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Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis. What is a Literary Analysis?. Literary analysis focuses on how plot/structure, character, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author to create meaning. Literary Concepts. How to Argue in an A nalysis. Focus on specific attributes of the text:

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Literary Analysis

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  1. Literary Analysis

  2. What is a Literary Analysis? • Literary analysis focuses on how plot/structure, character, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author to create meaning

  3. Literary Concepts

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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!

  8. Literary Analysis Basic Outline Introduction A. Hook B. Background C. Thesis. Body Paragraph: How Characterization conveys theme A. Quote(Citation) Analysis of quote B. Paraphrase (Citation) Analysis of paraphrase III. Body Paragraph: How Symbol conveys theme A. Quote(Citation) Analysis of quote B. Summary (Citation) Analysis of summary IV. Conclusion

  9. Example Thesis: In the play Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare conveys his theme, the danger of acting hastily, through his characterization of Romeo and extensive use of foreshadowing. Title and Author, Theme, Literary Devices

  10. Example Paragraph • Romeo, more than any other character in the entire play, jumps into action without first considering possible consequences.  For instance, Juliet is shocked when she discovers Romeo has risked his life by trespassing in the orchard outside of her balcony.  She warns him, “If any of my kinsman find thee here…they will murder thee.”  But Romeo downplays the danger saying, “I have night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes” (Shakespeare 25).Shakespeare’s characterization of Romeo as a risk taker is a central part of the balcony scene.  Romeo’s daring actions add to the romance of the famous scene, but when he dismisses Juliet’s level-headed warning so quickly it becomes obvious that Romeo’s shortsightedness will become his fatal flaw.

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