literary analysis essay packet:...

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Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Brainstorm

Literary analysis essays analyze specific literary elements within a given text. Often, a literary analysis essay

will focuses on one specific literary element in the piece of literature being analyzed. The literary analysis

essay you will write will prove the existence of one specific theme that develops throughout the novel Freak

the Mighty. The theme on which your essay will focus will be randomly assigned to you in a drawing that will

take place during class. Many of the broadest and simplest themes that develop throughout the book are

listed below, and it is from this list that you will draw the theme that will focus your literary analysis essay.

The final copy of your essay will be three paragraphs in length: one that will explain how your theme is

developed at the beginning of the novel, one that will explain how your theme is developed in the middle of

the novel, and one that will explain how your theme is developed at the end of the novel. This packet will take

you step-by-step through the process of writing this essay.

*Theme Draw: After you draw your theme in class, find and circle it below.

Ambition

Confidence

Cooperation

Courage

Curiosity

Empathy

Encouragement

Enthusiasm

Equity

Focus

Friendship

Generosity

Honesty

Humility

Humor

Imagination

Independence

Individuality

Integrity

Intelligence

Kindness

Loyalty

Obedience

Optimism

Patience

Perseverance

Respect

Tolerance

*THIS THEME WILL BE THE FOCUS OF ALL THREE PARAGRAPHS OF YOUR ESSAY

Get to know your theme:

Copy the dictionary definition(s) of your theme.

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List synonyms and related words for your theme.

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Define the theme in your own words.

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Use your theme in a context-rich sentence. (Use your theme word in a sentence that explains its meaning.)

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Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Paragraph 1, First Draft

Introduction of Paragraph 1 (1-2 sentences at beginning of paragraph 1):

Name the book, author, and your theme in a sentence or two that tell about the beginning of the book. Give

the reader some very vague information about the plot (what is happening) at this point in the book.

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Body of Paragraph 1 (4-5 sentences in the middle of paragraph 1):

Explain a situation from chapters 1-5 of Freak the Mighty that illustrates the theme. Your situation should

either explain a time in the story when the theme is demonstrated by a character or a time in the story when

the theme should have been demonstrated by a character and the character learns from his/her mistake

through consequences. In your example, be sure to name the character(s) involved, explain who they are in

the story, and explain the situation that is happening in the book as if you are explaining it to someone who

has not read the book. To support your explanation, include a direct quote (exact words) from the text with a

page number from the book in parentheses for reference.

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Conclusion of Paragraph 1 (2-3 sentences at the end of paragraph 1):

Explain the lesson that a reader should learn from the situation you explained in the body of the paragraph. In

your response, be sure to state a specific moral, or lesson, that relates to the theme. Also, tell why the moral,

or lesson, is important in the real world by explaining how it can be applied to real life and/or the benefit of

applying the lesson in the real world. Your specific theme word should be used in these sentences.

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Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Paragraph 1, First Draft: In-Class Checklist for Credit (Revising)

Directions: Each requirement for paragraph 1 of your literary analysis essay is listed below. In your paragraph (your work on the

lines of the prior page), find and number each part of your paper according to the list below. Circle each number along

with the exact words in your paragraph that meet each requirement (see literary analysis essay sample at the back of

this packet for an example on how to number and circle each part of your paper). This must be complete before you

submit your draft to your teacher in class and is necessary to earn credit for your first draft of paragraph 1.

List of Requirements for Paragraph 1: (1:1) ____ Title of book is stated in the introduction (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:2) ____ Author of the book is named in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:3) ____ Theme is specifically stated in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:4) ____ Words “beginning of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:5) ____ Vague information sets up plot for reader in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:6) ____ Situation that illustrates the theme is explained in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

(1:7) ____ Characters involved are introduced, if needed, in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

(1:8) ____ Direct quote (page number) clarifies the situation in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

(1:9) ____ Moral related to theme is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

(1:10) ____ Importance of lesson is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

_________ / 10



Name the theme again in a sentence or two that moves the focus to the middle of the book. Give the reader

some very vague information about the plot (what is happening) at this point in the book.

