How to Write a Literary Analysis



How to Write an Analysis or Response Essay

Step 1: Read and annotate the writing prompt.

Step 2: Find at least 3 focus areas you might want to discuss in your paper. You will want 3 that you know you can support with commentary. You may use less than three depending on the detail of your commentary.

1.

2.

3.

Step 3: Now that you have figured out what you want to discuss in your paper, find/narrow down your quotes/evidence that support your response (from the prompt, from your own analysis, or from outside sources).

Brainstorm:

Step 4: Write an outline using these focal areas and evidence that you have found:

USE 3RD PERSON PRONOUNS FOR AN ANALYSIS; YOU MAY USE 1ST PERSON PRONOUNS FOR A RESPONSE ESSAY.

I. Introduction paragraph

II. 1st focus area you will discuss (1st body paragraph): ______________________________________________________

A. 1st piece of support

B. 2nd piece of support

C. 3rd piece of support

III. 2nd focus area you will discuss (2nd body paragraph): _____________________________________________________

A. 1st piece of support

B. 2nd piece of support

C. 3rd piece of support

IV. 3rd focus area you will discuss (body paragraph): ________________________________________________________

A. 1st piece of support

B. 2nd piece of support

C. 3rd piece of support

V. Conclusion paragraph

Step 5: Based on the support you have in your focus areas—and what you anticipate you will write in your commentary—write your thesis sentence.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Step 6: Write the introduction paragraph.

• Begin creatively to capture your reader’s interest.

• Use a “hook” that includes a bit of startling information, a snatch of dialogue between two characters, a meaningful quotation, a universal idea, or a vivid description of the setting.

• Provide essential background about the written work, including the author and title

• Consider providing historical context or author info.

• Make special attempts to link the thesis to the sentence that precedes it.

Step 7: Write your body paragraphs following your outline.

• Each paragraph includes a topic sentence, supporting example(s), commentary, and a concluding sentence.

*Step 8: Write the concluding paragraph. Remember to restate your thesis in this paragraph and then sum up the evidence that you used in your paper. Do not introduce any new ideas at this point. End with a thoughtful (“deep”) statement. Your conclusion should do one or more of the following:

• Reflect on how your essay topic relates to the piece of writing you are analyzing as a whole.

• Evaluate how successful the author is in achieving his/her goal or message.

• Give a personal statement about the topic.

• Make predictions.

• Connect back to your creative opening.

• Give your opinion of the writing’s value or significance.

*Go back and make sure your introduction paragraph and your conclusion tie together. Do NOT copy and paste any part of your introduction into the conclusion.

Step 9: Read aloud—yes, you should do this—your paper and revise for accuracy. Ensure you have supported your thesis statement.

Step 10: Check and edit your paper for spelling and grammatical errors. Ask for a peer review and/or use the checklist and grading rubric to guide you. Do not rely on your computer to do this step.

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