Writing a Literary Analysis

an ARGUMENTATIVE Essay
 What is a Literary Analysis?
• It is a discussion of a written text.
• It involves the use and study of concepts associated
with literature such as:
– Setting
– Characterization
– Metaphors
– Etc.
• It aims to present and defend an arguable point
(thesis)
• It is written as an argumentative essay.
 What is an Argumentative Essay?
• It is a type of writing task that calls for extensive
research of literature or previously published
material.
• It requires data collection through interviews,
surveys, observations, or experiments.
• Through detailed research, the student get to
learn about a topic and understand different
points of view that she/he may choose a
position and support it with the evidence
collected during research.
 How to Write a Literary Analysis?
1. Thoroughly read to comprehend your chosen
literary text (i.e. Short Story).
2. Pay attention and reflect upon its attributes.
Choose which to analyze.
Will you focus on a symbol, a character, the setting,
the connection between the life story of the author,
etc.?
3. You may create a preliminary point by
depending on your prior knowledge.
Ex. Moby Dick, the whale, is colored white because it
symbolizes something in the novel.
 How to Write a Literary Analysis?
4. Research about your preliminary point to
learn more about it. Gather secondary sources
(see next slide).
5. Identify and understand different points of
view.
6. Choose a position and support it with the
evidence collected during research.
 What are Secondary Sources?
• A book or article that discusses the point or
literary text you chose.
• A book or article that discusses a theory
related to your argument/ point.
• A book or article that discusses the social and
historical context of the literary text you
chose.
Ex. In discussing Herman Melville’s Moby
Dick, Lee Patterson (2009) argues that…
 TIPS in Using Secondary Sources in
Your Literary Analysis
• Clearly show or explain how they relate to your
thesis.
• Do not overuse any one secondary source. Have
several.
• ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND that you are writing YOUR
argument--- the secondary sources are just
helping you establish it.
• NEVER EVER PLAGIARIZE. Paraphrase or quote
and properly cite sources. Use APA 6th edition for
your essay.
 Parts of a Literary Analysis
1. Introduction
A. Set the context by reviewing the topic.
B. Explain the importance of the topic or why
readers should care about the issue.
C. Lastly, students should present a specific and
arguable thesis statement.
Example Thesis Statement:
The use of “whiteness” in Moby Dick illustrates the
uncertainty of the meaning of life that the character
Ishmael expresses throughout the novel.
 Parts of a Literary Analysis
2. Body Paragraphs
A. Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion
of one general idea (i.e. evidence that supports the
Thesis Statement).
B. Explain how and why the evidence supports the
thesis.
C. Dedicate *one or two paragraphs to discuss
conflicting opinions on the topic; do not explain
how they are wrong outright, but note how they do
not align with the thesis or how they might be out of
date.

* If you will write a 5- paragraph essay, dedicate only 1 paragraph for the
researched conflicting opinion.
 Parts of a Literary Analysis
3. Concluding Paragraph
A. Do not introduce any new information
into the conclusion.
B. Synthesize the information presented in
the body by restating why the topic is
important, reviewing the main points, and
your thesis.
 Midterm Course Requirement
1. You may opt to work individually or with a partner.
2. Choose one short story from the list (posted).
– The Chieftest Mourner by Aida Rivera-Ford
– Wedding Dance by Amador Daguio
– Tong by F. Sionil Jose
3. Write an original Literary Analysis. Note that your
paper will be given zero if it is found plagiarized.
4. Use the template posted on BBL.
5. Submission is until the end of the term, but you are
encouraged to submit on time since the Final Exam
will not be made available unless this requirement is
met.
 References
• https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/
academic_writing/essay_writing/argumentati
ve_essays.html
• https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/teacher_and_tut
or_resources/teaching_resources/writing_a_li
terary_analysis_presentation.html