclusion
Reflect back on what you annotated throughout the entire essay. Start making a list in your writer’s workshop notebook about what made this a good literary analysis

8. Mid-Workshop Moment
Transitions and Transitional Phrases – These are important! They help essays flow more smoothly and they set readers up to know what kind of thing will come next in the essay.
So that you are prepared to flash draft during our next workshop and soon to begin drafting a character analysis, take a moment to jot some of these down in your notebook.
For example…
For instance
One example that shows…
Furthermore
In addition to
This shows….because…
This demonstrates…/
It is important to notice…
_______ means __________, therefore ________
This is significant because…
Even though….., (the character) ……

9. Class discussion - What made this a good literary analysis?
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Class discussion What made this a good literary analysis?

10. Writer’s Workshop Homework
Consider one of today’s focus questions – What has this author done that I, too, can do?
Write three (3) goals in your writer’s workshop notebook about what you, too, can do this quarter to make your literary analyses the best they can be! Refer to your annotations and/or today’s anchor chart for inspiration.