Write a general literary analysis. This is a formal assignment. Your objective is to choose one of the readings we have read in this unit or one of the readings in the Reading Selections folder and make an argument based on your literary observations. This is not a book review or summary. Analyze the text of your choice critically. Before you begin, it is best to identify what you believe the text is attempting to do to deliver its message. What is the story about? What do you know about the author and when it was written? Remember to think about elements of literature as you form your analysis such as conflict, protagonists, antagonists, setting, theme, tone, metaphor, allegory, character, etc., etc., etc. Remember to also think about the lens you are using. Are we simply analyzing the texts objectively without any consideration of the events outside of the texts? Is our criticism gender specific? Or are we looking at the text through a historical lens? Remember you are making an argument for your interpretation of the literature, so you need to cite your sources in MLA format. You may also use outside sources to support your analysis. Your literary analysis does not have a minimum word count or page count. However, your literary analysis must include everything in the checklist below. Think critically and share some abstract, creative insights into the reading. I want to read something I have never read before. Here’s a checklist for a successful essay: Have an interesting title (Literary Analysis is not a title). Include an introduction that presents a clear arguable claim about the text being analyzed. Your thesis statement must be clear, concise, and specific. At least have three good main points (minimum) to support your thesis statement and provide a road map for the reader. Each body paragraph includes a topic sentences, supporting evidence (direct quotes, paraphrasing, etc.), and analysis connecting its main points back to your thesis statement. Each body paragraph is focused on one of your main points and does not blend or deviate. Effective and logical transitions into the next subject or paragraph. Your conclusion revisits the thesis statement, reviews all main points, and provides a reflection (answers the “so what” of the essay). Don’t forget to include your in-text citations as well as include an MLA formatted Works Cited page. Go beyond what is required! Put together a good essay that isn’t congested with fluff because you’re trying to “check off boxes.” Requirements: MLA Format 12-point font Double spaced (0 before/0 after) Times New Roman typeface 1-inch margins Proofread carefully for correct grammar and punctuation. Write in third person. Revise your work! .doc or .docx files (Microsoft Word)
