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Writing a Literary Analysis. Things to Remember And Tips Based on the Results of the Last Essay. Literary Present. Although events in a book or poem may take place in the past, always use the present tense when writing a literary analysis
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Writing a Literary Analysis Things to Remember And Tips Based on the Results of the Last Essay
Literary Present • Although events in a book or poem may take place in the past, always use the present tense when writing a literary analysis • Present tense: says, questions, kills, walks, asks, etc. • Example: When Lenniekills Curley’s wife he yells… • DO NOT USE THE PAST TENSE When Lennie killed Curley’s wife he yelled…
How to Quote a Quote • When using a quote that includes narration and dialogue do NOT use double quotation marks • Dialogue goes in between apostrophes • Example: Lennie does not understand his strength when he “looks at Curley’s wife’s lifeless body and says ‘I didn’t mean to hurt you. Why did you yell?’” (98). Green=narration Red=dialogue said by Lennie *Example of multiple characters speaking: “’Lennie throw away the mouse.’ ‘No. I want to pet it while we walk’” (97).
Do NOT Use Contractions • Contractions are two words put together. Words such as: don’t, won’t, can’t, shouldn’t • Instead of using the contraction write out the two words • Examples: don’t=do not, can’t=cannot • This helps you (the writer) maintain a formal tone
Integrate Quotes • Think Say, Mean, Matter • Quotes can not stand alone, if they do they are considered a floating quotation • Introduce the quote by explaining who said it and when. Then integrate the quote into that sentence. • Example: When Curley’s wife tells Lennie about her failed dream she says, “I could have been a star” (132).
Substitutions • Use brackets to insert words or change tenses • Replacements in the quote • Active voice-present tense • Clarification-include a person’s name • Examples: • ORIGINAL “Lennie strangled her and then lets her lifeless body drop”(62). SUBSTITUTE “Lennie [strangles Curley’s wife] and then lets her lifeless body drop” (62).
Exit Slip: Show Me What You Know! • Copy the following quote and analysis onto a half sheet of paper: “He hung his head down in shame. He was shocked that he had killed it” (page 36). Lennie is upset that he killed his new puppy. He doesn’t want to make George mad. • Add an introduction to the quote (integrate the quote into a sentence • Change the quote (substitute) for clarification and present tense • Fix the citation • Get rid of any contractions