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Based on Spark NotesLiterary Analysis17 StepsAsk questionsCollect evidenceConstruct a thesisDevelop and organize argumentsWrite the introduction Write the body paragraphsWrite the conclusion 21. Ask QuestionsWhat struck you?What confused you?Did you notice any patterns?Did you notice any contradictions or ironies?3Examples of questionsGood:Are Romeo and Juliets parents responsible for the deaths of their children?Why do pigs keep showing up in Lord of the Flies?Are Dr. Frankenstein and his monster alike? How?Bad:What happened to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird?What do the other characters in Julius Caesar think about Caesar?How does Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter remind me of my sister?4PracticeThink of and write out a question about the current literature 2. Collect EvidenceElements of StoryPlotCharacterConflictSettingNarratorThemesTextualEvidenceFrom the text62. Collect evidence (cont)Elements of styleStructure and organizationPoint of viewDictionSyntaxToneImageryFigurative language TextualEvidenceFrom the text73. Construct a ThesisA good thesis will be:ArguableBad: The Great Gatsby describes New York society in the 1920s (fact)Provable through textual evidenceBad: Hamlet is a confusing but well-written play (personal opinion)SurprisingBad: Both George and Lenny change a great deal in In Of Mice and Men (obvious)Specific Bad: Dr. Frankensteins monster tells us a lot about the human condition (vague how does it tell?) 8Good Thesis StatementsQuestion: In Romeo and Juliet, which is more powerful in shaping the lovers story: fate or foolishness?Thesis: Though Shakespeare defines Romeo and Juliet as star-crossed lovers and images of stars and planets appear throughout the play, a closer examination of that celestial imagery reveals that the stars are merely witnesses to the characters foolish activities and not the causes themselves.9Good Thesis StatementsQuestion: How does the bell jar function as a symbol in Sylvia Plaths The Bell Jar?Thesis: A bell jar is a bell-shaped glass that has three basic uses: to hold a specimen for observation, to contain gases, and to maintain a vacuum. The bell jar appears in each of these capacities in The Bell Jar, Plaths semi-autobiographical novel, and each appearance makes a different stage in Esthers mental breakdown.10Good Thesis StatementsQuestion: Would Piggy in Lord of the Flies make a good island leader if he were given the chance?Thesis: Though the intelligent, rational, and innovative Piggy has the mental characteristics of a good leader, he ultimately lacks the social skills necessary to be an effective one. Golding emphasizes this point by giving Piggy a foil in the charismatic Jack, whose magnetic personality allows him to capture and wield power effectively, if not always wisely.114. Develop and Organize ArgumentsTypes of literary essaysCompare and contrastTrace (follow)For example, Choose and image and trace that image throughout MacBeth.Debate For example, Is the society depicted in 1984 good for its citizens?

125. Write the IntroductionProvide any necessary contextAnswer the So what? questionPresent your thesisIndicate the shape of the essay to comeThe reader should have a good idea where you are going and what path you are taking135. Write the Introduction (cont)Be vagueOpen with any grandiose assertions Wildly praise the workGo off-topic146. Write the Body ParagraphsBegin with a strong topic sentenceFully and completely develop a single thoughtUse transitions effectivelyFor example, use words like however, similarly, on the contrary, therefore, thus, hence, and furthermore157. Write the ConclusionDo more than simply restate the thesisSynthesize the arguments, not summarize themRevisit the So what? questionMove from the specific to the general Stay relevantAvoid making overblown closing statements16Practice