Short Story Literary Analysis

Introduction The introduction must introduce the author,

the title of the story and state the thesis of the analysis.

Do not forget that the entire essay must be written in present tense!!!!

Your thesis is the last statement in your introduction.

Body Paragraphs Each body paragraph must focus on one

claim that proves your thesis to be true. For example, The conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” reveals the theme that we can not understand another’s perspective until we have experienced his perspective.

Quotes Each body paragraph must include at least

one quote and must follow proper format for integrating quotes.

Examples of literary devices: How does the author use the following literary devices to

develop the theme of the story? Setting Characterization (character’s actions, inner thoughts and

motivation. Is the character dynamic?) Foreshadowing Irony Point of view (who is telling the story?) Symbolism Plot (conflict, climax, resolution)

Conclusion The conclusion must restate the thesis and

summarize the impact of the thesis on the reader.

Details This is at least a four paragraph essay. Do not use personal pronouns or

contractions. One page typed. Times 12 double spaced. You must use a minimum of two quotes.

I know what you are thinking……So, what exactly is a Literary Analysis?

A literary analysis is a type of paper that has the ultimate goal of bringing some new or greater understanding of the book, story, or poem. In addition, it is an argument because you are proposing something original about the text which may not have been thought of before, or you are adding more to an existing thesis surrounding the book.

A good literary analysis has the following components:

*It has a solid and unique thesis statement that clearly is arguable. Your goal is to prove this thesis statement!

*It has a solid introduction, body, and conclusion. It uses effective transitions and the writer analyzes sufficient textual support from the book.

*There is at least one bit of meaningful textual support in each body paragraph.

Other helpful tips!1. Write in the present tense

2. Avoid summarizing the plot (i.e., retelling the story literally). Instead analyze (form a thesis about and explain) the story in literary terms.

2. Support your points with many quotations and paraphrases, but write the majority of your paper in your own words with your own ideas.

Summary versus Analysis A summary re-tells a story. An analysis examines the cause or effect of an

incident in the story, compares or contrasts 2 characters, explains how an event occurred etc…

Ex: Mary had a little lamb

Summary: Mary had a little lamb. It followed her to school. No lambs were allowed in school. The children laughed.

Analysis: one reason Mary may have brought the lamb to school was to get attention. All the children “laughed and played”, making Mary feel at the center and popular.

Quote Examples

1. My Idea Mary appears to have a fetish for lamb wool

2. Quote Dr. Benton states that “ Mary’s proclivity for her

lamb makes her pet it often and bring it with her.” (Benton 22)

3. Explanation of how quote supports my idea. Mary’s constant need to touch and stroke her lamb

illustrates Mary’s obsession.

What is a Works Cited page? An alphabetized list of all the sources used

in your paper. You need a Works Cited page or you are

PLAGERIZING!!!

1. Determine the type of source. Your literature book is an anthology. An

anthology is a collection of artistic works (such as a group of short stories, or a group of songs).

Identify the 6 pieces of information needed.

1. Author of the selection

2. Title of the selection

3. Title of the anthology

4. Editor of the anthology

5. Publication information

6. Page numbers of selection

Location: Publisher,

year.

Correctly Correctly Integrating Integrating QuotationsQuotations

Every quotation should have a reference that indicates where you got it.

““I shall not see on earth a place more dear”

Author: Page: Line #:

Anytime you quote something, you need to give the author’s name and the page number the quotation can be found on.

Example- Potok 78

NO PAGE

If you are quoting poetry, use the line number instead of the page number.

Example- Homer lines 68-70

Type line or lines so readers know you are

not referring to the page number

The author’s last name and page number go after the quotation inside of parentheses. This is called the QUO-PAR-PUNC rule.

“I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137).

QUO= quotation

PAR= parentheses

PUNC= punctuation

You wouldn’t wear clothes that only cover up the front-side or the back-side of your body, so don’t leave your quotation half

naked either.

“I shall not see on earth a place more dear” (Homer line 137).

Odysseus speaks to Alcinous’ court about his homeland in Ithaca, recalling,

Thus, he demonstrates the Greek value of loyalty to one’s homeland.

Clothe the FrontThere are two ways to

begin a sentence that

includes a quotation.

1. Use a signal phrase.

2. Integrate the author’s words into your own writing.

Signal Phrases

A signal phrase indicates that you are about to use language that is not your

own.

