September 8, 2014EQ: How to write a literary analysis paper.

• Begin with a clear thesis:A thesis is like a roadmap – It tells the readerwhere you are going and how you will get there.

How to Write a Literary Thesis

A thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of a paper's content.

Thesis BasicsP A T H• P = Position• A = Author• T = Title• H = How provens

- A thesis should be no longer than a sentence. It should always be in the introduction, preferably at the end of the paragraph. -GET RID OF “I.” We know you feel or believe your argument. You wrote it.-Thesis should be interesting. Tell me something I do not know.-You should have at least one body paragraph for each “proven.”

Formulas

Formula #1: In the ____(novel, short story, play, poem)__ ____(title of work)__ by ______(author___), the author ____(answer question)__ through his/her use of ____________ , ____________ , and ____________________ (pick one or more of the examples below).

Example 2Copy this into your notes!!!

Formula #2: Through ___(the author’s full name)__use of ___(pick 1 or more examples below _ in the ____(novel, short story, play, poem)__ ____(title of work)__, the author ____(answer question)_____ .

What tone does Orwell set in the beginning paragraphs of 1984? Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject. So… what is the subject of the first few paragraphs of 1984?1. Write down what you think is the subject, or main idea of

the first few paragraphs of 1984. • To determine the main idea, look for• The following:– Details – Main point of each paragraph– Progression of ideasThese points will help you identify the main focus of the passage.

Notes:

Next: How did Orwell feel about this subject?

Look for the following:1. diction/ connotation – positive/negative2. what details does he include – positive/negative3. the progression of ideas - Is he describing theirLives as wonderful or hard?4. Look up the word that you choose for your tone

word write down the definition.

Example: repressed – subject to the suppression of his or her thoughts or impulses.Orwell creates an environment that represses the individuals freedom of thought.

Writing your thesis:

• What did Orwell do that made you think that his overall tone was _____________?

Find two rhetorical devices that helped you to decide.

Possible examples:diction ( connotation/ denotation) imagery, details, structure, figurative language, irony, etc…

Write your thesis using one of the examples given:

In the 1984 by George Orwell the author creates a repressive tone through his use of details and irony.

ORThrough Orwell’s use of _irony and details in 1984, the author creates a repressive tone.

KERNAL ESSAYIn the 1984 by George Orwell the author creates a repressive tone through his use of details and irony. (My thesis – where I am going with my paper and how I am going to prove my point)

A Orwell’s details of the way people live in Victory Mansions illustrates their repressive environment.

A. ( a detail quote)Explain how this detail shows that the environment is repressive.

NEXT: Transition to another DETAILB. QuoteExplain how this detail shows that the environment is repressive

B. Orwell’s uses irony to highlight their repressive environment by introducing the reader to Victory Mansions then showing the reality of what they are.

A. Example 1B. Example 2

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Now that you have a “Kernel Essay” you are ready to go.Use the thesis and paragraph information to write your essay.All essays are due on Wednesday of this week. You may

come in for help if you need further assistance.Turn in the following with your paper in THIS order:

Top 1. Essay – Analysis of Tone2. Kernel Essay with definition of tone word.3. Annotation