This document provides guidance on how to write a successful literary analysis essay. It explains that a literary analysis examines a work of literature in an organized way to interpret its meaning and how that meaning is conveyed. A strong literary analysis focuses on one or more literary elements, such as theme, conflict, or characterization, and makes an argument about the author's purpose through examples and evidence from the text. The document outlines the key components of an effective introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It also provides a sample outline and timeline for writing a literary analysis of the graphic novel Persepolis focusing on Marji's internal conflict between truth and lies.

1. WRITING THE
LITERARY ANALYSIS
How to avoid F’s and impress
Mrs. Singer

2. Analyze:
examine methodically and in detail the
constitution or structure of (something,
especially information), typically for
purposes of explanation and interpretation.
• Methodically- in an organized and logical way
• Explanation- giving details and overview
• Interpretation- your own conclusion based on the
information

3. An analysis explains what a work of
literature means, and how it means
it.

4. An Author’s Purpose
• When writing a literary analysis, you can go
beyond the basic literary elements and apply
them to other issues/categories.
(psychology, politics, history, etc.)

5. A literary analysis should focus on
one or a combination of the
following elements to convey your
investigation of the author’s
purpose.

6. Author’s Purpose
Theme Conflict Characterization

7. How is a literary analysis
an argument?
• When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on
specific attribute(s) of the text(s).
• An attribute can be the theme, characterization,
conflict, or a literary device.
• When discussing these attributes, you will want to
make sure that you are making a specific, arguable
point (thesis) about these attributes.
• You will defend this point with reasons and
evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

8. Our Literary Analysis
•We will write a paper that focuses on
one internal conflict that Marji
experiences in “Persepolis”
• (I will hand these out when we start writing)
•For example,
•Truth vs. Lies

9. Thesis Statement
• Your thesis should explain how Marji changes or learns
something about herself/life through the struggle with this
conflict.
• For example,
• Through her struggle with truth versus lies, Marjane learns that she
must go beyond simply what a person, group, or government says to
think critically and make her own decisions about what to believe
• Marjane’s struggle with truth and lies parallels the journey that all of
Iran must go through as they come to understand the truth behind their
government’s actions.
• Your paper should explore/give examples of at least the 3 most
important events/times that Marji struggles with the conflict.
• Remember- you must PROVE that your thesis is correct by
giving examples and evidence that back you up!

10. The Format
of the Introduction
• The introduction begins with a broad
statement about the main idea. This
statement might suggest background or the
general category to which the thesis idea
belongs.
• The next sentences are more specific,
moving closer to the actual thesis of the
essay.
• The final sentence of an introduction often
contains a fairly specific version of the
main idea; it is the thesis statement.

11. The introductory paragraph must include:
•A general statement about the theme
•The title and author of the story
•A brief summary of the story
•A clear thesis statement

12. The Introduction

13. Writing the Introduction
• Sentence 1: The general statement
• Is a general topic sentence
• Introduces the topic of the essay
• Captures the reader’s attention through a
quote, observation, definition, or
anecdote
• Sentences 2-4: The summary sentences
• Includes the title and author
• Brief summary and relevant background
information of novel or short story
• Sentences 5(-6)
• Contains the thesis statement and proofs

14. Sample Introduction
Is hunting really a civilized pastime? This is the
question that the author Richard Connell asks as he keeps
his readers on the edge of their seats in his famous short
story “The Most Dangerous Game.” Connell creates a
situation in which a famous hunter becomes another’s man’s
prey. When the hunter, Rainsford finds himself marooned on
Ship-Trap-Island, he discovers that, as a hobby, the owner of
the island hunts men instead of animals. Rainsford must
outsmart his opponent in order to stay alive, and so he
experiences all the fears that an animal feels when it is
hunted. By putting a hunter in the role of prey, Richard
Connell demonstrates his belief that hunting is a cruel
sport. To illustrate this theme, Connell uses irony and
suspense.

15. Writing the Body Paragraphs
Each body paragraph:
• Contains a clear topic sentence which identifies the
connection between your examples/explanation
and your thesis .
• Demonstrates that the topic sentence is true by
giving evidence.
• Includes quotes/examples from the graphic novel
to show that you didn’t make up the evidence.
• Reminds the reader of the connection between
your evidence and the thesis.
• Explains how Marji reacts to, learns from, or
changes because of this conflict and event.

16. Writing the Resolution Paragraph
The Resolution should include:
• A brief summary of your examples and Marji’s experiences
with this conflict 1-2 sentences
• An explanation of how Marji has changed (in how she
thinks, how she feels, how she acts, or how she sees the
world) 2-3 sentences
• Connect this change to the theme of the novel (the one you
mentioned in your intro) 1-2 sentences
• Restate your thesis statement by adding what Marji is like
at the end of the novel (the resolution of this conflict) 1
sentence

17. How to Organize your Essay
• Go through the book and identify
examples of the conflict (be sure to write
down page #s). You must identify at least
5 examples.
• Highlight the three biggest or most
important times that Marji struggled with
the conflict.
• Looking at these events, decide what your
thesis statement will be and write it down.
Mrs. Singer must check your thesis statement before you
start your outline!!!
• Complete the outline for your paper.
• Type your paper.
• Double check for MLA format.
Timeline:
Mon.: Work in class
Tues.: Work in class
Wed.: MIST writing
assessment
Thurs.: Review and
Papers due
Fri.: Persepolis test
(and field trip forms
due!)
I can:
• Use evidence to back
up my interpretation of a
text
• Write in a clear and
organized way that
meets MLA
expectations.
• Explain how a character
changes over time