Tips for Writing a Literary Analysis Paper

	The purpose of your paper is to analyze a text. The process of analysis involves close reading and careful examination by dividing the subject into parts and uncovering relationships among the parts and to the whole. Thus, when you are analyzing a literary text, you are breaking down the text from its existing form to gain an understanding of the text in relation to the subject of your paper. In particular, one of the parts you pay special attention to is language ( word choice, metaphor, imagery).
	Avoid plot summary.  Retelling the story is not analysis.  Some summary may be useful to contextualize an idea, locate an example, or provide transition, but remember, your audience—our EN 229 class—is familiar with the texts about which you are writing.
	Your paper is a pointed text.  That is, you have a point that you are trying to argue or prove in your paper.  Everything in your paper should help drive that point home.
	As a pointed text, your paper must have a clear and strong thesis statement.    A thesis statement provides the reader with the topic of the paper and your point of view of that topic.  Listing what you are going to do in a paper is forecasting statement, not a thesis.
	To prove/demonstrate/argue your point, you must provide evidence from the text.  The text is always your best resource. Quote wisely, liberally, and accurately from your text.
	Present quotations following the Three C’s model of contextualization, correctness, and comment.  Do not just drop quotations into your paper.   Integrate them fully into your discussion.
	Provide accurate and correct internal citation and a works cited page for your paper following MLA style.   For more on the MLA style, see The Skidmore Guide to Writing at http://cms.skidmore.edu/writing_guide/index.cfm
	End your paper with an effective conclusion, one that does more than summarize your paper and restate your thesis.   Strive to synthesize your ideas in your paper and answer the “killer question”:  SO WHAT?
	For further guidance on writing a literature paper, please consult the Appendix: Writing About Literature and Culture (LE 504), which includes excellent information on the writing process, "The Elements of a Successful Essay," and proper citation and documentation.