1. The Literary/Rhetorical Analysis Paragraph
Beefing up literary analysis

5. Objectives
1. We will refine our definitions of the components of a quality literary analysis paragraph (topic, context, quote, explanation, analysis)
2. We will revise our literary analysis paragraphs to include at LEAST TWO quotes and TWO explanations to provide in-depth evidence within our analysis.

6. Write the following on your paper:
Topic sentence:
Context:
Quote:
Explanation w/citation:
Analysis:

7. A good paragraph is a like a good hamburger…
Topic
sentence
Topic
sentence
Topic
sentence
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Concluding Sentence
Concluding Sentence
Concluding Sentence
okay
good
best

8. From Burger to Analysis Paragraph
Topic sentence
From Burger to Analysis Paragraph
BLAH
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

9. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Topic Sentence
Gives the main idea of the paragraph
In literary/rhetorical analysis, includes the element or device (i.e. character, imagery, etc.)
In a complete essay, ties back to the thesis statement.
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

10. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Context
Sets up background for your quotation: who? to whom? when? where? what is happening?
Tells readers what they need to know to understand the quotation.
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

11. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Quotation
The actual words from the text
Make it as brief as you can by cutting out the fluff!
Limit yourself to a few words or short phrases, if possible
Incorporate/blend into your own sentence
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

12. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Citation
Cite according to MLA format: Set up “quote quote” (4). novel: page (#). poem: line (#). essay: paragraph (para. #).
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

13. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Explanation
Interpret what the quotation means or what the author is saying
Stay focused on the topic sentence’s main idea
Avoid plot summary
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

14. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Analysis
Connect the quotation to the literary/ rhetorical device from your topic sentence (and your thesis statement)
What is the writer’s effect/purpose?
Vary your syntax so paragraph does not become choppy
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

15. Context-Quotation-Citation Context-Quotation-Citation
Topic sentence
Concluding Sentence
Refers back to the topic sentence (and/or thesis statement)
Include the name of the rhetorical device or literary element
Wrap it up!
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

16. Analysis Paragraph TOTALS
Topic sentence
Analysis Paragraph TOTALS
ONE central idea/ or literary/rhetorical focus TWO pieces of evidence from the text EIGHT sentences minimum
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding sentence

17. Sample Paragraph
In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John Steinbeck highlights the contradictions inherent in the American Dream through the use of syntax. Early in his essay, Steinbeck characterizes this “strong and imperishable dream” as paradoxical (para. 4). Here the words “strong” and “imperishable” imply lasting, while dreams, themselves, are ephemeral. This contradiction in words emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the American Dream. Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,” “but,” “yet”—throughout the piece also signal contradictions. These important transition words make the sentences feel connected and opposing such as when Steinbeck writes, “we fight our way in, but try to buy our way out” (para. 2). Here, the syntax mirrors the inherent discord found in how Americans strive to obtain the Dream. Steinbeck’s style, heavy in conjunctions and contradictory diction, helps signal that it is the quest for the dream, itself, the “vague yearnings” that truly embody what it means to pursue an elusive dream.

18. In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John Steinbeck highlights the contradictions inherent in the American Dream through the use of syntax. Early in his essay, Steinbeck characterizes this “strong and imperishable dream” as paradoxical (para. 4). Here the words “strong” and “imperishable” imply lasting while dreams, themselves, are ephemeral. This contradiction in words emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the American Dream. Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,” “but,” “yet”—throughout the piece also signal contradictions. These important transition words make his sentences feel connected and opposing such as when Steinbeck writes, “we fight our way in, but try to buy our way out” (para. 2). The syntax mirrors the inherent discord found in how Americans strive to obtain the Dream. Steinbeck’s style, heavy in conjunctions and contradictory word choice help signal that it is the quest for the dream, itself, the “vague yearnings” that truly embody what it means to pursue an elusive dream. .
Topic
Sentence
C-Q-C E A
C-Q-C E A
Concluding
Sentence

19. In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John Steinbeck highlights the contradictions inherent in the American Dream through the use of syntax. Early in his essay, Steinbeck charac-terizes this “strong and imperishable dream” as paradoxical (para. 4). Here, the words “strong” and “imperishable” imply lasting while dreams, themselves, are ephemeral. This contra-diction in words emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the American Dream. Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,” “but,” “yet”—throughout the piece also signal contradictions. Here, These words make his sentences feel connected and opposing such as when Steinbeck writes, “we fight our way in, but try to buy our way out” (para. 2). This mirrors the inherent discord found in how Americans strive to obtain the Dream. Steinbeck’s style, heavy in conjunctions and contradictory word choice help signal that it is the quest for the dream, itself, the “vague yearnings” that truly embody what it means to pursue an elusive dream.
Topic
Sentence
C-Q-C E A
C-Q-C E A
Concluding
Sentence