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Elements of a Literary Analysis Paper

Elements of a Literary Analysis Paper. Suzann Moffitt Ledford. The Introduction. Your intro should Orient your reader to your topic Contain your thesis statement Mention the author and the work Not begin specific analysis (save that for supporting body paragraphs). The Introduction:Thesis.

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Elements of a Literary Analysis Paper

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  1. Elements of a Literary Analysis Paper Suzann Moffitt Ledford

  2. The Introduction Your intro should • Orient your reader to your topic • Contain your thesis statement • Mention the author and the work • Not begin specific analysis (save that for supporting body paragraphs)

  3. The Introduction:Thesis Thesis: a declarative sentence that sums up what your paper is going to prove • Not a fact or a subjectively worded opinion • Can contain an essay map • Is clear and concise and can be supported with evidence from text • Does not use the phrases “In this paper, I will. . . “ or, “This paper will. . . ”

  4. The Introduction: Thesis Which is the best thesis statement? • Moby-Dick is about the problem of evil. • Moby-Dick is boring and pointless. • Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale. • The use of “whiteness” in Moby-Dick illustrates the uncertainty about the meaning of life that Ishmael expresses throughout the novel.

  5. Supporting Body Paragraphs • #1—Topic Sentence-main point of your paragraph, relates back to thesis, can help with transition • #2—Supporting Details-quotes (but avoid naked quotes), examples from text, research, etc. • #3—Concluding Statement(s)-can serve at least one of three purposes: • Discuss/elaborate on #2 • Answer the question, “How does this relate to my thesis?” or “Why is this point important?” • Can help with transition if needed

  6. Conclusion • Wraps up paper, giving a sense of finality • Does NOT bring in new supporting information • Reemphasizes main points and thesis

  7. General Tips • Avoid using the verb “get” • Develop paragraphs to at least three sentences long and avoid paragraphs over ¾ page long • Avoid sentences over four lines long • Avoid slang and informal word choice--ex: Business is doing OK and is slowly picking up--should be: Business is slowly increasing.

  8. General Tips • Avoid using paper to summarize text, but give context for supporting examples • Avoid first and second person • Avoid stating opinion as fact—incorporate “loophole” words—generally, possibly, indicates, suggests • Use present tense to discuss the events that take place in the story

  9. Literary Analysis Overview • Develop clear thesis • Make sure body paragraphs support thesis • Check organization, both paragraph and paper • Proofread

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