The document provides guidance on how to write a literary analysis essay. It explains that a literary analysis interprets a work through a personal lens rather than just summarizing. An analysis should break down specific parts of the text to explain their meaning and relevance to the overall work. The thesis is the main argument about the work's significance. Strong analyses do not just retell the story but ask questions about symbols, characters, themes, and their deeper implications. A successful essay includes an introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs analyzing different elements with evidence, and a conclusion reflecting on the analysis' importance.

1. Jordan Anderson
LITERARY ANALYSIS
The Importance and Difference from Summary
and
How to Write Analysis Essay

2. MY DEFINITION
• Literary analysis explains a work of fiction or poetry by a personal interpretation of its
meaning.

3. MAIN POINT OF ANALYZING LITERATURE
Breaking down specific areas of the text to explain its meaning
and how it relates to the rest of the text.
The thesis is the most important idea of an analysis essay
and it includes the main point or argument for the
significance of the reading.

4. ANALYZING IS NOT
• Repeating what the author has written in a different way
• Retelling facts of the story
• The who, what, when, where, why, or how

5. QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN ANALYZING
• What is the significance of this part and what is the meaning for it? Why is it important to
the overall story?
• What is the context in which this was written and how does it affect the story?
• What is the conflict and how does it change characters?
• What are the symbols in the text and what do they mean?

6. MAIN PARTS OF LITERATURE TO ANALYZE
• Characters
• Plot
• Setting
• Theme
• Perspectives
• Relationships
• Patterns
• Purpose of action and people

7. THESIS/MAIN ARGUMENT
• Can be argued against. • The main point of the rest of an essay
which will provide evidence on why it’s
• Should be your opinion
true.
• Should be in one sentence

8. HOW TO SUPPORT THESIS
• Quotes from the text
• Summarize parts of the story
• The historical context in which the story was written
• Other critics opinions that will support yours

9. ESSAY
• Introduction
• Includes thesis statement, attention grabbing opening
• Body
• Brief plot summaries, Presenting evidences in support of thesis, each paragraph
focuses on one idea,
• Conclusion
• Show why this essay was important, leave final impression
• Works Cited
• Includes the MLA style format for all materials cited from in your essay

10. IMPORTANCE OF LITERARY ANALYSIS
• Better to understand author’s purpose
• Improve critical thinking skills
• Get experience looking for secondary resources for your essay.
• This is to better understand a work of literature