Download How to write about literature and structure

How to Write About Literature
Writing about literature is different from other kinds of writing.
Here are some tips:
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The format of the paper will be similar to other papers (thesis, supporting
points with details, conclusion).
The thesis statement should contain an argument that proves a point(s)
about your perspective on the literature.
Do not summarize the plot. Instead, talk about some aspects of the plot
that illustrate and support your point(s). Your voice should be clear
throughout the paper.
Feel free to use quotes from the literature in your paper.
Writing a Literary Analysis
Authors make intentional choices about character, setting, plot, theme, and
other elements and details when writing fiction. A literary analysis explores how
and why an author made those choices and how those choices effectively drive
the plot, communicate an idea, create tone and mood, and so on. When writing a
literary analysis, consider exploring one or more of the following elements of the
work when developing your thesis. Use specific examples from the work to
illustrate and support your argument.
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Allegory - An allegory is a story within a story where the "surface story" is
used to explain an idea, a political event or teach a moral lesson in the
"hidden story" which is often more complex.
Archetype - A typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to
represent universal patterns of human nature. Example: A mother figure.
Character - Characters are an important element of any work of
fiction. Characters can be a person, inanimate object, or animal. Below are
definitions of different types of characters.
o Protagonist - The main character or hero in a story or narrative.
o Antagonist - The character or groups of characters who stand in
opposition to the protagonist.
o Anti-Hero - A central character who does not possess conventional
heroic qualities and attributes.
Dynamic Character - A character who undergoes a transformation
through the course of the story
o Static Character - A character who does not change through the
course of the story
Context (historical, social, political, economic) - The background or
circumstance that forms the setting, environment, or surroundings of
events that give the narrative meaning or relevance.
Dialogue - External dialogue is conversation that take place between two or
more characters in a fictional work. Characters can also engage in Internal
dialogue when writers share a characters thoughts.
Diction - The word choices or style that an author selects for a work.
Diction can be formal, informal, colloquial (common, everyday speech) or
slang.
Figurative language - Language that uses words or expressions with a
meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. Types of figurative
language include:
o Hyperbole - Extreme exaggeration meant to make a point. Example:
She was boiling mad.
o Metaphor - A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a
way that explains an idea or makes a comparison but is literally not
true. Example: He is the black sheep of the family.
o Simile - A figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing
similarities between two different things. Example: She is slow as
molasses.
o Symbolism - Use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving
the symbols meanings that are different from their literal
sense. Example: The dove is a symbol of peace.
Flashback - A recounting of events that took place before the current point
in the story.
Foreshadowing - Hints or suggestions about events that will happen later in
the story.
Narrative Structure - Setting , plot, and theme are elements of the
structure of a story. Parts of the narrative structure include the beginning,
rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Plot - Events that occur during the course of the story
Point of View (Narration) - Perspective from which the story is told
Setting - The time and place where the story takes place
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Theme - The central idea explored in a story
Tone - The attitude or approach that the author takes toward the story's
central theme. Tone can take on emotional qualities, for example,
humorous, somber, joyous, dreary, etc.
Essay Format:
 Introduction
 Title, author, talk about some aspects of the plot that illustrate and
support your point(s)basic plot summary (1-3 sentences)
 Identify character/trait, theme or symbol (thesis)
 Identify three examples as evidence (structural)
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Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence
Textual evidence or example (3-4 sentences – text)
How the text proves topic (3-4 sentences – analysis)
Why the topic is important to the novel (3-4 sentences – analysis)
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Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence
Textual evidence or example (3-4 sentences – text)
How the text proves topic (3-4 sentences – analysis)
Why the topic is important to the novel (3-4 sentences – analysis)
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Body Paragraph 3
A. Topic sentence
1. Textual evidence or example (3-4 sentences – text)
2. How the text proves topic (3-4 sentences – analysis)
3. Why the topic is important to the novel (3-4 sentences – analysis)
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Conclusion Paragraph
Topic sentence related to thesis
Summarize body paragraph 1 (1 summary sentence)
Summarize body paragraph 2 (1 summary sentence)
Summarize body paragraph 3 (1 summary sentence)
Concluding sentence (1 final thought)