Reference no: EM133489627

Rationale: The purpose of writing a literary analysis is to increase your readers' understanding of a literary work by sharing your insights into that work and by examining both what the author of the work says and how he or she expresses it.  When you analyze a text closely, you develop your ability to think critically and independently, and you learn the techniques skilled writers use to convey meaning.  In addition, the study of literature is one way to learn more about yourself, others, and life in general. 

Directions:  Following the format below, write a 2-3 page essay that analyzes the meaning of one (or both) of the pieces of fiction covered in class ("The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and or "Morning Deliveries: Milkman #1" by Stephen King) by focusing your discussion on one or more of the elements of literature.  Be sure to keep the tone academic, and write in the third person (Do not use statements such as "In my opinion," and "I feel that.") Assume that your audience has read the literary work.

Prewriting:

Read and reread the work to give yourself a general impression.  React to it in a journal, connecting the ideas in it to your own life.  Consult outside sources.

Writing the Introduction:

This should arouse curiosity and interest. You could use a pertinent quotation relating to the theme, or you could ask a hypothetical question, or you could provide a brief overview of the story.  End the introductory paragraph with your thesis statement.  See below:

Writing the Thesis Statement: 

This is the one or two sentence statement of your interpretation of the work.  It includes: 

1. The main point you want to make about the work (what it means). 
2. The element(s) of literature used to express the meaning (how it does it).  It should give readers a clear sense of topic and purpose, and may briefly mention the plan of development or subdivisions of the essay. 

Writing the Body:

For each body paragraph, (3-6 paragraphs) provide three sections: 

1. Write a topic sentence that generalizes on one aspect of the thesis.  Include the literary element under discussion in the sentence (This is the what it does/shows/proves). 
2. Find and add textual support from the work. Quote accurately and integrate the sections smoothly into your text (This reflects where it is shown in the story).
3. Write an explanation of how the textual additions work to support the topic sentence as well as the thesis (This explains how it does/shows/proves it).