This is a literary analysis essay which will analyze the
author’s development of theme in a story.
Introduction

The introduction must introduce
 the author (William Golding)
 the title of the story (Lord of the Flies)
 provide a brief plot summary (one or two sentences)
 state the theme of the story, and explain which
literary device(s) the author uses to develop the
theme.(For example: Through character development and
setting description, Golding shows readers that . . .)
Introduction

Edward P. Jones’ The First Day develops the theme
that most parents will do whatever it takes to ensure that
their children are successful and avoid making the same
mistakes that they did. In this story of a working-class
girl’s first day of school, the author’s characterization of
the mother supports this theme.
 the author
 the title of the story
 provide a brief plot summary
 state the theme of the story
 explain which literary device(s) the author uses to
develop the theme
Examples of literary
devices:

How does the author use literary devices to develop the
theme of the story?
Consider one or more of the following:
 Setting
 Characterization (character’s actions, inner thoughts
and motivation. Is the character dynamic?)
 Point of view (who is telling the story?)
 Symbolism
 Plot (conflict, climax, resolution)
 Diction
 Figurative language
 Other craft techniques
Body Paragraphs

 Each body paragraph must refer to a/the literary
device and how the author uses the device to develop
the theme.
 (For example: The conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game”
reveals the theme that we can not understand another’s
perspective until we have experienced his perspective.
 This paragraph would then discuss HOW the conflict
reveals the theme using a quote(s) from the text as
additional support.)
Quotes

 Each body paragraph must include at least one quote
and must follow proper format for integrating
quotes.
Body Paragraphs with
Quotes
The narrator’s mother has long planned
for her daughter to attend Seaton, telling her
since birth, “’You gonna go there
and learn

about the whole world’” (Jones 2). After being
told they do not live in the Seaton area and,
therefore cannot attend, the mother reluctantly
pushes on, saying, “’One monkey don’t stop no
show’” (Jones 2). These moments reveal the
mother’s focus on her daughter’s education and
her determination to overcome obstacles.
Additionally, the mother’s use of colloquial
diction—“gonna” and “don’t stop no show”—
reveal her lack of education. Clearly, this mother
is unwavering in her resolve to have her
daughter succeed where she did not.
Plot details are
provided.
Relevant
quotes are
used to
support the
thesis.
Writer
explains HOW
the chosen
quotes support
the thesis. This
is the analysis.
Transition
words are
used!
More Body Paragraphs .
.
.
Later, the mother is forced to directly
reveal her own mistakes when she has to ask
another woman for help completing
enrollment

forms. She admits, “’I can’t read it. I don’t
know how to read or write, and I’m askin you to
help me” (Jones 3). This moment is given further
impact when the narrator notes that her
“mother is now diseased, according to [another]
girl’s eyes” (Jones 3). Here the reader is able to
experience the mother’s shame as she perseveres
in her efforts to enroll her daughter in a good
school. Clearly her illiteracy is not something
she wants to publicly admit, but she is willing to
do whatever it takes to help her daughter get
educated, even if it means admitting her own
shortcomings and subjecting herself to feelings
of humiliation.
Plot details are
provided.
Relevant
quotes are
used to
support the
thesis.
Writer
explains HOW
the chosen
quotes support
the thesis. This
is the analysis.
Transition
Conclusion

 The conclusion must restate the thesis and summarize the
impact of the theme on the reader.
The idea that parents want their children to succeed is
not new, but Jones’ story brings it to life with vivid
characterization , diction and poignant moments. Parenting
isn’t easy, and for all her failings, this mother is one to
admire.
Details

 This is at least a five paragraph essay.
 DO NOT use personal pronouns (I, my, me, you, your) or
contractions (can’t, won’t, don’t, doesn’t).
 The entire paper must be written in present tense (Jekyll
explains in his final statement his motives for his experiment).
 You must use a minimum of six direct quotes. That is, at
least two for each body paragraph.
 All quotations must be cited in MLA format.
REMEMBER > > >
A good literary analysis has the following components:
*It has a solid and unique thesis statement that clearly is arguable. Your
goal is to prove this thesis statement!
*It has a solid introduction, body, and conclusion. It uses effective
transitions and the writer analyzes sufficient textual support from the
book.
*There is meaningful textual support in each body paragraph.
*It contains a well-formatted works cited page. You may use
Noodletools for this if necessary.
Other helpful tips!
1. Write in the present tense
2. Normally, keep yourself out of your analysis; in other words, use the third
person (no I or you). Some instructors may require or allow the first or second
person in an informal analysis if the usage is consistent, however, so check with
your instructor. Our paper is a formal analysis, so first and second person are
NOT permitted.
3. Avoid summarizing the plot (i.e., retelling the story literally). Instead analyze
(form a thesis about and explain) the story in literary terms.
4. Do not confuse characters' (in fiction or drama) or speakers' (in poetry)
viewpoints with authors' viewpoints.
5. Support your points with many quotations and paraphrases, but write the
majority of your paper in your own words with your own ideas.
6. Cite prose, poetry, drama, critics, and any other sources used according to
specialized MLA standards. Visit this link for detailed instructions.
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/)
7. You are not required to consult any sources other than Lord of the Flies, but if
you do, you must cite them!!!
The following rules about parenthetical documentation can be found in
the “Writers Inc.” book on page 260-263, but here are some highlights!
*Parenthetical references look like this:
“Sophomores are in need of more discipline”(Cohrs 44).
Note: *There is nothing in the parenthesis other than the last name of
the author and the page number. There is no punctuation of any
kind, the first name is not mentioned, etc.
*The period comes after the parenthesis. You do not need to
keep the punctuation within the quote unless it is a ? Or !.
*You should use parenthetical documentation for any type of
citation; either direct (word for word) or indirect (paraphrased).
Some other issues . . .
*If you end a quote before you end your sentence put the parenthesis at
the end of the sentence.
EX: “Studies show that Sophomores, while cute, can have a really nasty
bite” that may infect easily (Santerre 43).
So, why do we do this anyway?
*To give appropriate credit to a source of information.
*To use as a reference for the Works Cited Page that you will learn how
to develop appropriately.
*To learn how to incorporate citation information naturally within the
text rather than disrupting your paper.