1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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 .

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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.