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Literary Analysis
Paper
Tense
You must stay in the PRESENT tense
when you write about what happens in a
book or poem. Ex: Holden is
The main thing to remember here is that
literature is not dead, so do not talk
about it as though it were a corpse!
Always remember to
avoid
First person pronouns
I, me, my, we, us, our
Second person pronouns
You, your, youre, yours
Summarizing the work
Slang/informal language
Gonna for going to
Cause for because
4 for for
Ur for your
Always remember to
avoid
Tired words
Example: do NOT use sad, nice, good, bad,
happy, etc.
Instead, for sad use: mortified, crushed,
heartbroken, melancholy, depressed, etc.
Using contractions (dont, isnt, wont, Im)
Other reminders
Pay attention to similar words
Examples:
Their, there, theyre
Than, then
Whos, whose
Its, its
Where, were
Watch subject-verb agreement
DO NOT use awkward words like stuff or things
Separate your paragraphs
Other reminders
A LOT= 2 words
Watch commonly misspelled words (i.e. definitely)
The title of your book is italicized or underlined.
Make sure that you have an in-text citation for every
direct quote you use
Example: __________ (Salinger 58).
You also need an in-text-citation every time you use
information from the book and write it in your own
words (paraphrased idea)
Example: __________ (Salinger 58).
Thesis statement
A good thesis statement:
should make the reader say: Wow, really? Prove
it!
answers the what question what is the
argument?
gives the reader a clue to the why question why
is this argument important?
suggests your essays scope, purpose, and
direction.
is assertive (not opinion based), focused, and
specific enough to be proven within the paper.
Now
The reader knows where you are going
with your paper!
You must present evidence in the text to
support your interpretation.
Introductory Paragraph
A typical introductory paragraph should contain the
following:
name the author and title of the work you are going to
discuss in the paper
provide a map of the rest of the paper
give any background information that the average reader
would need to know to understand your paper. (THIS
DOES NOT MEAN SPECIFIC DETAILS OR A
SUMMARY OF THE WORK!)
discuss the specific literary device you are using in your
paper (characterization, setting, or symbolism)
one-sentence thesis statement that provides the main
idea in your paper
FIRST SENTENCE
DO: Mention the title and author of the novel.
DO NOT: Provide an artificial grabber to get the
audiences attention
NEXT SENTENCE OR TWO
DO: Elaborate on the subject of the
book by providing brief background
information (no more than two
sentences). Provide only details
relevant to your thesis.
DO NOT: Provide irrelevant or drawn
out summary of the novel.
NEXT
SENTENCE OR
TWO
THESIS
Discuss the
specific literary
device you will
address in your
thesis.
Sample Introduction
The Catcher in the Rye, a novel written by J.D. Salinger,
portrays the struggles of adolescence and the inevitableness of
growing up. Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of the novel, is
sixteen in age but twelve at heart. Refusing to accept that he has to
transition from childhood to adulthood, he breaks away from the
confines of his school and begins an unforgettable three-day
journey that brings him to the edges of maturity. As Holden begins
to find his place in society, Salinger presents numerous symbols
that remind Holden of his childhood. Ultimately, though, Holden
begins to view the many symbols he comes across as pathways to
his future in order to enable his progression to adulthood. Due to
Salingers extensive use of symbolism, Holden finally discovers his
place in the world and learns how to accept change through his
slow progression to the next phase of his life.
Purpose of Literary
Analysis Paper
Summary is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Remember, you are analyzing literature, not
telling someone what it is about.
There should be a point to the analysis: the
whole paper should be organized so as to
prove a statement you are making about the
work.
Supporting Paragraphs
A typical body paragraph should contain the following:
one or two word transition that leads into topic sentence
refined topic sentence that is a bit more specific
brief transition to introduce first piece of evidence used in
support of idea
sufficient evidence (examples, quotes, details) that is
fully supported by a few sentences of analysis
transition to second piece of evidence used in support of
idea
sufficient evidence (examples, quotes, details) that is
fully supported by a few sentences of analysis
repeat cycle if more evidence is used
closing sentence that reconnects to the thesis
Transition into
paragraph (one or
two words)
Transition to Second
Evidence (a few words)
Repeat Cycle
as Needed
Conclusion
A typical concluding paragraph should contain the
following:
restatement of the thesis that is not simply
copied from the introduction
summary of the main points described in the
paper without adding any new information or
quotes
suggest further implications of your argument by
leaving the reader with something to think about
without using artificial zingers
Thesis
Restated
Sample Conclusion
Throughout the novel, Holden encounters many symbols that
enable him to come to the realization that maturation is something
that he needs to experience to enter adulthood. As Holden begins his
journey, he is unwilling to let go of those childhood thoughts that bring
back so many memories. His constant visions of a checkerboard,
baseball glove, and a museum allow him to freeze time and forever
protect the youthfulness of those around him. However, by the end of
his emotional adventure, Holden is finally able to accept the reality
that he cannot hold onto his adolescence forever when he takes note
of the vandalized walls and watches Phoebe struggle to grab the
golden ring. This epiphany causes Holden to understand that he
cannot always live in the past and, as a result, it transforms him into a
new person. By the end of Holdens narrative, it is clear that he has
changed for the better and truly appreciates the beauty of growing up
and advancing to a new stage in his life.