Writing a Literary Analysis

Paper 1 IBDP

What a literary analysis isn't!

A literary analysis is NOT an essay! This means there are certain elements that are different.

Literary analysis does have a normal introduction or conclusion. The opening paragraph will explore some of the larger elements of the text such as theme, but does not set up an argument.
Literary analysis does not make an argument. You are not trying to prove a point or convince an audience. You are merely unpacking and describing. As there is no argument, you not need a traditional conclusion. In fact, a literary analysis can finish when with no conclusion.

What does a literary analysis do?

A literary analysis is undertaken to describe a text in terms of structure, style, literary devices, and possible meaning. It does not matter if you think the work is good or not. (Remember good is different from effective)

An Analogy
Think about a biologist... When a biologist writes a paper on a frog, they are interested in describing it in terms of biology, habitat, mating habits etc. They are not interested in writing if they like or dislike frogs!

Topic Sentence
The MOST important part of a literary analysis is the topic sentence. A topic sentence MUST contain two elements... Cause and Effect. i. what is expressed? How?

ii. what meanings do you see? What techniques convey these meanings? iii. What significant authorial choices are included? To what effect?

Consider the following topic sentences...

Shakespeare uses diction and syntax in his play Othello
Joseph Conrad uses a framework narrative in his novella Heart of Darkness Robert Frost uses a tripartite structure in his poem Ghost House.

Shakespeare use of diction and syntax in his play Othello emphasizes the protagonists growing paranoia.

Joseph Conrad use of a framework narrative in his novella Heart of Darkness positions the reader as a listener of Marlows story as compared to a reader.

Robert Frost uses a tripartite structure in his poem Ghost House focusing on nature, animals, and finally man.

Shakespeare use of diction and syntax in his play Othello emphasizes the protagonists growing paranoia. Joseph Conrad use of a framework narrative in his novella Heart of Darkness positions the reader as a listener of Marlows story as compared to a reader.

Robert Frost uses a tripartite structure in his poem Ghost House focusing on nature, animals, and finally man.

The paragraph
One you have a two part topic sentence, you are half way there. From here you should use a standard two or three part chunk paragraph depending on the idea.

Referencing Text
It is important CONSTANTLY refer back to the text. Concrete evidence should not be paraphrased! ALWAYS USE LINE NUMBERS EITHER IN THE TEXT OR IN BRACKETS In line 1, Frost capitalizes the word Dwell, emphasizing the sensation of purposelessness from the beginning of the poem Frost capitalizes the word Dwell, emphasizing the sensation of purposelessness from the beginning of the poem. (1)

To be Verbs
Avoid unnecessary uses of the verb "to be" in your compositions. The following list suggests some verbs you can use when writing a literary analysis: dramatizes presents illustrates characterizes underlines asserts posits enacts connects portrays contrasts juxtaposes suggests implies shows addresses emphasizes stresses accentuates enables

Beware of adjectives and adverbs!

Do not overuse adjectives in you body paragraphs! Frosts use of polysydenton in the opening stanza creates a fast rhythm that mirrors the image of nature wildly growing- This describesFrosts expert use of polysydenton in the opening stanza creates a fast rhythm that mirrors the image of nature wildly growing- This reflects an opinion it is an expert use