What is Literary Abstract?

1. What is Literary Abstract? • It’s literary • It’s an abstract (two paragraphs) • It’s-- • An Argument!

2. 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

3. How is a literary analysis an argument? • When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s). • 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!)

4. The Basics Plot Setting Narration/point of view Characterization Symbol Metaphor Humor Irony/ambiguity Exaggeration Other key concepts Historical context Social, political, economic contexts Multiple voices Important literary concepts

5. What do I do? • First Paragraph: • Use an attention-getter • 1st paragraph summarizes the story, and explains the story’s theme. • Thesis: relate one literary element to the theme • Ex: Though her use of exaggeration, Angelou proves that she idolizes her grandmother Annie.

6. Which is the best thesis statement? • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about the problem of evil. • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is boring and pointless. • The use of humor in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings illustrates the lasting impact racial prejudice has on young children. • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about a girl with a toothache.

7. What do I do? • 2nd Paragraph: • PROVE IT! • Deal with one literary element • Explain how that element proves the theme • Provide examples from text • Explain how that example proves your argument (thesis)

8. How do I support a thesis statement? • Examples from the text: • Direct quotations • Summaries of scenes • Paraphrase • Other critics’ opinions • Historical and social context • Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes!

9. Quoting in MLA style • Use a quote to support every claim, idea, or supporting detail. • Show your reader, don’t tell. • Format all quotes in the following manner: “Quoted material” (Author #). Do not use “page” or “p.” • Immediately follow every quote with the page number. • Use parts of quotes and insert them into your sentences. Example: Atticus encourages Scout to “step into someone else’s shoes” (Lee 112) and view the world in order to better understand that person.

10. Contextualizing a Quote • Explain the quote without referencing it directly. • Do not set up a quote in any of the following ways: • This quote shows … • The following example shows … • This is shown when … • Instead, set up a quote by contextualizing it: • Identify the speaker • Identify the context of the quote (when it happened and under what circumstances) Example: When Jim refuses to leave Tom without getting a doctor’s help, Huck realizes Jim is “white inside” (Twain 261), an epiphany for Huck, and he views Jim as a real person who is the same on the inside as himself.

11. Integrating Quotations • Quotations from research can NOT simply be ‘plopped’ into your body paragraphs. • They must be seamlessly worked in. • Mediocre example: For example, So-and-so says, “Quote” (Citation 56) • Better example: Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Citation 263).

12. So what? • Always answer the question “So what?” when writing about literature. • In other words, ask yourself whether or not your statements are significant and meaningful. • Take your explanation a step further and be sure to explain yourself fully and completely. • Avoid meaningless statements such as “This is an important novel” or “So-and-so is a great author.” So what? Who cares? Make a real point! • Follow every example or quote with an explanation of its meaning of importance.

13. Handling Quotes in Your Text • Author’s last name and page number(s) of quote must appear in the text Romantic poetry is characterized by the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Wordsworth 263).

14. Handling Long Quotations David becomes identified and defined by James Steerforth, a young man with whom David is acquainted from his days at Salem House. Before meeting Steerforth, David accepts Steerforth’s name as an authoritative power: There was an old door in this playground, on which the boys had a custom of carving their names. . . . In my dread of the end of the vacation and their coming back, I could not read a boy’s name, without inquiring in what tone and with what emphasis he would read, “Take care of him. He bites.” There was one boy—a certain J. Steerforth—who cut his name very deep and very often, who I conceived, would read it in a rather strong voice, and afterwards pull my hair. (Dickens 68) For Steerforth, naming becomes an act of possession, as well as exploitation. Steerforth names David for his fresh look and innocence, but also uses the name Daisy to exploit David's romantic tendencies (Dyson 122).

15. Handling Long Quotations • More than 3 lines long: • Indent left side 1” • Single space • Citation at the end • No quotation marks • No indentation- simply resume paragraph