The English Corner at Richland College
Ten Tips for a Successful Literary Analysis
1. Write in the present tense
Use past tense for real history. Use present tense for literature and ideas. Ideas and stories never
die.
In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry lives in a cupboard under
the stairs.
2. Write in the third person
Keep the “I” out of the analysis as much as possible. It’s clear that “you think” something
because it’s your essay. Only use “you” in an essay when referring directly to the reader. Most of
the time, it is inappropriate to refer to the reader. However, if you need to refer to the reader in
your analysis, use the words “the reader.”
First Person: I think Harry Potter is a dynamic character because I read many details that
show how he changes and matures as he faces dangers and trials throughout the book.
Second Person: Towards the end of The Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter shows you how
mature he is when he boldly faces dangers.
Third Person: Harry Potter is a dynamic character who, through many trials and
dangers, grows and matures throughout the book.
3. Analyze, don’t summarize
Avoid summarizing the story, poem, or song (i.e. retelling the story literally). Instead, analyze
and interpret the story, poem, or song (i.e. form a thesis and explain what it means).
Plot Summary: Robert Frost’s “The Mending Wall” is a poem about two neighbors. The
narrator questions why there is a wall between their properties and what the wall is for.
The neighbor argues that “good fences make good neighbors.” Although the two
neighbors have no problems with each other, they continue the tradition that their fathers’
instituted of mending the wall every spring even though the narrator questions the
reasons behind having the fence and tradition.
Analysis: By maintaining the division between the properties, the narrator and his
neighbor are able to maintain their individuality and personal identity as farmers: one of
apple trees and one of pine trees. Moreover, the annual act of mending the wall also
provides an opportunity for the two men to interact and communicate with each other, an
event that might not otherwise occur in an isolated rural environment. The act of meeting
to repair the wall allows the two men to develop their relationship and the overall
community far more than if each maintained their isolation on separate properties (Grade
Saver).
4. Include an arguable thesis
Include a clear thesis statement that argues for something meaningful about the literature: your
interpretation. Your argument can be about the meaning, a theme/motif, the writer’s use of
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rhetorical devices, or how the work reflects the real world (or something of your choosing).
Write and argue about what the story/poem/song means not what it says. Don’t summarize;
instead, decide: “What does it all mean?” Include the title of the story/song/poem in the thesis.
Summary: The song “Hero of War” by Rise Against is about a soldier’s experience in
the US army and war.
Thesis: While cloaked in the symbols and rhetoric of the US army, the song “Hero of
War” by Rise Against is actually an antiwar protest that reveals the destruction of a
soldier’s morality and humanity because of war.
5. Use literary terms
Use literary terms to discuss your points (e.g. character, theme, setting, point of view, symbols,
imagery, figurative language, rhyme, etc.). Be sure to look up words you don’t understand.
6. Know the difference between character and author
Take care not to confuse a character’s viewpoint (fiction or drama) or a speaker’s viewpoint
(poetry) with the author’s viewpoint. The author is not the speaker or character. J.K. Rowling is
not Harry Potter. The narrator in “The Mending Wall” is not Robert Frost.
7. Attribute your own interpretation
Be careful not to attribute your interpretation to the author. Don’t argue that the author thinks
something. Instead, argue that the story, poem, or song means something. You don’t know what
the author really thinks. You can only argue for your interpretation.
Author Attribution: In “Think like a Dinosaur” James Patrick Kelly illuminates that
individual life and maintaining our humanity are more important than technological
advancements.
Personal Interpretation: “Think like a Dinosaur” by James Patrick Kelly illuminates
that individual life and maintaining our humanity are more important than technological
advancements.
8. Use textual evidence
Use textual evidence to support your analysis; however, the majority of your paper needs to be
your own thoughts and ideas. Break down large sections of text into small bits and explain what
they mean. Interpret the story, poem, or song; don’t just reiterate the author’s words. Tell your
reader what those words mean and how they relate to your interpretation. Don’t forget to use
quotation marks around exact quotes.
9. Consider the larger context
Consider the larger context (other critics’ opinions, biographical, history, social, political, and
religious/philosophical) when analyzing a story, poem, or song. Consider both the context of the
work (the story itself) and the context the work was written in (real life).
 What meaning can you gain from understanding the biography of the author or the
history surrounding him or her?
 What about the social or political context in which it was written? Can you make an
analogy to what’s happening in the real world?
 What are the social or political implications within the text? the real world?
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 Does the author’s religion play a part? Or are there religious connotations within the
text that need explaining?
 Consider what other critics say about the poem, song, or story. Including other critic’s
views can support your analysis. Sometimes you may disagree with them and use that
to build an argument. However, be sure to form your own opinion about the work.
This is your paper, not other critics. The reader wants to know what you think.
10.Use MLA citation and style
Use quotation marks for direct quotes with a correct citation following them. Be sure to include a
Works Cited page after your analysis. See eCampus for more help.
Verbs for Literary Analysis:
assign
demonstrate
embody
illustrate
observe
represent
convey
describe
epitomize
imply
offer
reveal
typify
designate
exemplify
indicate
personify
state
crystallize
disclose
explain
infer
present
suggest
declare
display
express
interpret
record
symbolize
define
unveil
divulge
voice
illuminate
argue
manifest
reflect
communicate
enlarge
increase
expand
magnify
expose
project
extol
extend
cloak
invalidate
curtail
minimize
decrease
negate
mask
limit
Increase Verbs:
amplify
expound
augment
broaden
contribute to validate
Decrease Verbs:
abbreviate
depreciate
abridge
diminish
camouflage
disguise
Some Literary Elements:
action
argument
intrigue
topic
subject
symbol
antagonist
protagonist
assonance
simile
onomatopoeia
extended metaphor
association
composition
style
machination
irony
token
alliteration
allusion
consonance imagery
characterization
personification
convention
denouement text
pattern
relationship plot
illusion
structure
motif
hyperbole
metaphor
point
theme
literary device
understatement
foreshadowing
Nouns to Use Instead of Thing:
article
attribute
detail
effects
feature
incident
object
occasion
accomplishment
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belongings
element
individual
practice
characteristic
concept
entity
aspect
property
concern
episode
matter
quality
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design
event
mode
style
act
deed
fact
item