Literary Analysis The parts in literature are: * Setting * Plot º Examine the parts that make up the whole: The parts in literature are: * Setting * Plot * Characters * Theme * Point of View * Genre * Writers’ tools are WORDS used to create symbols, irony, metaphors, etc.

Literary Analysis º You analyze a text in order to make meaning of/from it. º You might also make meaning of the text by considering * Historical context * Social, political, economic contexts * Conflicting interpretations * Literary theories

Literary Analysis Research Paper An analysis of a literary work may discuss How the various components of literary works relate to each other How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger literary, aesthetic, political, social, economic, or religious contexts How two separate literary works deal with similar concepts or forms

How to Begin:Forming an Argument In conducting a literary analysis, you focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s). What have noticed? What stands out to you? When writing about these attributes, you want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes. What conclusion have you drawn? As your paper develops you will prove/support this point with text evidence (and secondary sources).

Literary Analysis: Thesis In your opening paragraph you will state your thesis (your own conclusions about the work). Your thesis should be specific about the parameters and basis of your argument (arguable point). The thesis statement is usually at the end of the opening, after you have established some general information about the work to draw the reader in and give context to your thesis.

Literary Analysis: Thesis Which is a good thesis statement? Wuthering Heights is a long, but good read. Wuthering Heights is a novel full of characters with similar names. Bronte uses nature’s elemental forces of wind, fire, and water to provide an analogy for understanding the characters in Wuthering Heights .

Literary Analysis: Developing your paper The organization of your paper is determined by the order in which you present your ideas that are the proof/support of your thesis. Generally speaking, each body paragraph will begin with your Topic Sentence Followed by direct quotations, paraphrases, scene summaries from, in this case, the novel (primary source) You interpretation of it as it relates to your thesis Secondary source support

When and How to Quote Quote when language is especially vivid and expressive When language of a source is the topic of your discussion ( analysis, interpretation) When words of an important authority lend weight to an argument Introduce your quotes Weave the quotes

What is a secondary source? A book or article that discusses a theory related to the argument you are making A book or article that discusses the social and historical context of the text you are discussing A book or article that discusses the text you are discussing (caution: see handout)

How do I find secondary sources? Library Reference Books Dictionary of Literary Biography 19th century British Literature Women British Writers Other source-specific reference books

How do I find secondary sources? Library online GALE Virtual Library – online journal articles Card Catalog Books of literary criticism Books about subjects in the literary work Books about social and/or historical context of the literary work AVOID BLOGS AND FANSITES! Mrs. Austin must approve your secondary sources before you use them in your paper.

Integrating secondary sources REMEMBER, this is your paper, your argument—the secondary sources are just helping you out When you use secondary sources, be sure to show how they relate to your thesis Don’t overuse any one secondary source, or for that matter, secondary sources in general DO NOT plagiarize! The OWL handout on plagiarism can be a useful supplement for this slide. See http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html

Overview of Literary Analysis When writing a literary analysis: Be familiar with and use literary terms Analyze specific items Make and develop your argument Make appropriate use of secondary sources Cite your sources, using MLA guidelines Include a Works Cited page This screen gives the facilitator a chance to sum up the content of the presentation.