The college refers to your assignments as a literary analysis research paper because its focus must be on an element of the literary work?s construction as a piece of literaturefor example, an element such as the work?s characters or conflict or symbolism or theme, or perhaps two or more related literary elements [such as the interrelated elements of conflict development and theme, or symbolism?s contribution to the creation of theme(s)]. You should not focus on such ideas as the author?s life (biography). The essay can speak about historical events and beliefs of the period in which it was written if you are analyzing the story in terms of historical or sociological approach. An essay that focuses on analysis of a character(s) can make reference to psychoanalytical criticism. If there is any doubt regarding the acceptability of a particular idea you are considering, just be sure to consult with Mr. Hall before proceeding further in order to avoid wasted time on an inappropriate writing topic. You Already know How Create a Literary Analysis Essay Remember that you have spent most of the semester writing literary analysis essays and the same rules and techniques apply to the research paper that apply to the shorter essays. For instance, you should read the short story closely more than once. As you read, focus on the ideas that are being presented. Think about the characters development and the authors writing technique. What might be considered interesting, unusual, or important? Brainstorm a List of Potential Topics As you are reading the story, highlight important passages in the text and take notes on these passages. Later, when writing the paper, these notes will help.The topic chosen should always be based on a writers interpretation of the authors message. Below are some things a writer may want to consider when brainstorming for a literary analysis: * Character: what observations might a writer make about the characters? Are there discrepancies in what they think, say, or do? Are the observations a writer makes different from what other characters say? How does the author describe the characters? Are the characters dynamic (a dynamic character is a character that undergoes important changes throughout the work)? Are the characters static characters (a static character is a character that stays the same throughout the work)? Are the characters flat characters (a flat character is a character that does not have vivid character traits) or round characters (a round character is a character that has vivid character traits)? Are the characters symbolic or representative of some universal quality? Is it possible that two characters in the text might be compared or contrasted? * Setting: Is there a relationship between the works setting and its mood? Does the setting reflect the works theme? How does the setting impact the characters? Does a change in the setting affect the mood, characters, or conflict? * Plot: How might the beginning of the work be interpreted? How does the plot build suspense? Does the author use techniques such as foreshadowing or flashback? Are there patterns of cause-effect relationships? Do events occur in a logical order? Examine the events that lead to the climax and determine how the work ends? * Theme: What is the major idea or theme of the work? How does the author relay this theme? Is there a greater meaning to the details given? How do the characters moods affect the theme? What allusions are made throughout the work? Are there repeating patterns or symbols? What does the title say about the theme? * Dialogue: What is the purpose of the dialogue? Is the dialogue appropriate in terms of word choice or sentence length? How does the dialogue impact the characterization? How does the author use the dialogue to show the mood of the characters? How does this aid the authors message? How does the dialogue impact the plot? * Imagery: In what way might a specific image or series of images be analyzed? How might the development of images throughout the work be explained? Are the images important to the meaning of the work? How are images interrelated with other literary elements? * Figures of speech: How are figures of speech such as similes, metaphors, and hyperboles used throughout the text? How are these figures of speech important in relation to the meaning of the text? Are figures of speech interrelated between other literary elements? * Tone: How might the attitude of the author or the tone of the work be described? Is the tone serious, playful, casual, formal, or somber? How does the author achieve this tone? How does the tone impact the authors message? Does the author say one thing but mean another? Does the author take the subject seriously or treat it lightly? * Point of View: What point of view do the characters display? First, second, or third? How does this point of view affect the theme, plot, or conflict of the work? How might the authors point of view impact a writers analysis? Might the characters first person point of view draw a writer to feel as though he/she is hearing a personal account and cause him/her to feel an intimate connection with the character? Might the authors third person account cause a writer to feel as if the author is acting as the narrator of the story? Or might it cause a writer to believe that the narrator is an omniscient being who is distant but knows the characters thoughts and feelings? The Annotated Bibilography An annotated bibliography gives an account of the research that has been done on a given topic. Like any bibliography, an annotated bibliography is an alphabetical list of research sources. In addition to bibliographic data, an annotated bibliography provides a concise summary of each source and some assessment of its value or relevance. The annotated bibliography is the next stage in our research project. This is your chance to tell me about the secondary sources you have found thus far. Below is a link to the writing center at the University of Wisconsin. This link provides excellent information about constructing an annotated bibliography. https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/AnnotatedBibliography.html (Links to an external site.) * The second stage of the research paper project is the annotated bibliography. The following link provides you with an MLA Annotated Bibliography template. You can type directly into it to help you create your own annotated bibliography. $CANVAS_COURSE_REFERENCE$/files?preview=218223 Literary Analysis Research Paper Grading Breakdown Remember that the quality of your writing is assessed. Remember that an “A” always reflects work that is excellent and stands as the model for future assignments on that topic. The grade your writing earns is based on the extent to which it reflects the criteria for that particular grade. Please be sure that you are familiar with this breakdown/rubric — use it as you draft and refer to it when considering how your writing earned the grade it did. Be sure to ask if there is anything you do not understand. TS = topic sentence (argumentative statement making a point in support of thesis) CD = concrete detail (quotes) CM = commentary (interpretation, explanation of the deeper significance of the quote, proves how the topic sentence — and thus, the thesis — are valid) A (90-100) Excellent Content Thesis presents well-phrased controlling idea/argument All argumentative statements are persuasively worded and logically support thesis with a related point Each body paragraph contains well-chosen CDs that effectively support the point All quotes are embedded in lead-in sentences Interpretations present insightful, well-developed analysis Essay effectively uses relevant research to develop points Essay maintains focus on controlling idea, all points are substantial and well-developed Essay demonstrates attention paid to the audience and the purpose Concluding paragraph draws conclusions that go beyond restating thesis Organization: Paragraphs logically sequenced Smooth transitions between and within paragraphs create coherence and unity CDs arranged logically within paragraph to support TS Fluent expression of ideas Focus maintained throughout essay Language Use: Sentences varied in length and structure Mastery of compound/complex structures, parallelism, noun/verb agreement, noun/pronoun, agreement, verb tense consistency, preposition use Diction appropriate for academic writing Mechanics and Vocabulary: Unique, confident and engaging voice and style Word choices are engaging and fresh Effective use of language Proper syntax Accurate spelling and punctuation, very few, if any, grammatical or mechanical errors
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