LITERARY ANALYSIS

English 9

NATURE OF LITERARY ANALYSIS The act of analysis is literally the act of

separating a whole into parts in order to understand that whole.

For your assignment you are essentially being asked to analyze some aspect of one or more literary works.

Any analysis of a literary work requires that the writer understand the intention (i.e., the theme) of the work and how that theme is revealed in the course of the work.

THE NATURE OF THEME Remember that the theme of a work of

literature is the comment that the author makes about his subject matter, a revelation about the behavior of human beings or the conduct of society; an insight into the human condition.

Remember that the theme is the insight we gain from thinking about what we have read.

THEME ANALYSISFormulate a possible theme for the work

and determine how:plot characterizations point of view setting patterns, symbols, any recurring images

support that theme, that insight into human nature.

WHAT IS YOUR THEME?Example: Romeo and Juliet demonstrates

the destructive power of hatred.

NOW PROVE IT! How does the plot support the theme? How do the characters’ actions or

descriptions of the characters support the theme?

How does the setting support the theme? How does the point of view (who is telling

the story) support the theme? How does the use of images, symbols, or

patterns support the theme?For each element find examples from the

beginning, middle, and end of the literary work

THE THESIS STATEMENTPapers on literature are argumentative: you argue

for your interpretation of the work; the text is your supporting evidence.

Your thesis statement will demonstrate your understanding of and your interpretation of the theme of the work.

Your thesis statement will contain the following elements: The author(s) and title(s) of the work(s) being

discussed The grounds (elements of the work or works) you will

cover in your essay Remember that the purpose of your essay will be

to analyze the development of your theme throughout the literary work.

WHAT IS YOUR THESIS?Example: Through plot development,

characterization, and setting, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet demonstrates the destructive power of hatred.

What does this thesis do for the reader? tells the reader how you will interpret the

significance of the subject matter under discussion.

is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.

NOW ORGANIZE YOUR ARGUMENT The body of your paper will explain and

support your thesis. You will use specific examples and references drawn from the work under discussion to support your thesis. Use the following strategies: Let the structure of your argument take

priority over the structure of the text. Organize your argument first, then arrange your notes and evidence (examples from the text) to support your argument.

Use the language of the text as evidence. Tie each piece of evidence into your

discussion.

THE OUTLINEOutlining is wonderful way to think through your

argument and make sure you have all necessary support gathered.

Each Roman numeral is the element that supports the theme (indicated in your thesis statement). The evidence must come from the beginning, middle, and end of the work. Each piece of evidence will include an explanation that connects the evidence to your thesis.

Open The Odyssey Literary Analysis word document and begin filling in your information. Save to your student folder.