FAQS

How to Write About Literature

Writing about literature is different from other kinds of writing.

Here are some tips:

• The format of the paper will be similar to other papers (thesis, supporting points with details, conclusion).
• The thesis statement should contain an argument that proves a point(s) about your perspective on the literature. 
• Do not summarize the plot. Instead, talk about some aspects of the plot that illustrate and support your point(s).  Your voice should be clear throughout the paper.
• Feel free to use quotes from the literature in your paper.

More information about the format of the paper can be found below:

• Writing Guide
• APA Quick Start

Note: Information taken from University of Toronto, Writing About Literature http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/literature/

http://writing.utoronto.ca/fair-use/   

Writing a Literary Analysis

    Authors make intentional choices about character, setting, plot, theme, and other elements and details when writing fiction.  A literary analysis explores how and why an author made those choices and how those choices effectively drive the plot, communicate an idea, create tone and mood, and so on.  When writing a literary analysis, consider exploring one or more of the following elements of the work when developing your thesis. Use specific examples from the work to illustrate and support your argument.

• Allegory - An allegory is a story within a story where the "surface story" is used to explain an idea, a political event or teach a moral lesson in the "hidden story" which is often more complex.
• Archetype - A typical character, an action, or a situation that seems to represent universal patterns of human nature. Example: A mother figure.
• Character - Characters are an important element of any work of fiction.  Characters can be a person, inanimate object, or animal.  Below are definitions of different types of characters.
  • Protagonist - The main character or hero in a story or narrative.
  • Antagonist - The character or groups of characters who stand in opposition to the protagonist.
  • Anti-Hero - A central character who does not possess conventional heroic qualities and attributes.
  • Dynamic Character - A character who undergoes a transformation through the course of the story
  • Static Character - A character who does not change through the course of the story
• Context (historical, social, political, economic) - The background or circumstance that forms the setting, environment, or surroundings of events that give the narrative meaning or relevance.
• Dialogue - External dialogue is conversation that takes place between two or more characters in a fictional work.  Characters can also engage in Internal dialogue when writers share a character's thoughts.
• Diction - The word choices or style that an author selects for a work. Diction can be formal, informal, colloquial (common, everyday speech), or slang.
• Figurative language - Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.  Types of figurative language include:
  • Hyperbole - Extreme exaggeration meant to make a point.  Example: She was boiling mad.
  • Metaphor - A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that explains an idea or makes a comparison but is literally not true.  Example: He is the black sheep of the family.
  • Simile - A figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities between two different things.  Example: She is slow as molasses.
  • Symbolism - Use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving the symbols meanings that are different from their literal sense.  Example: The dove is a symbol of peace.
• Flashback - A recounting of events that took place before the current point in the story.
• Foreshadowing - Hints or suggestions about events that will happen later in the story.
• Narrative Structure - Setting, plot, and theme are elements of the structure of a story. Parts of the narrative structure include the beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Plot - Events that occur during the course of the story
• Point of View (Narration) - Perspective from which the story is told
• Setting - The time and place where the story takes place
• Theme - The central idea explored in a story
• Tone - The attitude or approach that the author takes toward the story's central theme. Tone can take on emotional qualities, for example, humorous, somber, joyous, dreary, etc.