Literary Analysis Pointers
In your full analyses you should establish:
1. What device is being treated and where the example is found (with line numbers).
o You should include a quotation with the specific language that contains the device.
2. The context in the work (where it is happening) – this can be done subtly, by including elements of context
in the other pieces.
3. The effect of the device: what does the use of this device do to deepen or enhance your understanding in
this particular passage?
o This should be established using specific, descriptive language that clarifies how this particular
example relates to and enhances the text. General statements of the purpose of a device are not
sufficient.
4. The significance of the usage of this device and the passage: how does this usage help to lend importance to
this passage in the broader understanding of the work?
o You may connect your example to the greater plot of the work, to the treatment of an important
theme in the work, or to the development of an important character in the work.
o In addition, you may connect it to how it enhances your understanding of the time period and the
culture of the people who wrote this work. However, this should only be done in addition to the
preceding point.
3 Examples of literary analysis paragraphs from SGGK.
#1Allusion played a specific role once Gawain has discovered the location of the Green Chapel and is awaiting
the Green Knight’s blow (2241-2254). As the Green Knight declares his course of action, Gawain prays that “the
Holy Ghost may grand [him] the power to begrudge [the Green Knight] nothing (2250-2251). This alludes to the
Trinity of the Christian Bible and reflects on the value Gawain places on his faith. Gawain’s character tag is
reintroduced as he is put in a position that may cost him his life. It shows that he has the courage to stare down
death (even though he has a magic belt) and honor the Green Knight’s challenge from Part I of the story.
#2In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the author uses heavy imagery when the Green Knight appears at a
holiday feast (136). The Knight’s grand entrance silences those in attendance, causing every aspect of the room to
be magnified. His green armor, tunic, and skin stunned the crowd, as his glory was portrayed through his elegant
appearance. There is major emphasis on the physical aspects of the character, and the possible symbolism each
component entails. The author uses imagery to foreshadow future events dealing with Gawain, King Arthur, and
the Knight.
#3During Christmas in Camelot, Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table feasted and drank in honor of
Christ (37-140). The author uses metaphors in order to describe the entrance of the Green Knight when the
author states “a ghastly knight sprang through the door, huge, taller than men stand so square and thick from
neck to knee [. . .] clearly the biggest creature in the world” (135-140). The effect of describing the Green Knight,
by highlighting all of his massive features, gives the reader a sense of superiority and an image of a man that is
very different from any other man. This is significant because when the Green Knight calls upon a man to play
his game, no knights feel like volunteering except Sir Gawain who seems to be much braver than the rest of the
Knights of the Round Table.
Your Assignment:
1.) Read The Siege of Benwick (P.248) from Le Morte d’ Arthur (the death of Arthur) by Sir Thomas Malory. Using
your knowledge from SGGK, the film documentary, and now from the end of Arthur’s life, you should have a
comprehensive understanding of the Arthurian time period.
2.) Read P. 265 “The Legacy of Medieval Romance”. Following this guideline, write a STRONG 3 part essayintroduction, body, and conclusion. Use the above notes and examples on a strong literary analysis to complete this
task.
This is due by the end of class or may be completed for homework.