1. Literary Analysis
An analysis explain WHAT a work of literature means and HOW it means it.

2. 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!)

3. Elements of Poetry Analysis
Theme: main idea—what the work adds up to
Characters: people the author creates
Including the narrator of a story or the speaker of a poem
Setting: when and where the action happens
Point of View: perspective or attitude of the narrator or speaker
Conflict
Rhetorical Devices
Structure: Rhyme scheme, line lengths, punctuation

4. Theme: Main idea or underlying meaning of the literary work.
What the author wants the reader to understand about the subject
In fables, this may also be
the moral of the story

5. Characterization: A character’s actions A character’s choices
A character’s speech patterns
A character’s thoughts and feelings
A character’s comments
A character’s physical appearance and name
Other characters’ thoughts and feelings about the character
Other characters’ actions toward the character
How is the raven characterized in the poem? Give textual evidence.

6. Conflict: Discuss the importance of one conflict in The Raven.
person vs. person conflict : events typically focus on differences in values, experiences, and attitudes.
person vs. society conflict: the person is fighting an event, an issue, a philosophy, or a cultural reality that is unfair
person vs. nature conflict: the character is often alone dealing with nature in extreme circumstances.
person vs. fate/supernatural conflict: the text is characterized by a person contending with an omnipresent issue or idea.
person vs. self conflict: the person is conflicted with memories, unpleasant experiences, or issues with stress and decision-making
Discuss the importance of one conflict in The Raven.

7. Setting
Time period
Geographical location
Historical and cultural context
Social
Political
Spiritual
Instrumental in establishing mood
May symbolize the emotional state of characters
Impact on characters’ motivations and options
How does setting contribute to establishment of the mood in The Raven? Use textual evidence.

8. Point of View
First Person
Narrator is a character within the story—reveals own thoughts and feelings but not those of others
Third Person
Objective: narrator outside the story acts as a reporter—cannot tell what characters are thinking
Limited: narrator outside the story but can see into the mind of one of the characters
Omniscient: narrator is all-knowing outsider who can enter the mind of more than one character.
From which point of view is The Raven told? How does it contribute to the mood of the poem?

9. Rhetorical Devices: Mood Climate of feeling in a literary work
Choice of setting, objects, details, images, words
Symbolism
Person, place, object which stand for larger and more abstract ideas
American flag = freedom
Dove = peace
What is the raven a symbol of in the poem?

10. More Rhetorical Devices
Irony: contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is
Verbal Irony—contrast between what is said and what is actually meant
Irony of Situation—an event that is the opposite of what is expected or intended
Dramatic Irony—Audience or reader knows more than the characters know
How could the raven being perched upon the bust of Pallas be a form of situational irony?

11. Even More Rhetorical Devices
Figurative Language: language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words
Simile Assonance
Metaphor Consonance
Alliteration Allusion
Personification Hyperbole
Onomatopoeia
Select your favorite example of figurative language from The Raven.

12. Before you Begin to Write
Choose your sonnet.
Make sure you have all of the notes you need.
Re-read the poem and write down additional comments.
Choose three elements of poetry analysis you are going to discuss in your paragraph.

13. Essential Analysis Questions
What purpose do the poetic/literary devices serve?
How does the author communicate his or her purpose through the devices?
How do readers respond to the poetic device?

14. Topic Sentence Format
(Insert author’s name) uses _______, _______, and _______, (insert three different elements of poetry analysis) in (insert name of “poem”) to (illustrate, convey, reveal, or another verb) (insert the main idea or purpose of the poem).
You Try: Using Edgar Allan Poe’s, The Raven, and the format above to create a topic sentence.

15. Example Topic Sentence
Edgar Allan Poe uses sound devices, allusions, and metaphors in The Raven to explore grief’s powerful grip on the human mind.
Note: Use the author’s full name in the topic sentence, and then use the author’s last name for the rest of the essay.

16. Conclusion Restate your main points.
Explain why you think the author felt the topic discussed in the poem was important.
Explain how the topic/main idea of the poem relates to the outside world.

17. Add a Slide Title - 1

18. Add a Slide Title - 2

20. Add a Slide Title - 4

21. Add a Slide Title - 5