Writing about Literature
Is it analysis or explication?
Two basic approaches
• Explication
– detailed explanation of a
work
Explication
• sometime line by line or
word by word
• interested in how a work
means what it means
• Considers speaker, point of
view, connotation, images,
figurative language,
allusions, form structure,
sound, rhythm
• Close reading
What kinds of work call for
explication?
• must be rich enough to
deserve close attention
• short enough to be
encompassed in a
relatively brief discussion
• work best with short
poems, passages in long
poems, exceptionally rich,
crucial passages in prose
Analysis
• examines one aspect of
element or part that relates
to the whole
• elements to consider:
– point of view,
characterization, plot,
setting, symbolism, structure,
etc.
Papers Focusing on a Single
Literary Work
• Read the selection
carefully.
• Formulate your thesis
• Support it with
corroborating evidence
• Make sure you
account/examine contrary
evidence
Papers for Compare/Contrast
• Decide whether the
similarities or differences
are most important
• Begin with a brief summary
of the less significant
• Concentrate mostly on the
more significant
Proving Your Point
• Looking for proof
• SHOW how the work or element
does what you say it does
• Do not explain metaphors
metaphorically
• Avoid hypothesizing
• Avoid personal experiences
• Identify figures of speech and
investigate how it works
Writing the Paper
• Read the text carefully and
thoughtfully. (ANNOTATE!)
• Put the material aside for a
few days
• Prewrite-jot down ideas,
select connecting ideas,
formulate a thesis
statement
• Outline-rearrange ideas to
best support your thesis
• WRITE a rough draft as swiftly as
possible.
• REVISE for logic, coherence,
confidence, and completeness
of argument
• REVISE for effectiveness of
expression
• EDIT
• PUBLISH
How do I do this when I only
have 40 minutes, Mrs. Smith?
• Analyze the topic.
– compare, show how, define
• Prewrite- jot down key words or ideas
• Begin your answer with a topic
sentence that includes all the major
points you intend to use in your essay.
• Don’t give summaries of actions and
plots
• Be specific and concrete.
• Keep an eye on the clock and
budget your time.
• Review and revise if you have time.