WRITING A LITERARY
ANALY SIS
Othello
by: William Shakespeare
Miss Amorin
Grade 12
WHAT IS A LITERARY
ANALY SIS?
 A well developed paper that analyzes literature from different
angles.
 The literary analysis proves a point (thesis).
 It is supported by:
• Ideas and events in the text
• The writer’s opinions that correlate with ideas in the work
• “Quotes” from the reading selection
• Connections to outside sources that relate to the thesis
PRE-WRITING
Theme= a dominant idea or subject that usually ties into a lesson
or point.
 Examples) love, trust, hate, jealousy, struggle, deceit, anger, friendship,
greed, pride, etc…
THESIS statement= main point to be proven in a paper. It is
usually one sentence located at the end of the introduction.
 The entire paper will revolve around the THESIS. Prove the thesis by
giving examples and “quotes” from the reading as supportive evidence.
S T E P O N E F O R W R I T I N G A L I T E R A RY A NA LY S I S -
C H O O S I N G A TH E M E
 Select a THEME of interest to write about.
 Remember: Students will PROVE A POINT (*THESIS*) about
the theme.
 Theme ideas—
 Love, hate, greed, jealousy, trust, pride, envy, lust, happiness,
struggle, revenge, deception, anger, sloth, friendship, knowledge,
manipulation, hardship, naivety, corruption, innocence, distrust,
betrayal, relationships, etc….
S TEP TWO : WRITE A THES IS *
IN RELATION TO THEME
 Prove a point about the theme. What idea can be argued about
the theme? That is a thesis statement.
 Othello Example)
Theme= Deception
Thesis= Deception is a trait that multiple characters fall victim to
due to the manipulative ways of the antagonist, Iago.
GIVE EXAMPLES FROM PLAY TO SUPPORT THESIS.
DISCUSS.
THESIS* EXAMPLES
 Theme= Revenge
Thesis= Iago finds pleasure in seeking revenge on Othello,
disregarding those who may be affected by his malicious plans.
 Theme= Love
Thesis= Love proves itself to be the downfall of several characters
throughout the play, Othello.
*CLASS- WRITE ANOTHER THESIS STATEMENT FOR THE
THEME OF LOVE.
PRE-WRITING OUTLINE *

Choose a topic/ theme.

Write a thesis statement in relation to theme.

Write three examples (three main points) from the
play that support the thesis statement.

Write three “quotes” that relate to the three main
points (supporting the thesis).

See model handout for format.
ENHANCING WRITING

Literary METAPHORS (similes apply as well)
Metaphors are used to make ideas about characters or the plot
appear more interesting to the reader.
Regular sentence- Jealousy causes people to think and behave out
of character.
*METAPHOR sentence- Jealousy is a virus that breeds pain and
misfortune.
METAPHORS
 He is a predator who figures out a cunning way to trap his prey. (Iago about Othello)
 It is a black rose whose thorns pierce the frail human heart and drain it down the
monstrous, hollow husk filled with greed and envy. (envy/jealousy)
 He is like a game of poker living a life that continuously calls bluff.
(Iago’s manipulation)
 She is a silk white rose whose petals are filled with innocence. (Desdemona)
 It is an infection that uncontrollably spreads throughout the body. (jealousy)
Metaphors vs. Similes

Both are good in to include in writing.
ENHANCING WRITING

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS???
-
Rhetorical questions are questions that have provoke thought and
have implied answers.
-
Rhetorical questions enhance points that are being proven in paper.
-
Examples) Don’t people use reputation as a judgment of character?
-
Can we falter someone for simply giving their opinion when asked? Was
it ever said it was the truth?
-
Should we hold Emilia accountable for submitting to her husband’s
request?
FORMAT FOR WRITING AN
* INTRODUCTION*
 I. Hook/ Grab reader’s interest
 II. Background information
 III. Thesis statement
I N T RO D U C T I O N - PA RT I *
1.
Attention grabber (hook)
•
“Quote” (cite)
•
Definition (cite)
•
Scenario(s) *
•
Present Theme
•
Metaphor/ Simile *
•
Rhetorical Question
INTRODUCTION - PART II*
2.
Background information
•
Discuss general “theme”
•
Transition into specific text (play)
•
Title of story
•
Author
•
Discussion of theme/ topic in relation to play/ thesis*
INTRODUCTION - PART III*
3.

