Writing the Literary Analysis
Brought to you by the Purdue
University Writing Lab
Author: Brian Yothers
Literary Analysis Due Dates!
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1/23 – Friday – Thesis Statement Due
1/30 – Friday – Source Cards Due
2/9 – Monday – Rough Draft Check
2/11 – Wednesday – Final Draft Due
Part I: Defining the
Literary Analysis
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It’s literary
It’s an analysis
It’s . . . an argument!
It may also involve research on and analysis
of secondary sources (required for our
class).
How is it “literary”?
• Usually, a literary analysis will involve a
discussion of a text as writing, thus the term
literary, which means “having to do with
letters”
• This will involve the use of certain
techniques that are very specifically
associated with literature
Important literary techniques
• The Basics
– Plot
– Setting
– Narration/point of
view
– Characterization
– Symbol
– Metaphor
– Irony/ambiguity
– Literary Techniques
• Other key concepts
– Historical context
– Social, political,
economic contexts
– Ideology
– Multiple voices
– Various critical
orientations
What is an Analysis?
• An analysis of a literary work may discuss
– How the various elements of an individual
work relate to each other
– How two separate literary works deal with
similar concepts or forms (not applicable to
this class)
– How techniques and elements in literary works
relate to larger aesthetic, political, social,
economic, or religious contexts
Part II: Writing the
Thesis Statement
How is a literary analysis an
argument?
• When writing a literary analysis, you will
focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s).
• When discussing these attributes, you will
want to make sure that you are making a
specific, arguable point (thesis) about these
attributes.
• You will defend this point with reasons and
evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a
lawyer!)
Which is the best thesis
statement?
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Moby-Dick is about the problem of evil.
Moby-Dick is boring and pointless.
Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale.
The use of “whiteness” in Moby-Dick
illustrates the uncertainty about the meaning
of life that Ishmael expresses throughout the
novel.
Remember…
A literary analysis paper requires you to pose
an argument and provide detailed
examples (support) from the text (and
secondary sources) to support that
argument.
1. The thesis must state your topic.
2. The thesis must convey what you will
prove about your topic (your opinion
about that topic).
What makes a valid & interesting
opinion?
• Avoid the obvious! In other words, it won’t
argue a conclusion that most readers could
reach on their own.
Example:
Moby-Dick is about a big, white whale.
A thesis tells the reader what to
expect:
• It is a precisely worded declarative
sentence.
• It states the purpose of your analysis – the
point you are trying to make.
WITHOUT A CAREFULLY CRAFTED
THESIS, AN ESSAY/ANALYSIS HAS NO
CHANCE OF SUCCESS!
Sample thesis statements:
• The fate of the main characters in Antigone
illustrates the danger of excessive pride.
• The imagery in Jane Doe’s novel Escape
from High School reveals the ambiguity of
man’s relationship with nature.
• Through its contrasting river and shore
scenes, Twain's Huckleberry Finn suggests
that to find the true expression of American
democratic ideals, one must leave
"civilized" society and go back to nature.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen conveys
Elizabeth Bennet’s efforts to overcome her own
proud behavior and discrimination towards Mr.
Darcy, as well as how her family is affected by
the haughtiness and preconceptions of the society
around them.
• In "Sonny's Blues" Baldwin uses four female
characters, three of whom are mothers and one of
whom is an artist, to establish his theme that
there's no way to avoid suffering in life.
Try this strategy to develop and narrow
a thesis statement.
To write an effective thesis statement, start
with a general idea and then sharpen your
focus.
Step One:
• Choose a topic:
e.g., the novel, Huck Finn
Step Two:
Focus the topic:
e.g., satire in Huck Finn
Step Three:
Narrow the topic further by posing it as a
question.
e.g., Why does Mark Twain employ satire in
Huck Finn?
Step Four:
Answer the question. The answer is your
thesis statement.
e.g., In the novel Huck Finn, Mark Twain uses
satire to mock American cultural and
religious values.
Thesis Statement Finale
• Your thesis statement should be clear and
direct and should entice your audience to
read further.
• Each subsequent paragraph in the body of
your paper should support your thesis
statement and prove your claim.
Part III:
Primary & Secondary
Sources
How do I support a thesis
statement?
• Examples from the text:
– Direct quotations
– Summaries of scenes
– Paraphrase
• Historical and social context
• Other critics’ opinions (secondary
sources)
What is a secondary source?
• A book or article that discusses the text you
are writing about
• A book or article that discusses a theory
related to the argument you are making
• A book or article that discusses the social
and historical context of the text you are
writing about
• NO INTERNET SOURCES ALLOWED!
How do I find secondary
sources?
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MLA International Bibliography
Dictionary of Literary Biography
Discipline-specific sources
A bibliography that is part of your text
Ask someone who knows 
Integrating secondary sources
• When you use secondary sources, be sure to show
how they relate to your thesis.
• Don’t overuse any one secondary source, or for
that matter, secondary sources in general.
• Remember that this is your paper, your
argument—the secondary sources are just helping
you out.
• Never, never, never plagiarize! See the OWL
handout on plagiarism for more information.
Overview of Literary Analysis
• When writing a literary analysis:
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Be familiar with literary terms
Analyze specific items
Make an a argument
Make appropriate use of secondary sources
Consult teacher and media center specialists for
help when needed
How Can I Learn More?
• There are various handbooks of literary
terms available in most libraries.
• There are numerous introductions to literary
criticism and theory that are widely
available.
• Example: A Handbook to Literature.
Harmon/Holman
• I have several books which you are most
welcome to borrow.
Where can I go for more help?
• The Purdue University Writing Lab (online)
• http://owl.english.purdue.edu
• “Helpful Links” Handout given to you in
class
• After school tutorial with Mrs. P. or Mrs.
Hicks! (see front board for tutorial dates)