English 1301
Professor Daniel Chavez
Fall 2014
Literary Analysis
A literary Analysis is to “examine
literary texts closely to understand
their messages, interpret their
meanings, and appreciate their
writer’s techniques” (Norton 143).
Literary Analyses
(Norton 143-152)
 Understanding
and interpreting
meaning
 Exploring different points of view
 Performing a critical analysis
Steps to Writing a Literary Analyses
(Sample 147-152)
Purpose
Audience
Stance (Observation or Understanding of the
Text)
4. Define, Describe, Narrate—look in terms of
the text in a “larger context” the big picture,
historical, social, cultural…
1.
2.
3.
Generating Ideas & Text
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Look at your assignment
What elements make up the text?
What does it say?
What context? Historical, Cultural, Social,
Literary merit/genre…
Literary: theme, tone, effect, conflict, context
Composing a strong thesis (Norton
150)
Brainstorming and Planning:
 “Literary analysis should be specific, limited,
and open to potential disagreement”
 Do a close reading of the text
 Look for patterns, context, comparison of two or
more texts
 Formulate an argument and support with
evidence (QUOTES)!!!!
Essay Design:
Formulating a Thesis (Hacker 373-6)
Organizing Ideas (Use Bubble Maps or an
Outline)
 Use evidence (cite passages) with In-Text
Citations
 Citing Sources: Avoiding Plagiarism - Hacker
(376-378)
 Proofread, Edit, Peer Review—Edit and Revise
For more detailed description of Essay design
refer to MLA Format Presentation.
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Organizing a Literary Analysis
(directly from Norton text (152)
Introduce the text you are analyzing and state
thesis
 Cite passages from the text, one-by-one and
explain how each supports your thesis and your
interpretation of the text
 Sum up your interpretation in light of your
analysis
 Document your sources
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Writing the Literary Analysis
Go to the Assignment tool and follow the
directions to complete your Literary Analysis
Essay.
 Good-luck
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