Literary Analysis: Kite Runner Use this rubric to write a literary analysis for Kite Runner using the
theme(s) of guilt, forgiveness and/or redemption, while also addressing a specific literary device the author
utilizes in developing the theme(s) you choose. Due date: ___________________________
Expectations
Introduction
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Thesis
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Essay
organization
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Presenting
ideas and
context
____/20
Inserting
textual
evidence
____/20
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Explanation
and analysis
of textual
evidence
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____ /20
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Style
____/10
Grammar
and
mechanics
_____/10
______/100
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Original, attention-getting lead
Logically transitions to thesis statement
Substantial and effective introduction: uses the inverted triangle of information (broad,
book overview, narrow-thesis)
Title(s) and author(s) included and punctuated correctly
Thesis takes a position with an arguable edge (it cannot be considered a factual
statement about the text)
Thesis is located at the end of the intro
Thesis is substantial, interpretive in nature, clear and concise. This includes a perspective
about the work that is interesting, thoughtful and analytical.
The thesis lays out the argument that the entire paper will refer to (balances depth and
breadth)
Thesis addresses both a literary device (HOW) as well as a thematic argument (WHAT
and WHY)
The thesis and topic sentences fit together to form the outline of the argument
Effectively organized into engaging intro, cohesive body paragraphs, and satisfying
conclusion
Logical sequence for body paragraphs, building to a natural conclusion
Smooth transitions between paragraphs
Thesis is restated in the conclusion in different words
Topic sentences logically support the thesis
There is at least one sentence between the topic sentence and the quote in each body
paragraph (the linking sentence)
The linking sentence(s) sets up the quote
The linking sentence(s) integrates the quote into the paragraph
The linking sentences(s) are your own thinking and logically segue from the topic
sentence to the evidence
Topic sentences address both the literary device and thematic argument
Ample, specific quotes (every topic sentence must be proven and requires at least ONE
piece of textual evidence)
The quote should be the best possible evidence to support your topic sentence and
thesis
Evidence is used to support the topic sentence/theme rather than a retelling or
summarizing of the story
Evidence demonstrates understanding of complete text(s)
Quotes represent clear evidence that links to the topic sentence and thesis
Evidence addresses both the literary device and the thematic argument
Each quote has 2-3ish sentences of analysis after it
The analysis connects the evidence directly to the topic sentence and thesis statement
Explanations are logical and are integrated smoothly into the essay
Interpretation and analysis are substantial and plausible, rather than simply a retelling of
the text(s)
Answers the “so what?” question
Demonstrates understanding of author’s(’) purpose
Analysis addresses both the literary device and the thematic argument
Word choice is precise
Sentences are varied and complex
Tone is formal
Avoids 1st and 2nd person (I and you)
Consistent verb tense (past tense or historical present)
Few if any errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar to distract the reader
Quotes are punctuated and cited correctly (short quotes and long quotes (4 lines or
more)
Author, title and characters are spelled and punctuated correctly
Appropriate font, spacing, margins, etc.
This paper stapled to the essay
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