This document provides guidance on how to write an effective literary analysis essay. It explains that a literary analysis is an argument about what a work of literature means and how it conveys that meaning. The essay should have a clear thesis that makes an arguable point about specific elements in the text, and it should provide evidence from the text to support that thesis. It advises the writer to avoid simply summarizing the plot and to focus on interpretation and answering the question of why they came to a particular understanding. It also offers tips on how to analyze characters, themes, and other elements of a story and how to structure the essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

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Paine College, Augusta, GA Mack Gipson, Jr. Tutorial & Enrichment Center rev. 9/2006

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

3. How is a literary analysis
an argument?
When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on
specific elements of the text (small parts)
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.

4. Interpret: what does “x”
mean to you?
Ask yourself “WHY?”
Why do I think this? What gave me
that idea? Where in the story does
this appear most often?
Essays should be your opinion on
a part of the novel.

5. Do not…
Summarize:
…you don’t need to prove the plot –
we know the book has a plot. Assume
the reader has read your novel.
…you don’t have to prove that the
main character is the main character.
Avoid the obvious facts.

6. How to Analyze a Story
Meaning of the Story
(Interpretation)
Identify the theme and how
the author announces it.
Explain how the story
elements contribute to the
theme.

7. Theme (expressed in
a full sentence)
Main idea or underlying meaning
of the literary work.
What the author wants the
reader to understand about the
subject
In fables, this may also be the
moral of the story

8. Characterization
Round
Protagonist
Three-dimensional personality
Main character Flat
Antagonist
Only one or two striking qualities—all
Character or force that bad or all good
opposes the main Dynamic
character
Foil Grows and progress to a higher level of
understanding
Character that provides a Static
contrast to the
protagonist Remains unchanged throughout the
story

9. Thesis – must have 2
components
Subject Opinion
character, what you think
setting, theme, about that
etc element
Juliet sympathetic/d
ynamic
character

10. Creating a Thesis
The thesis should state the basic point
you want to communicate. Includes your
three pieces of evidence.
It should be deep - something that not
everyone would think of
It should be new and original

11. Creating a Thesis
Spend the body of your paper arguing
that your thesis provides an interpretation
which is clearly supported by the text.
Do not deviate from discussion
related to your thesis

12. How do I support a thesis
statement?
Examples from the text
Direct quotations
Summaries of scenes/action
Paraphrases
Use only examples that directly relate to your
thesis.

13. Tips for Writing the Body
Make sure that each paragraph centers
on one specific idea (character’s
emotions, the lesson the character
learned, the significance of the
setting)
The topic sentence of each paragraph
shows a link between the content of
the paragraph and your thesis
statement

14. Topic Sentence – the one element you
will discuss and how it relates to your
thesis. “Juliet is a dynamic protagonist
in Romeo and Juliet because she
displays a spectrum of human
emotions, from love to hate.”
Introduce a moment that proves your
argument. “During the balcony scene
of Romeo and Juliet, the reader
witnesses the conflicting emotions in
the female protagonist.”

15. Quote or paraphrase a specific
example. “Juliet is confused
about her feelings for Romeo,
claiming that ‘her only love
sprung from her only hate’”
Analyze the example. “Having
been brought up to hate the
Montagues, told that they are vile
and untrustworthy, she cannot at
first explain her attraction to
Romeo and believes that he has
impure intentions towards her.”

16. Conclusion
Remember to strive for depth and
significance
Don’t repeat the intro – instead, try
to connect the theme to the real
world. Tell the reader what
implications the novel has for
readers today. Why is it important
to read this book.