A step by step guide 
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Literary analysis requires the writer to carefully
follow a theme, motif, character development or
stylistic element and examine its importance
within the context of the novel or play.
Because literary analysis depends on the writer's
interpretation of the text, it's often necessary to
convince the reader of your point of view.
Writing a strong introduction to your essay will
help launch your reader into your main points.
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Hook
Background
Context
Thesis Statement
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You will first want to start off with a frame,
some single word, image or allusion that you
can use to open up your paper (personal
experience is too informal for this literary
analysis, as you can’t use the pronoun “I” in
this paper).
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MUST include:
◦ Title of play or novel (The Crucible in our case)
◦ Author of the piece (Arthur Miller)
◦ When the piece was written: 1954 (though based on
the Salem Witch Trials and set in 1694)
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You may also want to consider any other
information that your reader needs to know
to understand your thesis. This may be
character information (it will in your case) or
plot details essential for your reader to know.
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This is where you transition from background
information to setting the stage for your thesis
statement.
Think of context as situation. Say your thesis to
yourself and ask yourself, if I say this to a
person, what information do they need to know
BEFORE to better understand my point and
argument?
For example, if your thesis statement analyzes
the oppressive behaviors of Abigail, I need to
know a bit about what oppression means and
how Abigail is introduced as an oppressive
character….
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Your ONE sentence claim.
This is the foundation of your paper and
where ALL of your topic sentences come
from.
See notes/packet for additional information
as needed….
Hook and Background Info
(3-4 sentences)
Context
(2-3 sentences)
NO QUOTES
IN
INTRO!
Thesis Statement
(1 sentence)
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You need a title! (centered but not bold,
underlined or in larger/different font)
MLA formatted and typed
Look at your MLA handout for details
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Header
Heading (last name # at top right)
Double spaced, TNR font, 12 point
When you TYPE the title of the play, you write it in
italics as in The Crucible. DO NOT underline when
typed.