Literary Analysis Essay
Norton Field Guide
“Literary analyses are essays in which we examine literary
texts closely to understand their messages, interpret their
meanings, and appreciate their writers’ techniques” (81).
“A literary analysis is a form of argument; you are arguing
that your analysis of a literary work is valid. Your thesis,
then should be arguable” (85).
“The Diamond Necklace”
&
“Mother to Son”
What SHARED element(s) link(s) “The Diamond Necklace” and “Mother
to Son”?
◦ Tone? Attitude that the author [or speaker, character] has about a subject
◦ Motif? Recurring concept(s) within, between, among works of literature
◦ Theme? A complete statement that establishes a (universal) truth about humanity.
The Big Idea: What are the authors trying
to say through their respective works?
Use either of the paired readings [“Poison” with “Mark of
the Beast” OR “The Destructors” with “The Hollow Men”] to
create a multi-paragraph essay of 3-5 pages developing a
shared element and the significance of this element in the
understanding of each work.
Norton Field Guide 82-4
Analysis of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Lift not the painted veil which those who live”
by Stephanie Huff
Thesis: This absence of truth is exactly what Shelley chooses to address as he
uses metaphors of grim distortion and radiant incandescence to expose the
counterfeit nature of our world.
Topic Sentences:
¶ 1: The speaker of Shelley’s poem presents bold assertions about the nature
of our society.
¶ 2: This painted veil does not completely obstruct our view but rather distorts
what we can see.
Topic Sentences (continued)
Notice the placement of the quoted material in the topic is NOT
recommended—it can be too confining and lead to difficulties later
in the paragraph. Also, what might be a concern with topic 5?
¶ 3: Most people, however, do not realize that the shapes and images
seen through the veil are distorted because all they know of life is the
veil—this life we see as reality only “mimic[s] all we would believe” (3),
using “colours idly spread” (4) to create pictures that bear little
resemblance to that which they claim to portray.
¶ 4: What really lies behind this façade are fear and hope, both or
which “weave / Their shadows, o’er the chasm, sightless and drear” (56).
¶ 5: This chasm does not include all people, however, as we are
introduced to one individual, in line 7, who is trying to bring to light
whatever truth may yet remain.
Evidence & Analysis
Does each topic have enough evidence to define it, defend it, and /
or develop the topic and the thesis?
How has the evidence been included?
How has it been developed? [Analysis]
◦ Is the analysis clearly related to the quoted evidence?
◦ Does the writer reference the quote?
“Poison” & “Mark of the Beast”
What idea(s) or element(s) are present in BOTH pieces?
What purpose is served by its use? [What meaning is created? What is the
author’s purpose?]
How do you want to develop your argument based upon your understanding of
the texts?
“The Destructors” & “The Hollow Men”
What idea(s) or element(s) are present in BOTH pieces?
What purpose is served by its use? [What meaning is created? What is the
author’s purpose?]
How do you want to develop your argument based upon your understanding of
the texts?