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the story (if you have not already done so), and explain the situation that is happening in the book as if you are

explaining it to someone who has not read the book. To support your explanation, include a direct quote

(exact words) from the text with a page number from the book in parentheses for reference.

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your response, be sure to state a new specific moral, or lesson, that relates to the theme (this cannot be the

same as in paragraph 1). Also, tell why the moral, or lesson, is important in the real world by explaining how it

can be applied to real life and/or the benefit of applying the lesson in the real world (which also should be

different from paragraph 1). Your specific theme word should be used in these sentences.

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List of Requirements for Paragraph 2: (2:1) ____ Theme is specifically stated in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(2:2) ____ Words “middle of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






(2:8) ____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraph 1

(2:9) ____ Lesson’s importance is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

(2:10) ____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraph 1

_________ / 10



Name the theme again in a sentence or two that moves the focus to the end of the book. Give the reader

some very vague information about the plot (what is happening) at this point in the book.

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the story (if you have not already done so), and explain the situation that is happening in the book as if you are

explaining it to someone who has not read the book. To support your explanation, include a direct quote

(exact words) from the text with a page number from the book in parentheses for reference.

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your response, be sure to state a new specific moral, or lesson, that relates to the theme (this cannot be the

same as in paragraphs 1 and 2). Also, tell why the moral, or lesson, is important in the real world by explaining

how it can be applied to real life and/or the benefit of applying the lesson in the real world (which also should

be different from paragraphs 1 and 2). Your specific theme word should be used in these sentences.

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List of Requirements for Paragraph 3: (3:1) ____ Theme is specifically stated in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

(3:2) ____ Words “end of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






(3:8) ____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraphs 1 and 2


(3:10) ____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraphs 1 and 2

_________ / 10

Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Second Draft

On notebook paper, rewrite (no typing yet) the three paragraphs you have already drafted so

they look like three paragraphs put together to form a paper. Be sure to skip lines (write on

every other line of your notebook paper) as you write to leave room for further revising and

editing. Please note that you will have exactly three paragraphs…the introduction, body, and

conclusion of each paragraph will now be put together so they form one complete paragraph.

Each paragraph should be indented, so there should be exactly three indentations in the

paper, no more and no less. Each paragraph should have a total of 7-10 sentences. Please do

not write each paragraph on a separate piece of paper…the three paragraphs now form a

complete paper, so it should look that way, with paragraphs two and three immediately

following the prior paragraph.

PLEASE NOTE that it is essential that these paragraphs are improved from your first drafts.

The purpose of rewriting anything is to give yourself an opportunity to improve your writing.

So, as you write, ask yourself the following questions that will help you with the process of

revising your paper:

Am I including all changes that need to be made according to the revising process?

Can I replace any words with more vivid synonyms?

Have I met every requirement that is listed on the checklists?

Does each sentence make complete sense?

Do I have sentence variety (sentences formatted differently)?

Does each paragraph have a focus/main idea that relates to my theme?

Has my theme specifically been mentioned near the beginning and end of each

paragraph?

Am I connecting all of my ideas in each paragraph together clearly?

Is there a better way I could be explaining and/or connecting my ideas?

Is anything missing from the paper that could help clarify my thoughts?

Is there anything unnecessary or disconnected that should be cut from the paper?

Does the entire paper flow so it makes sense to the reader?

Does the entire paper explain how your theme is developed throughout the book?

Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Second Draft: In-Class Checklist for Credit (Revising)

Directions: Each requirement for all three paragraphs of your literary analysis essay is listed below. In your second draft (your three

paragraphs written on notebook paper), find and number each part of your paper according to the list below. Circle

each number along with the exact words in your paragraph that meet each requirement (see literary analysis essay

sample at the back of this packet for an example on how to number and circle each part of your paper). This must be

complete before you submit your second draft to your teacher in class and is necessary to earn credit for your second

draft. Lastly, highlight any part of the paper that is changed from the first drafts of each paragraph to the second draft.

