Download thematic analysis chart

LITERARY ANALYSIS CHART SAMPLE
(SYMBOL ANALYSIS)
CLAIM
This identifies your position
on a specific topic.
Where you state which
symbolic item you are going
to discuss and its meaning.
Rifle = greed
TEXTUAL EVIDENCE
This is a short excerpt from the novel
that proves the symbol does in fact
represent its meaning.
ANALYSIS
HOW the textual evidence proves the symbolic
meaning.
WHY the excerpt or trait is significant to the novel or
characters.
DO NOT choose the excerpt because
you like it and force it to fit the meaning;
choose an excerpt that PROVES the
This is the longest and most important part of the
meaning.
paragraph.
“It was the rifle that broke down
barriers” (18)
HOW
• Now that Kino realizes the rifle is a real
possibility for him, of all sorts of luxury items
are within his power to obtain
WHY
• Adds to the Rising Action of the plot
• Creates the irony of Kino’s greed killing what
used to be most important to him