What is a literary analysis?

A literary analysis is an interpretation of the written text,

which involves the use of concepts specifically associated with

literature.

Literary ConceptsThe Basics Additional Concepts

Plot Historical Content

Setting Social significance

Characterization Political view point

Symbolism Ideology

Metaphors Critical Orientation

Genre Literary Theory

Irony/ambiguity Multiple voices

Narration/ambiguity

How to argue in an analysisFocus 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.

Thesis StatementsThe 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

Thesis StatementsIn Death of a Salesman Miller uses Uncle

Charlie’s relationship with his successful son Bernard to emphasize Willy Loman’s failure as a father.

The Great Gatsby presents a world in which marriage, the stock market, and even the World Series are corrupted by selfish greed.

Ralph Ellison’s “Battle Royale” highlights the bankruptcy of Booker T. Washington’s “separate but equal” approach to race relations.

How to Support a Thesis StatementUse examples from the text:

Direct quotationsSummaries of scenesParaphrases

Other critic’s opinionsHistorical, social, economic contextUse secondary sources

Secondary SourcesWhat is a secondary source?

A book or article that discusses the text you are discussing.

A book or article that discusses a theory related to the argument you are making.

A book or article that discusses the social, political, or economic context of the text you are discussing.

Integrating Secondary Sources Be sure to show how a secondary source relates to

your thesis.

Don’t overuse any one secondary source, or for that matter, secondary sources in general.

Remember that this is your paper, your argument – the secondary sources are just helping your

argument.

NEVER plagiarize from a secondary source.

Additional Strategies1. Avoid summarizing the work analyzed.2. Narrow the scope of your response.3. Pre-write to explore the topic & develop a thesis.4. Support your thesis with evidence from the text.5. Avoid extensive direct quotations.6. Write in the present tense.7. After writing the first draft, review the work and

examine your thesis and supporting evidence. 8. Proofread & re-write – Do NOT rely on spellcheck!

Where Can I Go for More Help

The Rio Grande Campus Writing Center

Bldg. A Room 112Monday – Thursday 8am – 5p

Friday 8am – 3pm

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal.

Ryokan returned and caught him. "You may have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty handed. Please take my clothes as a gift."

The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.

Ryokan sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow, " he mused, "I wish I could give him this beautiful moon."