![]() ![]() There are many ways to approach previously made arguments. If you think this will preclude you from having a novel or unique idea, think again. ![]() You may not end up writing on that particular topic, but it could lead you to a compelling idea worthy of unpacking.Ĭheck your notes! Your professors often leave a really clear trail of themes and ideas you can explore in your essay. Is it a symbol that continues to reappear? Is it the power struggle between two characters? Is it a nagging question you can’t shake? Investigating something that stands out to you is a good starting place. Cultivating this detective state of mind will allow you to conquer your next major task: writing the literary analysis. In doing so, you’ll work to bring the implicit to the surface and develop (and evolve!) your questions and interpretations to explore the text. Your job, then, is to put on your detective cap, search for major ideas, and identify patterns in how those ideas connect. This type of analytical essay requires you to zoom into a text to unpack and wrestle with deeper meaning (through exploring diction, syntax, structure-just to name a few elements) and then zoom out to illuminate how those elements contribute to the “big picture,” whether that be a central idea, theme, or social commentary.Ĭentral to the literary analysis is the “why.” You should not aim to merely explain, describe, or interpret-you must do all three in addition to answering bigger questions like, “Why does this interpretation matter?” and “How is this perspective significant?” These questions are at the heart of analysis, which aims to examine complex ideas by studying their individual parts, characteristics, and features. Despite how ubiquitous they are, literary analyses can sometimes feel confusing or maybe even a little intimidating. Written by Ali Pineo What is a Literary Analysis?Ī literary analysis is a common assignment in first-year writing and English courses. ![]()
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