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Literary Analysis. What is a literary analysis?. A literary analysis is an interpretation of the written text, which involves the use of concepts specifically associated with literature. Literary Concepts. The Basics Additional Concepts Plot Historical Content
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What is a literary analysis? A literary analysis is an interpretation of the written text, which involves the use of concepts specifically associated with literature.
Literary Concepts • The Basics Additional Concepts Plot Historical Content Setting Social significance Characterization Political view point Symbolism Ideology Metaphors Critical Orientation Genre Literary Theory Irony/ambiguity Multiple voices Narration/ambiguity
How to argue in an analysis • Focus on specific attributes of the text: • Make sure your specific point(s) (thesis) are arguable. • Defend your point(s) with reason, based on evidence from the text (dialogue, description, setting, etc.). • Argue your points much like a legal advocate. You can argue either strongest evidence first/weakest last or vice versa, whatever works best in your opinion. • Remember, your audience is the judge.
Thesis Statements • The thesis statement: • Sets the argument to control the focus of the entire paper • Provides unity and a sense of direction • Specifies to the reader (audience) the point of the analysis
Thesis Statements • In Death of a Salesman Miller uses Uncle Charlie’s relationship with his successful son Bernard to emphasize Willy Loman’s failure as a father. • The Great Gatsby presents a world in which marriage, the stock market, and even the World Series are corrupted by selfish greed. • Ralph Ellison’s “Battle Royale” highlights the bankruptcy of Booker T. Washington’s “separate but equal” approach to race relations.
How to Support a Thesis Statement • Use examples from the text: Direct quotations Summaries of scenes Paraphrases • Other critic’s opinions • Historical, social, economic context • Use secondary sources
Secondary Sources • What is a secondary source? • 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, political, or economic context of the text you are discussing.
Integrating Secondary Sources Be sure to show how a secondary source relates 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 your argument. NEVER plagiarize from a secondary source.
Additional Strategies • Avoid summarizing the work analyzed. • Narrow the scope of your response. • Pre-write to explore the topic & develop a thesis. • Support your thesis with evidence from the text. • Avoid extensive direct quotations. • Write in the present tense. • After writing the first draft, review the work and examine your thesis and supporting evidence. • Proofread & re-write – Do NOT rely on spellcheck!
Where Can I Go for More Help The Rio Grande Campus Writing Center Bldg. A Room 112 Monday – Thursday 8am – 5p Friday 8am – 3pm
The Moon Cannot Be Stolen Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal. Ryokan returned and caught him. "You may have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty handed. Please take my clothes as a gift." The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away. Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow, " he mused, "I wish I could give him this beautiful moon."
