1. A step by step guide

2.  Literary analysis requires the writer to carefully follow a theme, motif, character development or stylistic element and examine its importance within the context of the novel or play.  Because literary analysis depends on the writer's interpretation of the text, it's often necessary to convince the reader of your point of view.  Writing a strong introduction to your essay will help launch your reader into your main points.

3.  Hook  Background  Context  Thesis Statement

4.  You will first want to start off with a frame, some single word, image or allusion that you can use to open up your paper (personal experience is too informal for this literary analysis, as you can’t use the pronoun “I” in this paper).

5.  MUST include: ◦ Title of play or novel (The Crucible in our case) ◦ Author of the piece (Arthur Miller) ◦ When the piece was written: 1954 (though based on the Salem Witch Trials and set in 1694)  You may also want to consider any other information that your reader needs to know to understand your thesis. This may be character information (it will in your case) or plot details essential for your reader to know.

6.  This is where you transition from background information to setting the stage for your thesis statement.  Think of context as situation. Say your thesis to yourself and ask yourself, if I say this to a person, what information do they need to know BEFORE to better understand my point and argument?  For example, if your thesis statement analyzes the oppressive behaviors of Abigail, I need to know a bit about what oppression means and how Abigail is introduced as an oppressive character….

7.  Your ONE sentence claim.  This is the foundation of your paper and where ALL of your topic sentences come from.  See notes/packet for additional information as needed….

8. Hook and Background Info (3-4 sentences) Context (2-3 sentences) Thesis Statement (1 sentence) NO QUOTES IN INTRO!

9.  You need a title! (centered but not bold, underlined or in larger/different font)  MLA formatted and typed  Look at your MLA handout for details ◦ Header ◦ Heading (last name # at top right) ◦ Double spaced, TNR font, 12 point ◦ When you TYPE the title of the play, you write it in italics as in The Crucible. DO NOT underline when typed.