The Basics
What is a Literary Analysis Essay?
The process of closely examining a literary work to understand its meaning and significance
What key element should be included in the introduction of a literary analysis essay?
Thesis Statement
What is the primary purpose of revising a literary analysis essay?
To improve the content (words)
What is the term for the underlying message or main idea conveyed by a literary work?
Theme
Identify one thing you should primarily avoid doing in a literary analysis essay.
Summarizing the story
What is the first step in writing a literary analysis essay?
Selecting a work/text to analyze
and/or
Examine Instructions provided
What is the primary goal of drafting?
To get your paper written from start to finish
During the revision process, identify three things writers focus on to enhance the overall structure of their literary analysis essay?
Thesis
Body Paragraphs
Transitions
What is the term for the central struggle usually faced by the protagonist in a literary work?
Conflict
A literary analysis essay is considered to be a formal essay. What does "formal" mean?
Professional
What term refers to the perspective or viewpoint from which a literary work is narrated?
Narrative or First Person Point View
What should writers use to draft their literary analysis essay?
The outline they created in the Prewriting Stage
What does it mean to "tighten" the language in a literary analysis essay during the editing phase?
Eliminate unnecessary words, phrases, or repetitions to make the writing more concise and impactful
- Eliminating grammatical/mechanical errors in the writing
What is the term for the feeling or atmosphere created by a literary work?
Mood
What is the purpose of the conclusion in a literary analysis essay?
To summarize the main points of the analysis and reiterate the significance of the thesis statement
What does it mean to "analyze" a literary work?
Examine an element(s) of the text closely and interpret the meaning (significance/effects)
What type of evidence is often used to support the analysis in a literary essay?
Textual evidence from the text such as quotes and paraphrases
When editing a literary analysis essay, identify three things a writer should look for/correct?
Run-ons/Comma Splice
Sentence Fragments
S/V Agreement
Verb Form Errors
MLA Format
What is the term for the use of language to evoke sensory impressions and create vivid images in the reader's mind?
Imagery
What is the importance of peer review in the revision process of a literary analysis essay?
To receive feedback from peers on the clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the argument, as well as suggestions for improvement
In a literary analysis essay, why is it important to consider the author's background and biography?
To understand how the author's life experiences, beliefs, and cultural context may have influenced the creation of the literary work
Identify three prewriting strategies that can be used to write a literary analysis essay.
Freewriting
Brainstorming
Clustering
What is the primary difference between revising and editing?
Revision= Fixing major issues (content)
Editing= Fixing minor issues (grammar)
Identify three common literary devices that writers can discuss in a literary analysis essay?
Answers may vary.
In a literary analysis essay, what do the body paragraphs typically focus on?
Analyzing specific aspects of the text such as themes, characters, symbols, or another literary device