Writing the Literary Analysis What is Literary Analysis

Writing the Literary Analysis

What is Literary Analysis? • • • It’s literary It’s an analysis It’s-An Argument! Usually, a literary analysis will involve a discussion of a text as writing, thus the term literary, which means “having to do with letters”

Important literary concepts • The Basics – – – Plot/Setting Narration/point of view Characterization Symbolism Metaphor Tone/diction/syntax/ imagery – Genre – Irony/ambiguity • Other key concepts – Historical context – Social, political, economic contexts – Ideology – Multiple voices – Various critical orientations – Literary theory

How Can I Learn More? • There are various handbooks of literary terms available in most libraries. • There are numerous introductions to literary criticism and theory that are widely available. • Example: A Handbook to Literature. Harmon/Holman

What is an Analysis? • An analysis of a literary work may discuss – How the various components of an individual work relate to each other – How two separate literary works deal with similar concepts or forms – How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger aesthetic, political, social, economic, or religious contexts

How is a literary analysis an argument? • When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s). • When discussing these attributes, you will want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes. • You will defend this point with reasons and evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

About Thesis Statements • A thesis can be either simplistic or sophisticated. • It is important to remember that thesis statement controls the entire composition – a focused, concise thesis statement will give you a greater chance of producing writing that clearly communicates your argument.

Which is the best thesis statement? • • Moby-Dick is about the problem of evil. Moby-Dick is boring and pointless. Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale. The use of “whiteness” in Moby-Dick illustrates the uncertainty about the meaning of life that Ishmael expresses throughout the novel.

Which is the best thesis statement? • The fourth option, while not scintillating, is the one thesis statement on the list that could be developed and supported throughout an essay. • What is wrong with the first three options: – Option 1 is too broad and abstract – Option 2 is only appropriate if you are asked to recommend or not recommend a book to those who haven’t read it; it doesn’t offer an interpretation of the book – Option 3 is excessively obvious

Easy-Peasy Thesis Statements • So now you’re thinking, “That’s nice and all, but how do I do this? ” • Here’s an easy-peasy thesis helper: • In (title of novel or poem), (Author’s name) uses (1 st lit device), (2 nd lit device), and (3 rd lit device) to (depict, criticize, explain, etc. ) (some aspect of human life).

Easy-Peasy Thesis Statements • Let’s see what this might look like: • In The Catcher in the Rye, author J. D. Salinger employs first person narration, colloquial diction, and a cynical tone to depict the conflict within the protagonist’s psyche as he struggles to connect with the world around him on an adult level. • The most important part of this is what happens after the word TO!

How do I support a thesis statement? • Examples from the text: – Direct quotations – Summaries of scenes – Paraphrase • Other critics’ opinions • Historical and social context • Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes!

How do I avoid superficiality? • This is HUGELY important: If all you do in one body paragraph is to give a few examples of irony from the text and identify them as irony, then you haven’t analyzed anything! • The analysis part involves explaining how those examples are ironic, and how they help to communicate your thesis (i. e. how they help to communicate theme). • You must interpret what the author has given you to work with. This is the SO WHAT that you will often hear me say in our class.

Next: Draft Topic Sentences • Once you have a solid thesis: • Compose 4 -5 Topic Sentences that support, explore, demonstrate, explain, or illustrate your thesis. Always begin your body paragraphs with a Topic Sentence (a claim); NEVER begin a body paragraph with a quotation or summary sentence.

Find Evidence • Select specific passages that offer the reader evidence of your claim. • Incorporate only the most important phrases into each paragraph. Use ellipses if needed.

Build your Paper to a Climax • Save your most engaging or important topic sentence for your last body paragraph. • Conclude your paper with a paragraph that does more than simply summarize your main points. You may wish to echo your opening interest device or end with an insight.