1. A literary analysis is not an evaluation. It’s an interpretation of literature.
2. What are the two purposes of writing a literary analysis paper?
a. Helps understand the deeper meaning of a piece
b. Helps to create a clear argument
3. An introduction to a literary analysis essay needs to contain:
a. hook
b. The author and title
c. Background information
d. Thesis statement or theme and the main message
4. Your thesis needs to accomplish two things:
a. Relate to the theme of the work
b. Suggest how the author reveals/communicates the theme
5. Textual evidence can be in the form of quotes, paraphrases, or both.
6. Why is it important to lead into, or embed, the quotes you use?
It is important to lead into a quote because it sets the reader up for the evidence. It helps the
reader know what the quote’s purpose is.
7. What is the most important part of each body paragraph? (hint: it comes after the
quotes)
The support and the transitions words and phrases that connect sentences together.
8. You should have (at least) 2 (number) times as much commentary as textual evidence.
9. A hook should be used to connect BOTH sentences and paragraphs.
10. Your concluding sentence in each body paragraph should tie the textual evidence and
commentary back to your thesis statement.
11. Other than re-stating your thesis in different words, you should also answer the “So
what?” question to show the theme relevance of your essay topic.
12. Any literary analysis essay needs to have at least 1 (number) works cited entry.
13. What verb tense should you use when writing about literature?
Present tense.
14. What point of view should you use when writing about literature?
Third-person point of view.