Choose one literary work from this readings to.docx
1. Choose one literary work from this semester’s readings to analyze.
Choose one literary work from this semester’s readings to analyze.Gilgamesh/The
Iliad/Oedipus/Aeneid/The Canterbury Tales/Petrarchan poetry/Sunjata/Hamletform an
analysis of any of the following aspects of the story:CharacterizationConflictImageryPoint of
viewSymbolismIn 1000 to 1500 words Include a thesis statement at the end of the
introduction paragraph.Include Topic sentences at the beginning of each body
paragraph.must be formal and written in 3rd person.must include at least 2 Secondary
(outside) sources from a Literature Database.must include multiple quotes from Primary
(the literary work) and Secondary sources (the research or outside source).Complete
informal outlineUse MLA headings (See example below)must be double-spacedFont must
be 12-point; Font must be Times New Roman or Courier NewMargins must be set at 1″ on
all sidesIndent each paragraph (use a Tab) and only double-space between paragraphsDo
not add extra returns between paragraphsKey Features of a Literary Analysis An arguable
thesis — A literary analysis is a form of argument; you are arguing that your analysis of a
literary work is valid. Your thesis, then, should be arguable, or at the very least,
persuasive. Careful attention to the language of the text — The key to analyzing a text is
looking carefully at the language, which is the foundation of its meaning. Specific words,
images, metaphors—these are where analysis begins. You may also bring in contextual
information, such as cultural, historical, or biographical facts, or you may refer to similar
texts. But the words, phrases, and sentences that make up the text you are analyzing are
your primary source when dealing with texts. That’s what literature teachers mean by
“close reading”: reading with the assumption that every word of a text is
meaningful. Attention to patterns or themes — Literary analyses are usually built on
evidence of meaningful patterns or themes within a text or among several texts. These
patterns and themes reveal meaning. A clear interpretation — A literary analysis
demonstrates the plausibility of its thesis by using evidence from the text and, sometimes,
relevant contextual evidence to explain how the language and patterns found there support
a particular interpretation. When you write a literary analysis, you show readers one way
the text may be read and understood; that is your interpretation Informal
Outline INTRODUCTION (One paragraph) What will you include in the Introduction
paragraph?Quote?The SUMMARY SECTION (One paragraph) What are the essential plot
points?Quote?THE LITERARY ANALYSIS SECTION (Multiple paragraphs)What is your main
point of analysis or main theme?What is the basis for your analysis? (Characterization,
Conflict, Imagery, Point of view, or Symbolism)Have you found any sources yet?Any
