The Literary/Rhetorical
Analysis Paragraph
Beefing up literary analysis
Objectives
• 1. We will refine our definitions of the
components of a quality literary analysis
paragraph (topic, context, quote,
explanation, analysis)
• 2. We will revise our literary analysis
paragraphs to include at LEAST TWO
quotes and TWO explanations to provide
in-depth evidence within our analysis.
Write the following on your paper:
• Topic sentence:
• Context:
• Quote:
• Explanation w/citation:
• Analysis:
A good paragraph is a like a good
hamburger…
Topic
sentence
Evidence/Support
Topic
sentence
Topic
sentence
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Evidence/Support
Concluding
Sentence
Concluding
Sentence
Concluding
Sentence
okay
good
best
From Burger to Analysis Paragraph
• BLAH
Topic sentence
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding
sentence
Topic Sentence
• Gives the main idea
of the paragraph
Context-Quotation-Citation • In literary/rhetorical
Explanation
analysis, includes the
element or device (i.e.
Analysis
character, imagery,
Context-Quotation-Citation
etc.)
Explanation
• In a complete essay,
Analysis
ties back to the thesis
Concluding
statement.
sentence
Topic sentence
Context
• Sets up background
for your quotation:
Context-Quotation-Citation
who? to whom?
when? where? what
Explanation
is happening?
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation • Tells readers what
they need to know to
Explanation
understand the
Analysis
quotation.
Concluding
sentence
Topic sentence
Quotation
• The actual words
from the text
Context-Quotation-Citation • Make it as brief as
Explanation
you can by cutting out
the fluff!
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation • Limit yourself to a few
words or short
Explanation
phrases, if possible
Analysis
• Incorporate/blend into
Concluding
your own sentence
sentence
Topic sentence
Citation
Topic sentence
Cite according to MLA
format:
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding
sentence
Set up “quote quote” (4).
novel: page
(#).
poem: line
(#).
essay: paragraph (para.
#).
Explanation
• Interpret what the
quotation means or
Context-Quotation-Citation
what the author is
saying
Explanation
• Stay focused on the
Analysis
topic sentence’s main
Context-Quotation-Citation
idea
Explanation
• Avoid plot summary
Analysis
Topic sentence
Concluding
sentence
Analysis
• Connect the quotation
to the literary/ rhetorical
Context-Quotation-Citation
device from your topic
sentence (and your
Explanation
thesis statement)
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation • What is the writer’s
effect/purpose?
Explanation
• Vary your syntax so
Analysis
paragraph does not
Concluding
become choppy
sentence
Topic sentence
Concluding Sentence
• Refers back to the
topic sentence
Context-Quotation-Citation
(and/or thesis
statement)
Explanation
• Include the name of
Analysis
the rhetorical device
Context-Quotation-Citation
or literary element
Explanation
• Wrap it up!
Analysis
Topic sentence
Concluding
sentence
Analysis Paragraph TOTALS
Topic sentence
ONE central idea/ or
literary/rhetorical focus
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Context-Quotation-Citation
Explanation
Analysis
Concluding
sentence
TWO pieces of
evidence from the text
EIGHT sentences
minimum
Sample Paragraph
In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John Steinbeck highlights the
contradictions inherent in the American Dream through the use of
syntax. Early in his essay, Steinbeck characterizes this “strong and
imperishable dream” as paradoxical (para. 4). Here the words “strong”
and “imperishable” imply lasting, while dreams, themselves, are
ephemeral. This contradiction in words emphasizes the paradoxical
nature of the American Dream. Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,”
“but,” “yet”—throughout the piece also signal contradictions. These
important transition words make the sentences feel connected and
opposing such as when Steinbeck writes, “we fight our way in, but try to
buy our way out” (para. 2). Here, the syntax mirrors the inherent discord
found in how Americans strive to obtain the Dream. Steinbeck’s style,
heavy in conjunctions and contradictory diction, helps signal that it is
the quest for the dream, itself, the “vague yearnings” that truly embody
what it means to pursue an elusive dream.
In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John
Steinbeck highlights the contradictions inherent in the
Topic
Sentence
American Dream through the use of syntax. Early in his essay,
Steinbeck characterizes this “strong and imperishable dream” as
paradoxical (para. 4). Here the words “strong” and “imperishable” C-Q-C
imply lasting while dreams, themselves, are ephemeral. This
E
contradiction in words emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the
American Dream. Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,” “but,”
A
“yet”—throughout the piece also signal contradictions. These
important transition words make his sentences feel connected and C-Q-C
opposing such as when Steinbeck writes, “we fight our way in, but
E
try to buy our way out” (para. 2). The syntax mirrors the inherent
discord found in how Americans strive to obtain the Dream.
A
Steinbeck’s style, heavy in conjunctions and contradictory word
choice help signal that it is the quest for the dream, itself, the
Concluding
Sentence
“vague yearnings” that truly embody what it means to pursue an
elusive dream.
.
In the 1966 essay, “Paradox and Dream,” John Steinbeck
Topic
highlights the contradictions inherent in the American Dream
Sentence
through the use of syntax. Early in his essay, Steinbeck characterizes this “strong and imperishable dream” as paradoxical (para. C-Q-C
4). Here, the words “strong” and “imperishable” imply lasting while
E
dreams, themselves, are ephemeral. This contra-diction in words
emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the American Dream.
A
Steinbeck’s use of conjunctions—”and,” “but,” “yet”—throughout
the piece also signal contradictions. Here, These words make his C-Q-C
sentences feel connected and opposing such as when Steinbeck
E
writes, “we fight our way in, but try to buy our way out” (para. 2).
This mirrors the inherent discord found in how Americans strive to
A
obtain the Dream. Steinbeck’s style, heavy in conjunctions and
contradictory word choice help signal that it is the quest for the
Concluding
Sentence
dream, itself, the “vague yearnings” that truly embody what it
means to pursue an elusive dream.