Evaluate a Sample Literary AnalysisIn this analysis exercise, we will evaluate a sample literary analysis paper, which will help us better understand the qualities of a successful literary interpretation.
Directions:
1
. Re-read the poem “Morning Song” by Sylvia Plath at the beginning of Chapter 3 in Digging Into Literature.
2. Read the student essay “Sylvia Plath’s ‘Morning Song’ and the Challenge of Motherly Identity” near the end of Chapter 4.
3. The textbook claims that this essay “has a clear thesis, contains multiple surface/depth arguments, and persuasively interprets some patterns” in the poem. In a 200-300 word response, explain whether you agree or disagree with these statements and why.
As you write, you might find it helpful to consider the following:
What exactly makes the thesis strong, weak, or something else? What are the characteristics of a strong interpretative thesis in the first place?
Is the argument interpretive and why? Or is it summarizing and why? Be specific.
Where exactly do you see the five criteria of a literary analysis at work in the essay?
What examples can you find of the surface/depth and patterns strategies in action?
Is the evidence incorporated using the quote sandwich method?
Is the essay organized? Does it use topic sentences that present sub-points of the thesis?