List of Requirements for Second Draft: List of Requirements for Paragraph 1:

(1:1) ____ Title of book is stated in the introduction (first 1-2 sentences)

(1:2) ____ Author of the book is named in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)


(1:4) ____ Words “beginning of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






(1:10) ____ Importance of lesson is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

List of Requirements for Paragraph 2:


(2:2) ____ Words “middle of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






(2:8) ____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraph 1


(2:10) ____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraph 1



(3:2) ____ Words “end of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






(3:8) ____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraphs 1 and 2


(3:10) ____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraphs 1 and 2

_____ (+10 if highlighted changes indicate a thoughtful and complete revision process)

=______ /40

Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Editing & Final Copy

On notebook paper or on your computer, rewrite or type your final paper. As with your

second draft, there should be exactly three paragraphs with 7-10 sentences in each.

PLEASE NOTE that, as with the second drafts, these paragraphs should again be improved as

you rewrite or type them. Of course, you may still need to revise the content of your paper, so

it would be a great idea to revisit the following revision questions from last week:

Am I including all changes that need to be made according to the revising process?

Can I replace any words with more vivid synonyms?

Have I met every requirement that is listed on the checklists?

Does each sentence make complete sense?

Do I have sentence variety (sentences formatted differently)?

Does each paragraph have a focus/main idea that relates to my theme?

Has my theme specifically been mentioned near the beginning and end of each

paragraph?

Am I connecting all of my ideas in each paragraph together clearly?

Is there a better way I could be explaining and/or connecting my ideas?

Is anything missing from the paper that could help clarify my thoughts?

Is there anything unnecessary or disconnected that should be cut from the paper?

Does the entire paper flow so it makes sense to the reader?

Does the entire paper explain how your theme is developed throughout the book?

Additionally, this is the time to edit, to pay attention to the nitty-gritty details of the paper.

So, the following is an editing checklist you can use as you put together your final paper:

Is each word spelled correctly (and double-checked if I’m not certain)?

Does every proper noun begin with a capital letter?

Is every sentence complete with a subject and predicate throughout the paper?

Does every sentence make complete sense throughout the paper?

Does every sentence begin with a capital letter?

Does every sentence end with an end mark?

Is every sentence punctuated properly, including commas, quotation marks,

parentheses, etc. as needed?

Are there exactly three paragraphs?

Is every paragraph indented?

Do the paragraphs follow each other immediately so they form a complete paper?

Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Final Copy: In-Class Submission Checklist

Directions: The checklist that will be used to score the final copy of your literary analysis essay can be found below. After you have

finished writing or typing your final copy, complete the following grading checklist as a self-assessment of your paper. If

you find you are unhappy with the results, revise your paper again, complete the checklist again. Continue doing so until

you are satisfied with your results. At that time, your paper is ready to submit. Be sure that you have a clean hardcopy

of your paper to submit on the due date. Also, remember that you will be required to turn in your literary analysis essay

packet (this packet) and your second draft along with your final copy.

Final Copy Grading Checklist: List of Requirements for Paragraph 1:

____ Title of book is stated in the introduction (first 1-2 sentences)

____ Author of the book is named in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

____ Theme is specifically stated in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

____ Words “beginning of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

____ Vague information sets up plot for reader in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)

____ Situation that illustrates the theme is explained in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

____ Characters involved are introduced, if needed, in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

____ Direct quote (page number) clarifies the situation in the body of the paragraph (4-5 middle sentences)

____ Moral related to theme is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

____ Importance of lesson is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)



____ Words “middle of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraph 1

____ Lesson’s importance is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraph 1



____ Words “end of the book” appear in the introduction of the paragraph (first 1-2 sentences)






____ Moral is different from the moral in paragraphs 1 and 2

____ Lesson’s importance is explained in the conclusion of the paragraph (last 2-3 sentences)

____ Lesson’s importance is different from the lesson’s importance in paragraphs 1 and 2

Quality of Entire Paper: (a check means that the quality reflects a seventh grade ability or better)

