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! It also involves research on and analysis of secondary sources (We’ll define that later. ).

How is it “literary”? Usually, a literary analysis will involve a discussion of a text as writing, thus the term literary, which means “having to do with letters. ” This will involve the use of certain concepts that are very specifically associated with literature.

Important literary concepts The Basics Other key concepts Plot Historical context Setting Social, political, Narration/point of view economic contexts Characterization Literary theory Conflict Theme Symbol Genre (type of writing) Irony Figurative language Metaphors, similes, personification Poetic devices

What is an Analysis? An analysis of a literary work may discuss How the various components of a play or novel relate to each other Example: the character of Abigail’s tie into the man vs. man conflict amongst the community members in The Crucible How a symbol or other literary device impacts the entire work Example: the scarlet letter’s impact in The Scarlet Letter How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger aesthetic, political, social, economic, or religious contexts-The Big Picture For example, Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible as a commentary or protest against Mc. Carthyism.

How is a literary analysis an argument? When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s). WARNING: Many students try to focus on all aspects of the novel/play rather than narrowing in on one. This could spell disaster for your essay! 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!).

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.

How do I support a thesis statement? Examples from the text: All need in-text citations. Direct quotations Summaries of scenes or chapters Paraphrase Other critics’ opinions-Every author on the list has critics (root of critique) that picks apart his or her work. Historical and social context Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes!

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source? Primary source: the work you’re analyzing. For example, my primary source would be The Crucible. Secondary Sources: A book or article that discusses the text you are discussing. A book or article that discusses a theory related to the argument you are making. A book or article that discusses the social and historical context of the text you are discussing.

How do I find secondary sources? The EHS, SIUE library, or your community library First. Search-the library’s database Discipline-specific sources Example: America: History and Life for American literature Other search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc. ) Although you can’t use Wikipedia as a source, it can be helpful as a starting point. Ask someone who knows: librarian or teacher

Wikipedia example for The Scarlet Letter http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scarlet_Letter Scroll down to the bottom and look at the references section. You can then look up those sources to see if they are valid or applicable.

Integrating secondary sources When you use secondary sources, be sure to show they relate to your thesis. Don’t overuse any one secondary source, or for that matter, secondary sources in general. Remember that this is your paper, your argument —the secondary sources are just helping you out. Never, never plagiarize! See the English Department Research handout or Mrs. Blumberg for more information about plagiarism. You must have citations and a works cited page!

Overview of Literary Analysis When writing a literary analysis: Be familiar with literary terms Analyze specific items Make an argument Make appropriate use of your primary source (your novel) Make appropriate use of secondary sources Consult the Writing Center or me for help when needed

Where can I go for more help? English Tutoring-2: 00 -3: 00 p. m. M-Thurs. in A 210 The EHS Writing Center during periods 2, 4, 6 on even days and 1, 3, & 5 on odd days.