What is Literary Abstract?

• It’s literary

• It’s an abstract (two paragraphs)

• It’s--

• An Argument!

How is it “literary”?

• Usually, a literary analysis will involve a discussion of a text as writing, thus the term literary, which means “having to do with letters”

• This will involve the use of certain concepts that are very specifically associated with literature

How is a literary analysis an argument?

• When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s).

• When discussing these attributes, you will want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes.

• You will defend this point with reasons and evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

Important literary concepts

• The Basics– Plot– Setting– Narration/point of view– Characterization– Symbol – Metaphor– Humor– Irony/ambiguity– Exaggeration

• Other key concepts– Historical context– Social, political,

economic contexts– Multiple voices

What do I do?

• First Paragraph:– Use an attention-getter– 1st paragraph summarizes the story, and

explains the story’s theme. – Thesis: relate one literary element to the theme

• Ex: Through her use of exaggeration, Angelou proves that Maraguite idolizes her grandmother Annie.

Which is the best thesis statement?

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about the problem of evil.

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is boring and pointless.

• The use of humor in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings illustrates the lasting impact racial prejudice has on young children.

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about a girl with a toothache.

How do I support a thesis statement?

• Examples from the text:– Direct quotations– Summaries of scenes– Paraphrase

• Other critics’ opinions• Historical and social context• Always remember to read carefully and

highlight useful passages and quotes!

What do I do?

• 2nd Paragraph:– PROVE IT!– Deal with one literary element– Explain how that element proves the theme– Provide examples from text – Explain how that example proves your

argument (thesis)

Integrating Quotations

• Quotations from research can NOT simply be ‘plopped’ into your body paragraphs.

• They must be seamlessly worked in.• Mediocre example: For example, So-and-so says,

“Quote” (Citation 56)• Better example: Wordsworth stated that Romantic

poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Citation 263).

Handling Quotes in Your Text

• Author’s last name and page number(s) of quote must appear in the textRomantic poetry is characterized by the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Wordsworth 263).

Handling Long Quotations

David becomes identified and defined by James Steerforth, a young man with whom David is acquainted from his days at Salem House. Before meeting Steerforth, David accepts Steerforth’s name as an authoritative power:

There was an old door in this playground, on which the boys had a custom of carving their names. . . . In my dread of the end of the vacation and their coming back, I could not read a boy’s name, without inquiring in what tone and with what emphasis he would read, “Take care of him. He bites.” There was one boy—a certain J. Steerforth—who cut his name very deep and very often, who I conceived, would read it in a rather strong voice, and afterwards pull my hair. (Dickens 68)

For Steerforth, naming becomes an act of possession, as well as exploitation. Steerforth names David for his fresh look and innocence, but also uses the name Daisy to exploit David's romantic tendencies (Dyson 122).

Handling Long Quotations

• More than 3 lines long:– Indent left side 1”– Single space– Citation at the end– No indentation- simply resume paragraph