Question to be attempted:
Choose a reading from the anthology that you wish to analyze in your essay. This could be something we have read or something that we have not read in this course.
Consider the gender of the characters in your chosen work. How are male and female characters portrayed? How does the work portray their roles in society?
How does gender influence the choices that are available to the characters and the decisions that they make?
Write a paper that explores how gender affects the plot and character development in the work.
The essay needs to be 4 – 5 pages long and should be double-spaced and in MLA style.
In this course, students will be required to write 1 Literary Analysis essay. Here is a brief guideline on how to go about writing an Analysis Essay.
Literary Essay Outline
This outline will provide you with a solid structure for your paper. If you feel you have the basics of the essay under control, scroll down and go on to the qualities of an excellent literary essay.
First Paragraph-I ntroduction
- A broad statement introducing the subject in a general way in one or more sentences (this may be a statement of theme)
- A specific reference to the title and author
- Thesis/Claime statement presenting the main idea of the paper in one sentence
Body Paragraphs
- 1st point from the thesis statement -an idea
- An example or quotation to support your idea
- Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence
- Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim.
Body Paragraphs
- 2nd point from the thesis statement – an idea
- An example or quotation to support your idea
- Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence
- Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim
Body Paragraphs
- 3rd point from the thesis statement – an idea
- An example or quotation to support your idea
- Analysis and interpretation of the supporting evidence to show how it supports the idea in your topic sentence
- Concluding sentence which ties this paragraph to your thesis/claim
Conclusion
- Thoughtful explanation of the significance of your thesis (answers the “so what?” question)
*Remember, the Body Paragraphs may be multiple paragraphs.
Qualities of an Excellent Literary Paper
Title
- brief yet illuminating
- relevant
- tone in keeping with the rest of the paper
Introduction
- identifies topic
- states thesis
- to the point
- includes a direct reference to title and author
- invites reading
- appropriate tone to purpose
Thesis / Claim
- significant
- clearly stated and precise
- limited
- debatable
Body Paragraphs
- main points clearly stated
- smooth and logical transitions between and within paragraphs
- general point made specific through reference to text
- quotations smoothly incorporated and thoroughly analyzed, showing relevance to and support for main points
- concluding sentence ties to thesis
Conclusion
- grows naturally from preceding paragraphs
- explains significance of thesis
- provides a sense of completion
Organization
- ideas developed in proportion to their significance
- logical and climactic arrangement of paragraphs
- order is appropriate to thesis
Content
- unpretentious
- definite, focused, cohesive
- shows that writer has given careful thought to the topic
- well-nourished with specific supports
- relies on careful analysis of text
- developed through specific details and mature interpretations [follows 3-step plan of presentation 1) Ideas, 2) details related to ideas, and 3) analysis and interpretation of the details in relation to the thesis/claim] to the minimum needed for clarity of analysis
- limits plot summary
- shows independent thinking, unusual insights or perspective
Control of Written Language
- fluent expression
- sentences controlled for rhetorical purposes
- each sentence has a logical relationship to surrounding sentences and fits smoothly into its context
- variety of sentence lengths and patterns
- precise and fresh word choice
- natural and appropriate diction level
- meaning emphasized through creative effects [use of figurative language, sonic devices, parallel structure, etc.] when useful and appropriate
- uses present tense
Conventions
- no errors in mechanics and usage
Format
- typed [double-spaced]
- one side of paper
- in-text citations follow MLA format