September 8, 2014
EQ: How to write a literary
analysis paper.
• Begin with a clear thesis:
A thesis is like a road
map – It tells the reader
where you are going
and how you will get
there.
How to Write a Literary Thesis
A thesis statement is a one-sentence
summary of a paper's content.
Thesis Basics
PATH
• P = Position
• A = Author
• T = Title
• H = How provens
- A thesis should be no longer than a sentence. It should always
be in the introduction, preferably at the end of the paragraph.
-GET RID OF “I.” We know you feel or believe your argument.
You wrote it.
-Thesis should be interesting. Tell me something I do not know.
-You should have at least one body paragraph for each “proven.”
Formulas
Formula #1:
In the ____(novel, short story, play, poem)__ ____(title of
work)__ by ______(author___), the author ____(answer
question)__ through his/her use of ____________ ,
____________ , and ____________________ (pick one or more
of the examples below).
Example 2
Copy this into your notes!!!
Formula #2:
Through ___(the author’s full name)__use of
___(pick 1 or more examples below_ in the
____(novel, short story, play, poem)__ ____(title
of work)__, the author ____(answer
question)_____ .
What tone does Orwell set in the beginning paragraphs of
1984?
Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject. So…
what is the subject of the first few paragraphs of 1984?
1. Write down what you think is the subject, or main idea of
the first few paragraphs of 1984.
• To determine the main idea, look for
• The following:
– Details
– Main point of each paragraph
– Progression of ideas
These points will help you identify the main focus of the
passage.
Notes:
Next: How did Orwell feel about this subject?
Look for the following:
1. diction/ connotation – positive/negative
2. what details does he include – positive/negative
3. the progression of ideas - Is he describing their
Lives as wonderful or hard?
4. Look up the word that you choose for your tone word
write down the definition.
Example: repressed – subject to the suppression of his or her
thoughts or impulses.
Orwell creates an environment that represses the individuals
freedom of thought.
Writing your thesis:
• What did Orwell do that made you think that
his overall tone was _____________?
Find two rhetorical devices that helped you
to decide.
Possible examples:
diction ( connotation/ denotation) imagery,
details, structure, figurative language, irony,
etc…
Write your thesis using one of the examples given:
In the 1984 by George Orwell the author
creates a repressive tone through his use of
details and irony.
OR
Through Orwell’s use of _irony and details in 1984,
the author creates a repressive tone.
KERNAL ESSAY
In the 1984 by George Orwell the author creates a repressive tone through his use of details and
irony. (My thesis – where I am going with my paper and how I am going to prove my point)
A Orwell’s details of the way people live in Victory Mansions illustrates their repressive
environment.
A. ( a detail quote)
Explain how this detail shows that the environment is repressive.
NEXT: Transition to another DETAIL
B. Quote
Explain how this detail shows that the environment is repressive
B. Orwell’s uses irony to highlight their repressive environment by introducing the reader to
Victory Mansions then showing the reality of what they are.
A. Example 1
B. Example 2
Now that you have a “Kernel
Essay” you are ready to go.
Use the thesis and paragraph information to write your
essay.
All essays are due on Wednesday of this week. You may
come in for help if you need further assistance
Turn in the following with your paper in THIS order:
Top
1. Essay – Analysis of Tone
2. Kernel Essay with definition of tone
word.
3. Annotation
.