Signal Phrases

If you do not show that these are not your own words it is

PLAGERISM!

Signal Phrases

Example: Polyphemus says of Odysseus,

Example 1

Revise: Odysseus shows that he is an epic hero

in the Cyclops episode, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines 500-501).

WARNINGJust adding a quotation to

the end of a related sentence does not mean

that you have used a signal phrase.

Example 1

Fixed: Odysseus reveals that he desires the

credit for his deeds, saying, “I would not heed them in my glorying spirit,/ but let my anger flare…” (Homer lines 500-501).

Be sure that you do not confuse the author, Homer, with the narrator, who is sometimes

Homer, sometimes Odysseus.

Example 2

Revise: Homer shows that Odysseus is an epic

hero by saying, “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).

Example 2

Fixed: Odysseus shows his loyalty to his

homeland by forcing his men to continue on their journey. He explains, “I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships…” (line 211).

Example 3

Revise: Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops. “My name is Nohbody…” (Homer line 360).

Example 3

Fixed: Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops, declaring, “My name is Nohbody…” (Homer line 360).

Example 4Revise: “…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon”

(Homer line 650). With these words, Teiresias helps Odysseus to see that it has been his pride that has kept him from returning home, and he must admit his mistake to Poseidon in order to right the situation.

Example 4Fixed: Teiresias confirms that Odysseus’ pride has

kept him from Ithaca, commanding him, “…make fair sacrifice to Lord Poseidon” (Homer line 650). Thus Teiresias reveals that the only way for Odysseus to reestablish right standing with the gods is to finally acknowledge Poseidon’s help in the Trojan War.

Signal phrases must introduce your quote. You are not writing a

mystery story—don’t make the reader guess where your quote

came from.

Do Not Refer to the QuotationOther than naked quotations, the most common mistake is

referring directly to the quotation.

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Teiresias predicts the end of Odysseus’ life

in the quote: “seaborne death/ soft as this hand of mist will come upon [him]” (Homer lines 654-655).

Do Not Refer to the Quotation Odysseus cleverly deceives the

Cyclops, declaring, “My name is Nohbody…” (Homer line 360). This quotation reveals that Odysseus uses intelligence in situations wherein strength is not an option.

For Future Reference…Quote is a verbQuotation is a noun

1.What is the American Dream? How does Gatsby represent this dream? Does the novel praise or condemn Gatsby's dream? Has the American dream changed since Gatsby's time?

2. Think about the two worlds, the Midwest and the East, as Fitzgerald describes them, and what they represent for Nick and for Gatsby.

3. Compare and contrast Gatsby's social class with that of Tom and Daisy Buchanan. How does geography contribute to the definition of social class in The Great Gatsby?

4. What is Nick Carraway's role in the novel? Consider Nick's father's advice in chapter one: "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Does telling the story from Nick's point of view make it more believable?

5. What part of his past is Gatsby trying to recapture? Is he successful? Is there a person, feeling, or event in your past that you'd want to revisit?

6. What is the meaning of the title? In what way is Gatsby great? 7. Why did Nick become involved with Jordan, and why did he break off the relationship? 8. Discuss Fitzgerald's use of symbols, such as the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the green light on

Daisy's dock, and the valley of ashes. 9. What makes The Great Gatsby a classic novel? Why has it maintained its place in American

literature? 10. Discuss elements of the Jazz Age that Fitzgerald includes in The Great Gatsby.

1. In what sense is The Great Gatsby an autobiographical novel? Does Fitzgerald write more of himself into the character of Nick or the character of Gatsby, or are the author’s qualities found in both characters?

2. How does Gatsby represent the American dream? What does the novel have to say about the condition of the American dream in the 1920s? In what ways do the themes of dreams, wealth, and time relate to each other in the novel’s exploration of the idea of America?

3. Compare and contrast Gatsby and Tom. How are they alike? How are they different? Given the extremely negative light in which Tom is portrayed throughout the novel, why might Daisy choose to remain with him instead of leaving him for Gatsby?

1. Discuss Gatsby’s character as Nick perceives him throughout the novel. What makes Gatsby “great”?

2. What is Nick like as a narrator? Is he a reliable storyteller, or does his version of events seem suspect? How do his qualities as a character affect his narration?

3. What are some of The Great Gatsby’s most important symbols? What does the novel have to say about the role of symbols in life?

4. How does the geography of the novel dictate its themes and characters? What role does setting play in The Great Gatsby?