Step-By-Step Structure for Literary Essay
Introduction- Facts- Definitions-Overview of your topic
Thesis Statement- Is the last sentence of the introduction. It is an argument. You are
stating a theory on the subject matter- Be specific. It needs to contain the name of the
literary work, the subject and the direction- which is what you are trying to prove about
the subject. Example:
In the novel ____________________________ (always italicize title of novel), THE
SUBJECT (must be a literary feature or structure)_________________________
develops, supports, explains, emphasizes, identifies, characterizes, demonstrates, (choose
1) _______________________________ THE DIRECTION (must be a literary
argument)
First Point:

Topic Sentence: Must have a subject and direction. What will be proven in this
paragraph?

Set the scene: Who- What- Where- When- and How of the reference you are
about to use. No more than two sentences in length. Should be a quick narrative
not a summary.

1st Quote- “reference of support” has to directly exhibit the subject of thesis. At
the end of this reference use a parenthetical. Refer to standard MLA format:
(authors last name pg#) Ex: (Suskind 123) if author not mentioned in topic
sentence.

Discuss Subject: How is the subject of your thesis found in this reference?

Identify the Literary Techniques used in quote: Tone- Syntax- DictionImagery- Type of Imagery- Structure-Connotations/Denotations of words.

Literary Analysis: Explain how the Tone/Syntax/Diction etc. affect the quote.
How does it help with the point you are trying to make?

Personal Response: Original thought- your interpretation of what this quote does
or suggests about your topic. Discuss how the direction of the thesis is found in
reference.
Transition between first point & second Point
Second Point:

Topic Sentence: Must have a subject and direction. What will be proven in this
paragraph?

Set the scene: Who- What- Where- When- and How of the reference you are
about to use. No more than two sentences in length. Must be a quick narrative not
a summary.

2nd Quote- “reference of support” has to directly exhibit the subject of thesis. At
the end of this reference use a parenthetical. Refer to standard MLA format:
(254)

Discuss Subject: How is the subject of your thesis found in this reference?

Identify the Literary Techniques used in quote: Tone- Syntax- DictionImagery- Type of Imagery- Structure-Connotations/Denotations of words.

Literary Analysis: Explain how the Tone/Syntax/Diction etc. affect the quote.
How does it help with the point you are trying to make?

Personal Response: Original thought- your interpretation of what this quote does
or suggests about your topic. Discuss how the direction of the thesis is found in
reference.
CONTINUE STEPS UNTIL YOU HAVE MADE ALL YOUR POINTS
Transition between last point and Conclusion
Conclusion: Why is your thesis important to the novel as a whole? Think about author’s
purpose.