Writing a Literary Analysis

Writing a Literary Analysis Othelloby: William Shakespeare Miss Amorin Grade 12

What is a Literary Analysis? • A well developed paper that analyzes literature from different angles. • The literary analysis proves a point (thesis). • It is supported by: • Ideas and events in the text • The writer’s opinions that correlate with ideas in the work • “Quotes” from the reading selection • Connections to outside sources that relate to the thesis

Pre-Writing • Theme= a dominant idea or subject that usually ties into a lesson or point. • Examples) love, trust, hate, jealousy, struggle, deceit, anger, friendship, greed, pride, etc… • THESIS statement= main point to be proven in a paper. It is usually one sentence located at the end of the introduction. • The entire paper will revolve around the THESIS. Prove the thesis by giving examples and “quotes” from the reading as supportive evidence.

Step One for Writing a Literary Analysis- Choosing a theme • Select a THEME of interest to write about. • Remember: Students will PROVE A POINT (*THESIS*) about the theme. • Theme ideas— • Love, hate, greed, jealousy, trust, pride, envy, lust, happiness, struggle, revenge, deception, anger, sloth, friendship, knowledge, manipulation, hardship, naivety, corruption, innocence, distrust, betrayal, relationships, etc….

Themes

Step two: Write a THESIS* in relation to THEME • Prove a point about the theme. What idea can be argued about the theme? That is a thesis statement. • Othello Example) Theme= Deception Thesis= Deception is a trait that multiple characters fall victim to due to the manipulative ways of the antagonist, Iago. GIVE EXAMPLES FROM PLAY TO SUPPORT THESIS. DISCUSS.

Thesis* Examples • Theme= Revenge Thesis= Iago finds pleasure in seeking revenge on Othello, disregarding those who may be affected by his malicious plans. • Theme= Love Thesis= Love proves itself to be the downfall of several characters throughout the play, Othello. *CLASS- WRITE ANOTHER THESIS STATEMENT FOR THE THEME OF LOVE.

PRE-WRITING OUTLINE* • Choose a topic/ theme. • Write a thesis statement in relation to theme. • Write three examples (three main points) from the play that support the thesis statement. • Write three “quotes” that relate to the three main points (supporting the thesis). • See model handout for format.

Enhancing Writing • Literary METAPHORS (similes apply as well) Metaphors are used to make ideas about characters or the plot appear more interesting to the reader. Regular sentence- Jealousy causes people to think and behave out of character. *METAPHOR sentence- Jealousy is a virus that breeds pain and misfortune.

Metaphors • He is a predator who figures out a cunning way to trap his prey. (Iago about Othello) • It is a black rose whose thorns pierce the frail human heart and drain it down the monstrous, hollow husk filled with greed and envy. (envy/jealousy) • He is like a game of poker living a life that continuously calls bluff. (Iago’s manipulation) • She is a silk white rose whose petals are filled with innocence. (Desdemona) • It is an infection that uncontrollably spreads throughout the body. (jealousy)

Metaphors vs. Similes Both are good in to include in writing.

Enhancing Writing • RHETORICAL QUESTIONS??? • Rhetorical questions are questions that have provoke thought and have implied answers. • Rhetorical questions enhance points that are being proven in paper. • Examples) Don’t people use reputation as a judgment of character? • Can we falter someone for simply giving their opinion when asked? Was it ever said it was the truth? • Should we hold Emilia accountable for submitting to her husband’s request?

Format FOR Writing an *Introduction* • I. Hook/ Grab reader’s interest • II. Background information • III. Thesis statement

INTRODUCTION- Part I* 1. Attention grabber (hook) • • “Quote” (cite) • • Definition (cite) • • Scenario(s) * • • Present Theme • • Metaphor/ Simile * • • Rhetorical Question

Introduction- Part II* 2. Background information • • Discuss general “theme” • • Transition into specific text (play) • • Title of story • • Author • • Discussion of theme/ topic in relation to play/ thesis*

INTRODUCTION- Part III* 3. THESIS statement* • Main focus of paper that will be proven in body of paper Notes- • - Present tense • - Third person • - See models (handouts)

*MODEL INTRODUCTION Perception vs. Deception The vast difference between appearance and reality is enough to deceive even the most noble of men. A great poet by the name of William Blake once said, “If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear as it is –infinite” (ThinkExist 1). One’s perception can effortlessly be altered by something as small as a modest falsity. If human beings had the power to see beyond the closed doors that often shadow reality, they could not be deceived. The undemanding act of deceit is simple. Deceiving one’s mind can be as simple as fooling the most gullible person on April Fool’s day. In life, people will unremittingly revise and alter the truth. It is an act of human nature. Life can resemble a game of telephone and lies can be created with a diminutive modification of words or ideas. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, the antagonist, Iago, manipulates characters to believe what he sought them to accept as true. Iago uses his intelligence, wit, and “honesty” to depose Othello’s intellect and mentality of all that is occurring in his life. With Iago’s simple and malicious twist on words and ideas, the villainous character is able to deceive Othello’s perception, inevitably turning him into a jealous monster.

Literary Analysis Writing a *BODY Paragraph • Format for Writing a BODY Paragraph for a Literary Analysis • 1.) Main reason • 2.) Supporting details • 3. Closing reflecting thesis idea Note: • Use rhetorical questions, metaphors, and other forms of compositional risk to enhance writing • NO “I” or “you” • Present tense

BODY* Paragraph *See model handout (body/essay)

Incorporating “Quotes” • Make sure “quotes” from text transition smoothly into paragraph. • Tie the “quote” into the idea presented in the paragraph. • Introduce “quote.” Who said it? • Write “quote” and make sure to CITE! (Author’s last name pg. #) • Example) Iago proves he will deceive Othello when he states, “I am not what I am” (Shakespeare 12). • Explain “quote” in own words. Emphasize point. See model handout*

CONCLUSION* * FORMAT for writing a CONCLUSION for a Literary Analysis 1.) Wrap up main points from body paragraphs 2.) Re-state thesis (in different words than introduction) 3.) End Strong! 

Model* Conclusion Theme: Manipulation Thesis: Iago is able to manipulate other characters due to his “honest” and noble reputation. It is clear as to what happened in the tragedy of Othello. An honest man turned evil when his heart was filled with jealousy and revenge. He then decided to use his good reputation for honesty against the rest of the world. He was able to manipulate those around him through his lies in order to meet his goal. Iago was a very complex character, possibly one of Shakespeare’s most evil figures. No matter how malicious his intensions were, his intelligence is what put him ahead. He realized early on what he was capable of accomplishing; what tricks he could play on his friends because they all knew he was a good and “honest” man. Much credit must be given to this villain who was able use his reputation to manipulate several characters throughout the play.

Additional Notes! Be creative with use of words and ideas Think “out of the box” Challenge your writing capabilities Incorporate compositional risk in paper to enhance writing (metaphors, similes, rhetorical questions, hyperbole, etc…) Present tense No “I” or “you” Use Rubric as a check list to make sure all criteria is completed REVISE! Look over grammar. Read aloud to self to ‘hear’ overlooked mistakes. Don’t write the standard essay or ideas that has been seen! Make your paper an original!

Writing a Literary Analysis