Name: Sofia Machado

Date: 3/1/22
“How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay: A Simple Guide” Questions
Directions: Students will read independently the “How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay: A
Simple Guide.” After doing so, students will answer these questions with 2-5 sentences. You
may change the color font or make the font bold.
1. In your own words, what is a literary analysis?
A literary analysis begins by looking over a work of literature and noticing certain
techniques used in the piece. The techniques used should then be examined in order to
view how the author has used them individually and together to shape their work of art.
Then, an essay analyzing the particular technique you have decided to focus on is written.

2. What are the seven steps of a literary analysis?

The seven steps of literary analysis include asking questions about the text, and then
collecting evidence which answers your questions and then constructing a thesis based
off of the evidence. Next, you should develop and organize your arguments. Finally, you
should write, write the introduction, then the thesis and lastly the conclusion.

3. What happens in the “ask questions” phase?

In the “ask questions” phase, you will do just that, ask questions! Read over the literature
and think about what stands out to you. Is anything confusing and are their any patterns?
Questions like these are beneficial to the future steps in literary analysis.

4. What happens in the “collect evidence about the text” phase?

This step comes after the “asking questions” phase because it should be the answers to
the prior phase. Looking at your literature for answers to the questions you have
previously asked is basically what this step boils down too.

5. How does a writer construct a thesis? What is expected of this thesis?

A write constructs a good thesis by examining the literature to find answers which can be
proven. A good thesis will be arguable, provable through evidence, surprising and
specific. The thesis should basically be the answer to the question you previously asked.

6. What are some potential “types” of essay organizers?

A “type” of essay organizer could be comparing and contrasting. You can do this by
going subject by subject or point by point. Next, you can trace a symbolic theme
throughout your novel. Also, you can debate a moral, ethical or aesthetic issue found in
the work of literature.
7. What is expected of an introduction paragraph?
An introduction paragraph should begin with providing any necessary context towards
your literature analysis. Next, the paragraph should answer the “So What?” question by
making unexpected connections and revealing truth. Also, it should present your thesis
statement and give insight to how the essay will look. Try to not be vague or openly
praise the piece of literature right off the bat.

8. What is expected of the body paragraphs?

The body paragraphs should begin with a strong topic sentence. In addition, they should
completely prove your point. Don’t develop a thought without thoroughly completing it.
To make the essay easier to read and understand, you should try and add in transitional
words and phrases.

9. What is expected of the conclusion?

The conclusion should quickly summarize the specific things mentioned throughout the
essay. It should furthermore hint at the broader implications of your work aka the “big
picture.” You should try to not make the common mistake of simply restating the thesis
or generalizing your work to the point where it seems vague. To better this paragraph,
revisit the “So What?” question. Help the reader understand why the knowledge they
have just taken in will help them to appreciate the literature more.

10. Now, think about your own chosen independent reading book. After reading this article,
what do you think are some potential directions you can go in for your own literary
analysis?
I personally think that the biggest consistent theme seen throughout A Tree Grows in
Brooklyn is feminism and gender roles throughout the time period in which the book
takes place. A very strong literature analysis could be a Trace essay in which I trace
symbols of gender roles throughout the book.