How to do a Literary
Analysis
http://www.germanna.edu/tutor/handouts/english/literary_analysis.pdf
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1. Read the text closely. No more
FAKE READING! Focus on the ideas
that are being presented. Think
about the characters’ development
and the author’s writing technique.
What might be
considered interesting, unusual, or
important?
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2. Brainstorm a list of potential topics.
*Highlight important passages in the text and
take notes on these passages.
*The topic chosen should
always be based on a writer’s
.
You need literary devices.
interpretation of the author’s message.
http://literary-devices.com/
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Quick List
Allegory
Alliteration
Allusion
Anagram
Analogy
Anastrophe
Anthropomorphism
Antithesis
Aphorism
Archetype
Characterization
Conflict
Connotation
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Hubris
Hyperbole
Imagery
Irony
Juxtaposition
Metaphor
Metonymy
Mood
Motif
Negative Capability
Nemesis
Paradox
Periphrasis
Personification
Plot
Point of View
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Satire
Setting
Simile
Suspense
Symbolism
Syntax
Theme
Tone
Tragedy
Understatement
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Diction
Doppelganger
Epilogue
Euphemism
Euphony
Flashback
Foil
Foreshadowing
Devices to think about…
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• When viewing this work as a piece of art, what might a
writer’s response be?
• What might a writer’s reactions be to the ideas presented
in the work?
• Are these ideas truthful or relevant to today and how?
• If a writer were asked what they thought of this work how
might they respond? What points might a writer make?
#3 Think about what the
author is trying to say
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• A writer should make sure to include specific details to
support the topic. Use highlighted sections of the book as
evidence to support the topic that has been chosen.
• You have to give credit to your source, which means you
have to put the page number where examples are found
• The good thing about lit analysis is that everyone will be
different. No more cookie cutter style writing like the
ACT.
#4 Select a theme that
has sufficient supporting
evidence
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Death
Faith
Hatred
Survival
Perseverance
Loss of innocence
Family Identity
Religion
Lies/Deceit
Freedom
Silence
Father and Son bonds
Cultural Identity
Morality
Memories
Evil
Possible Themes
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• The analysis will need a strong thesis that states a writer’s
perspective but also allows it to be debated.
The thesis should state a writer’s opinion, but it should also
allow readers to arrive at their own conclusions.
• Look at your directions for the working thesis example I
have you for this paper. You can use it if you like.
#5 Create a Working
Thesis
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Find your evidence to support your paper
Refine your thesis when needed
Get organized-5 paragraph essays are NOT allowed!
Interpret the evidence-express your own personal
interpretation of the work but don’t write a summary.
• Rough drafts-That’s right, more than one. You should
outline, free-write, bubble map, write certain paragraphs.
• Revise! Revise! Revise! Take control of your own
proofreading. It’s your job now to check every mistake.
Other Important Steps
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• To start class today, read over the literary analysis for The
Great Gatsby
• Take notes on how this style paper is different from ACT
writing
• Also take notes on how it follows the rules of writing an
effective lit analysis
• Feel free to write on the sample
• Discuss your findings with a classmate near you
• Let’s discuss as a class
Lit Analysis
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Do…
Make a wonderful title
Check for errors
Be creative
Use examples from the
entire book
• Write multiple paragraphs
• Use direct quotes and
paraphrase in the paper
• Don’t…
• Make it sound like a book
report
• Cite by doing (p. 56). The
correct way is (50) since
there is just one source for
this paper
• Have an intro that doesn’t
completely match the rest of
the paper
• Use contractions: can’t,
don’t, won’t, etc…
The Good, The Bad, & The
Ugly
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