Transcript Writing the Literary Analysis

What is Literary Abstract?
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It’s literary
It’s an abstract (two paragraphs)
It’s-An Argument!
How is it “literary”?
• Usually, a literary analysis will involve a
discussion of a text as writing, thus the term
literary, which means “having to do with
letters”
• This will involve the use of certain concepts
that are very specifically associated with
literature
How is a literary analysis an
argument?
• When writing a literary analysis, you will
focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s).
• When discussing these attributes, you will
want to make sure that you are making a
specific, arguable point (thesis) about these
attributes.
• You will defend this point with reasons and
evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a
lawyer!)
Important literary concepts
• The Basics
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Plot
Setting
Narration/point of view
Characterization
Symbol
Metaphor
Humor
Irony/ambiguity
Exaggeration
• Other key concepts
– Historical context
– Social, political,
economic contexts
– Multiple voices
What do I do?
• First Paragraph:
– Use an attention-getter
– 1st paragraph summarizes the story, and
explains the story’s theme.
– Thesis: relate one literary element to the theme
• Ex: Though her use of exaggeration, Angelou proves
that she idolizes her grandmother Annie.
Which is the best thesis
statement?
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about the
problem of evil.
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is boring and
pointless.
• The use of humor in I Know Why the Caged Bird
Sings illustrates the lasting impact racial prejudice
has on young children.
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about a girl
with a toothache.
What do I do?
• 2nd Paragraph:
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PROVE IT!
Deal with one literary element
Explain how that element proves the theme
Provide examples from text
Explain how that example proves your
argument (thesis)
How do I support a thesis
statement?
• Examples from the text:
– Direct quotations
– Summaries of scenes
– Paraphrase
• Other critics’ opinions
• Historical and social context
• Always remember to read carefully and
highlight useful passages and quotes!
Quoting in MLA style
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Use a quote to support every claim, idea, or supporting detail.
Show your reader, don’t tell.
Format all quotes in the following manner:
“Quoted material” (Author #). Do not use “page” or “p.”
Immediately follow every quote with the page number.
Use parts of quotes and insert them into your sentences.
Example:
Atticus encourages Scout to “step into someone else’s shoes”
(Lee 112) and view the world in order to better understand
that person.
Contextualizing a Quote
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Explain the quote without referencing it directly.
Do not set up a quote in any of the following ways:
1. This quote shows …
2. The following example shows …
3. This is shown when …
Instead, set up a quote by contextualizing it:
1. Identify the speaker
2. Identify the context of the quote (when it happened and
under what circumstances)
Example:
When Jim refuses to leave Tom without getting a
doctor’s help, Huck realizes Jim is “white inside”
(Twain 261), an epiphany for Huck, and he views Jim as
a real person who is the same on the inside as himself.
Integrating Quotations
• Quotations from research can NOT simply be
‘plopped’ into your body paragraphs.
• They must be seamlessly worked in.
• Mediocre example: For example, So-and-so says,
“Quote” (Citation 56)
• Better example: Wordsworth stated that Romantic
poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of
powerful feelings” (Citation 263).
So what?
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Always answer the question “So what?” when writing about
literature.
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In other words, ask yourself whether or not your statements
are significant and meaningful.
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Take your explanation a step further and be sure to explain
yourself fully and completely.
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Avoid meaningless statements such as “This is an important
novel” or “So-and-so is a great author.” So what? Who cares?
Make a real point!
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Follow every example or quote with an explanation of its
meaning of importance.
Handling Quotes in Your Text
• Author’s last name and page
number(s) of quote must appear in
the text
Romantic poetry is characterized by
the “spontaneous overflow of powerful
feelings” (Wordsworth 263).
Handling Long Quotations
David becomes identified and defined by James Steerforth, a young man with
whom David is acquainted from his days at Salem House. Before meeting
Steerforth, David accepts Steerforth’s name as an authoritative power:
There was an old door in this playground, on which the boys had a custom
of carving their names. . . . In my dread of the end of the vacation and their
coming back, I could not read a boy’s name, without inquiring in what tone
and with what emphasis he would read, “Take care of him. He bites.” There
was one boy—a certain J. Steerforth—who cut his name very deep and very
often, who I conceived, would read it in a rather strong voice, and
afterwards pull my hair. (Dickens 68)
For Steerforth, naming becomes an act of possession, as well as exploitation.
Steerforth names David for his fresh look and innocence, but also uses the name
Daisy to exploit David's romantic tendencies (Dyson 122).
Handling Long Quotations
• More than 3 lines long:
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Indent left side 1”
Single space
Citation at the end
No quotation marks
No indentation- simply resume paragraph