THESIS statement*
Main focus of paper that will be proven in body of paper
Notes
- Present tense

- Third person

-
See models (handouts)
*MODEL INTRODUCTION
Perception vs. Deception
The vast difference between appearance and reality is enough to
deceive even the most noble of men. A great poet by the name of William
Blake once said, “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would
appear as it is –infinite” (ThinkExist 1). One’s perception can effortlessly be
altered by something as small as a modest falsity. If human beings had the
power to see beyond the closed doors that often shadow reality, they could not
be deceived. The undemanding act of deceit is simple. Deceiving one’s mind
can be as simple as fooling the most gullible person on April Fool’s day. In
life, people will unremittingly revise and alter the truth. It is an act of human
nature. Life can resemble a game of telephone and lies can be created with a
diminutive modification of words or ideas. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy,
Othello, the antagonist, Iago, manipulates characters to believe what he
sought them to accept as true. Iago uses his intelligence, wit, and “honesty”
to depose Othello’s intellect and mentality of all that is occurring in his life.
With Iago’s simple and malicious twist on words and ideas, the villainous
character is able to deceive Othello’s perception, inevitably turning him into a
jealous monster.
Literary Analysis
WRITING A * BODY
PARAGRAPH

Format for Writing a BODY Paragraph for a Literary Analysis

1.) Main reason

2.) Supporting details

3. Closing reflecting thesis idea
Note:
-
Use rhetorical questions, metaphors, and other forms of compositional risk to enhance writing
-
NO “I” or “you”
-
Present tense
BODY* PARAGRAPH
1.) Main reason sentence
- General point being made that supports thesis*)
2.) Supporting details
- Include an example(s) from text to support main reason;
analyze incident/ event(s) to prove point- do NOT summarize
- “Quote” that supports main point of paragraph
~ Specify who said the quote
~ Smoothly transition “quote” into paragraph
~ Cite “Quote” and explain point/meaning
3.) Close paragraph reflecting main reason and THESIS
- Do NOT just close body paragraph with analyzing event
*See model handout (body/essay)
INCORPORATING
“QUOTES”

Make sure “quotes” from text transition smoothly into paragraph.

Tie the “quote” into the idea presented in the paragraph.

Introduce “quote.” Who said it?

Write “quote” and make sure to CITE! (Author’s last name pg. #)

Example) Iago proves he will deceive Othello when he states,
“I am not what I am” (Shakespeare 12).

Explain “quote” in own words. Emphasize point.
See model handout*
CONCLUSION*

* FORMAT for writing a CONCLUSION for a
Literary Analysis
1.
1.) Wrap up main points from body paragraphs
2.
2.) Re-state thesis (in different words than
introduction)
3.
3.) End Strong!

Model* Conclusion

Theme: Manipulation

Thesis: Iago is able to manipulate other characters due to his “honest” and
noble reputation.
It is clear as to what happened in the tragedy of Othello. An honest man turned
evil when his heart was filled with jealousy and revenge. He then decided to use his
good reputation for honesty against the rest of the world. He was able to manipulate
those around him through his lies in order to meet his goal. Iago was a very complex
character, possibly one of Shakespeare’s most evil figures. No matter how malicious
his intensions were, his intelligence is what put him ahead. He realized early on what
he was capable of accomplishing; what tricks he could play on his friends because
they all knew he was a good and “honest” man. Much credit must be given to this
villain who was able use his reputation to manipulate several characters throughout
the play.
Additional Notes!

Be creative with use of words and ideas

Think “out of the box”

Challenge your writing capabilities

Incorporate compositional risk in paper to enhance writing

(metaphors, similes, rhetorical questions, hyperbole, etc…)

Present tense

No “I” or “you”

Use Rubric as a check list to make sure all criteria is completed

REVISE! Look over grammar. Read aloud to self to ‘hear’ overlooked mistakes.

Don’t write the standard essay or ideas that has been seen! Make your paper an
original!