What is a literary analysis?

What is a literary analysis?

It starts with a concept: Growing up stinks In Billy Collin’s poem “On Turning 10”, the poet uses the juxtaposition of childhood and preadoloscenence [WHAT] to illustrate that childhood is an idyllic time in life compared to the bleak reality of becoming an adolescent. [so what].

Your thesis should include two parts:1. What – What claim are you making about

the text?

2. Why should we care? Why is the claim important?

This is the “so what” part.

CLAIM + WHY = Literary Thesis

Examples of literary thesis

1. Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” is a great American novel.

Is this a good thesis?Where is the WHAT and the WHY?

This is an opinion statement.

In “Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.Is this a literary thesis?

Why or why not?

This is missing the SO WHAT?

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” suggests that to find true expression of American ideals, one must leave civilized society and go back to nature.

Is this a thesis?

Yes, this is a solid thesis.

What does a literary analysis include?

It can discuss how individual components of a novel relate to each other (such as symbols)

It may analyze how concepts relate to larger political, social, economic or religious concepts.

Determine what the theme idea is first.1. What is the theme?2. What is the claim you

are making about the theme?

3. Why does it matter?

How do I support a thesis statement?Examples from textDirect quotationsSummaries of scenesParaphrasingOther critics’ opinionsHistorical or social context

Remember to Make an ArgumentYou are like a lawyer presenting your case as to why this claim is important.

Use evidence to support your reasons.Make sure your points relate back to your thesis statement. This is your guiding light. In “Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

In “Huckleberry Finn”, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

Developing a Literary Thesis – “The Catcher in the Rye”What is the concept?

The power of the written word

Critical observation: Throughout the novel, J.D. Salinger uses the power of the written word to bring out Holden’s emotional side and his longing to return to innocence.

1. Glove essay demonstrates love for Allie

2. Letter to Phoebe

3. “The Catcher in the Rye” poem

- The fact that Holden writes the descriptive essay about Allie’s mitt expresses his fondness for his brother.

- The description of green ink and hand-written poems are happy memories.

- The letter asking Phoebe to come to the Museum during lunch is a turning point.

- This is where he shows true maturity and sets out to protect Phoebe from hurt as he says goodbye.

- The poem that is misinterpreted by Holden brings out his need to protect children from cruelty in the world.

- When asked by Phoebe what he wants to do, he says to save children.

“To be or not to be,” a key quote in the drama Hamlet refers to the contemplation of suicide and whether man should exist or not. Words have the power to evoke emotions. In the novel, “The Catcher in the Rye”, J.D. Salinger uses the power of the pen to unveil poignant moments for Holden as he longs to preserve the innocence of childhood. Conflicted with growing up, Holden uses writing to bring about loving feelings toward his younger siblings whom he misses throughout the novel. It is through letters, poems and such that he connects to them and happier times.