____ Words are vivid, spelled correctly, and not often repeated ____ Paragraphs flow with developed main ideas

____ Sentences are punctuated and complete with varied structures ____ Paper flows so proofreading is evident

Literary Analysis Essay Packet: Sample

The book Freak the Mighty, by Rodman Philbrick, teaches its reader many lessons that revolve

around the theme of diversity. In the beginning of the book, the theme of diversity is developed as

unique main characters get to know each other and begin to develop a friendship. The narrator, Max,

who describes himself as a huge, slow kid with a learning disability, tells the reader the story of how

his solitary life changes quite rapidly after Kevin, whose nickname is Freak, moves in down the street.

Despite Max’s tendency to feel most comfortable alone in his basement bedroom, he is fascinated by

Freak as he gets to know his new neighbor with leg braces and crutches who uses big words that most

people don't understand. After a few awkward encounters during which Freak tells stories and Max

stays mostly silent as he tries to figure out what Freak is talking about, Max is invited to dinner at

Freak’s house. During the dinner, Freak tells stories that make Max laugh, Max chokes a hot dog

through his nose, and both boys end up “laughing like total morons” (27) as only good friends can do.

This is how, even in the face of their differences, the neighbors discover a genuine friendship. At this

point in the book, the reader recognizes a moral: that two people who seem very different at first glance

have the opportunity to build a genuine friendship if they are willing to get to know each other by

looking beyond and learning to appreciate their differences. In the real world, when people develop

friendships with those who are different from them, they teacher others that diversity can be

appreciated instead of feared.

The theme of diversity continues to develop throughout the middle of the book as Freak and Max

discover that life is easier and more interesting when they are together. This discovery becomes clear

as the friends face a potentially dangerous situation with a local gang. Once the gang begins chasing

the boys, Max carries Freak on his shoulders while Freak uses his quick mind and newfound height to

direct Max through a crowd to ultimate safety. Once they know they have survived the gang incident,

Freak exclaims with pride, "We're Freak the Mighty, that's who we are. We're nine feet tall, in case

you haven't noticed," (40). The two characters are closer than ever as they realize they make a great

team when they combine Max's strong, healthy body with Freak's brilliant brain. At that moment in the

story, the reader realizes another lesson: people who become friends with those who are different from

themselves have the unique opportunity to forge their differences into strengths by working together.

In the real world, people who recognize their own strengths and weaknesses and seek out others who

are different are rewarded as doors open toward experiences they never would have realized on their

own. As a result, diversity creates a more interesting and satisfying world for those who embrace it.

The end of the book continues to develop the theme of diversity as the narrator learns to face his

challenges on his own. Even as his friendship with Freak solidifies, Max does everything he can to

resist Freak’s attempts to encourage him to look up big words, read, and write because he knows that

he can lean on Freak to help him through these challenges. And, while Freak is able to do so, he does.

However, the time comes when Max is forced to think on his own. As Freak lays in the hospital dying,

Freak asks Max to write the story of their adventures, and Max answers, "You're the one with the

brain...you know I can't write, Kevin," (151). Despite his resistance, however, Max eventually faces

his fears and writes the book. Thus, at the end of the book, the reader realizes still another moral:

people can take the appreciation of their friends' talents one step further and actually learn from them.

In the real world, people who are inspired by the skills and talents of others often overcome their own

weaknesses by working to develop new talents within themselves. In this way, a society that embraces

diversity ultimately develops the skills and talents to conquer life's challenges.

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