Literary Analysis
A good analysis shows not only a student's skill in composition, but also his/her depth of explaining and understanding of the impact of literature.
An analysis is a specific form of essay writing in which a piece of literature is explained, unfolding the theme for the reader.
Therefore, the heart of the essay should be a discussion of the literary devices used by the author to express that theme. This should be done by a close examination of specific examples from the text.
Do not summarize the story! Do not discuss the plot at all. Instead, answer these questions: What is the author trying to communicate? What's the author's point?
An analysis is a specific form of essay writing in which a piece of literature is explained, unfolding the theme for the reader.
- Focus strictly on the text of the passage.
- Information that has not been placed in the passage by the author should not be included in this type of analysis.
- Background information about the author or the work itself, while often interesting and enlightening, should not be a part of an analysis.
- Examine the literary devices the author uses to communicate the theme.
Therefore, the heart of the essay should be a discussion of the literary devices used by the author to express that theme. This should be done by a close examination of specific examples from the text.
Do not summarize the story! Do not discuss the plot at all. Instead, answer these questions: What is the author trying to communicate? What's the author's point?
| writing_a_lit_analysis.doc |
Sample Analyses
| character_point_of_view.doc |
| symbolism.doc |
| theme.doc |
