Writing Analytically

Analyzing Literature

What does it mean to analyze?

When you analyze something, you:
Break it down into its components Think about those parts methodically Come to an understanding about whatever you are analyzing

Features of analysis
A question that prompts you to take a closer look Some description of the subject you are analyzing Evidence drawn from close examination of the subject Insight gained from your analysis Clear, precise language

A question that prompts you to take a closer look

For Essay 1, I will be providing you with this question/questions. For other essays, you may be asked to come up with your own topicyour own question that makes you take a closer look. These questions dont have one right answer. It is up to you analyze and come to a conclusion.

Some description of the subject you are analyzing

For every essay, you have to decide how much background information you need to provide. For Essay 1, if you use The Gettin Place, you can assume that your reader has read The Gettin Place. However, its a good idea to introduce who characters are (ex: The difference between the old and new ways is clear to Enchantee, Demetriuss wife). You also want to give the reader context by briefly explaining what is happening in the particular scene you are analyzing. Your focus should be on analyzing rather than summarizing.

Evidence drawn from close examination of the subject

Analysis will help you discover:
Key elements of a text Patterns within a text Relationships between characters and ideas

We will be using rhetorical analysis for Essay 1

Looking at recurring themes in the book Relating information from the book to your own life

(What is a theme?)
A theme is a central or unifying idea that runs throughout a piecea book, a story, a movie, etc. What are some of the themes in The Gettin Place? What are some ideas that keep coming up with different characters and situations?

Evidence drawn from close examination of the subject

For Essay 1, your evidence will come in the form of your own life and observations and, if you choose, information from the text:
Specific examples Quotes from the text Paraphrasing the text
Example: Language is used to define people in The Gettin Place. This can be see when Straight writes that Marcus ended up unconsciously translating things into his fathers or brothers words (70).

Insight gained from your analysis

Looking closely at the text and finding patterns and relationships will help you give you insight into what you are reading. Your analysis has to have a purpose. Ultimately, your analysis will help you generate a clear point that will lead you to your thesis statement.

Clear, precise language

The point of analysis is to help an audience understand something. For Essay 1, you are helping your audience better understand how a theme in The Gettin Place relates to your own experiences. In U.S. academic writing, we use clear, specific language.