1. Literature Analysis Paper
Thesis Writing
Literature Analysis Paper

2. Making a Claim Make your thesis arguable.
When analyzing a story, you make a claim about the story’s meaning…you look for a reasonable way of understanding the story and topic.
This argument should be an interpretation of the text or topic.
This claim should encourage your audience to say “That’s interesting. I’d like to know more.”
You should back up your claim with evidence and reasoning.

3. Is this a claim?
“Animal Farm is a novel that discusses the recklessness of the Russian Revolution.”
“Animal Farm is one of the most important stories about totalitarianism ever written.”
“The comparison between Napoleon and Snowball is very interesting.”

4. Good claims

5. A good way to start
I am addressing the issue of _____________ in Animal Farm in order to show ________________________. why, how, what, who, whether…you must explain the reason for your essay.
***This statement will NOT be in your final draft…this is just to get you started and focused.

6. Example
I am addressing the role of female characters in Animal Farm in order to show how Orwell views women negatively.

7. Thesis
Animal Farm’s apparent absence of strong female characters not only shows the lack of importance of women in the Russian Revolution, but also Orwell’s personal negative view of women.
Three Part Thesis
In Animal Farm, Orwell shows his inherent sexism to his readers through his negative depiction of female reproductive rights, his negative tone toward female animals, and his exclusion of strong female leaders.

8. Warning
It may take writing your first draft, before you find a good thesis. Your thesis will most likely change as you write this. In fact, I would be surprised if it didn’t. You may find better points, better ideas, better examples that back up a better point than what you have cultivated so far. This is ok. This is normal.

9. Homework Due Thursday: Due Friday: Due Monday:
Bring in at least two pieces of research (printed out) that you have found on your essay topic
Make a thesis out of the claim you have made in class.
Due Friday:
Skeleton Outline of Main Points
Due Monday:
Outline with Main Points and Evidence