WRITING THE

LITERARY ANALYSIS

How to avoid F’s and impress

Mrs. Singer

Analyze:

examine methodically and in detail the

constitution or structure of (something,

especially information), typically for

purposes of explanation and interpretation.

• Methodically- in an organized and logical way

• Explanation- giving details and overview

• Interpretation- your own conclusion based on the

information

An analysis explains what a work of

literature means, and how it means

it.

An Author’s Purpose

• When writing a literary analysis, you can go

beyond the basic literary elements and apply

them to other issues/categories.

(psychology, politics, history, etc.)

A literary analysis should focus on

one or a combination of the

following elements to convey your

investigation of the author’s

purpose.

Author’s Purpose

Theme Conflict Characterization

How is a literary analysis

an argument?

• When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s).

• An attribute can be the theme, characterization, conflict, or a literary device.

• 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!)

Our Literary Analysis

•We will write a paper that focuses on

one internal conflict that Marji

experiences in “Persepolis”

• (I will hand these out when we start writing)

•For example,

• Truth vs. Lies

Thesis Statement

• Your thesis should explain how Marji changes or learns

something about herself/life through the struggle with this

conflict.

• For example,

• Through her struggle with truth versus lies, Marjane learns that she

must go beyond simply what a person, group, or government says to

think critically and make her own decisions about what to believe

• Marjane’s struggle with truth and lies parallels the journey that all of

Iran must go through as they come to understand the truth behind their

government’s actions.

• Your paper should explore/give examples of at least the 3 most

important events/times that Marji struggles with the conflict.

• Remember- you must PROVE that your thesis is correct by

giving examples and evidence that back you up!

The Format

of the Introduction

• The introduction begins with a broad statement about the main idea. This statement might suggest background or the general category to which the thesis idea belongs.

• The next sentences are more specific, moving closer to the actual thesis of the essay.

• The final sentence of an introduction often contains a fairly specific version of the main idea; it is the thesis statement.

The introductory paragraph must include:

•A general statement about the theme

•The title and author of the story

•A brief summary of the story

•A clear thesis statement

The Introduction

Writing the Introduction

• Sentence 1: The general statement

• Is a general topic sentence

• Introduces the topic of the essay

• Captures the reader’s attention through a quote, observation, definition, or anecdote

• Sentences 2-4: The summary sentences

• Includes the title and author

• Brief summary and relevant background information of novel or short story

• Sentences 5(-6)

• Contains the thesis statement and proofs

Sample Introduction

Is hunting really a civilized pastime? This is the

question that the author Richard Connell asks as he keeps

his readers on the edge of their seats in his famous short

story “The Most Dangerous Game.” Connell creates a

situation in which a famous hunter becomes another’s man’s

prey. When the hunter, Rainsford finds himself marooned on

Ship-Trap-Island, he discovers that, as a hobby, the owner of

the island hunts men instead of animals. Rainsford must

outsmart his opponent in order to stay alive, and so he

experiences all the fears that an animal feels when it is

hunted. By putting a hunter in the role of prey, Richard

Connell demonstrates his belief that hunting is a cruel

sport. To illustrate this theme, Connell uses irony and

suspense.

Writing the Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph:

• Contains a clear topic sentence which identifies the connection between your examples/explanation and your thesis .

• Demonstrates that the topic sentence is true by giving evidence.

• Includes quotes/examples from the graphic novel to show that you didn’t make up the evidence.

• Reminds the reader of the connection between your evidence and the thesis.

• Explains how Marji reacts to, learns from, or changes because of this conflict and event.

Writing the Resolution Paragraph

The Resolution should include:

• A brief summary of your examples and Marji’s experiences

with this conflict 1-2 sentences

• An explanation of how Marji has changed (in how she

thinks, how she feels, how she acts, or how she sees the

world) 2-3 sentences

• Connect this change to the theme of the novel (the one you

mentioned in your intro) 1-2 sentences

• Restate your thesis statement by adding what Marji is like

at the end of the novel (the resolution of this conflict) 1

sentence

How to Organize your Essay

• Go through the book and identify

examples of the conflict (be sure to write

down page #s). You must identify at least

5 examples.

• Highlight the three biggest or most

important times that Marji struggled with

the conflict.

• Looking at these events, decide what your

thesis statement will be and write it down.Mrs. Singer must check your thesis statement before you

start your outline!!!

• Complete the outline for your paper.

• Type your paper.

• Double check for MLA format.

Timeline:

Mon.: Work in class

Tues.: Work in class

Wed.: MIST writing

assessment

Thurs.: Review and

Papers due

Fri.: Persepolis test

(and field trip forms

due!)

I can: • Use evidence to back

up my interpretation of a

text

• Write in a clear and

organized way that

meets MLA

expectations.

• Explain how a character

changes over time