Literature Paper 1
Example: literary analysis
Introduction
1. General observation
2. Author’s name and title of the piece in relation to the General observation
3. Thesis statement
Breaking down each step
1. General observation (Zoom out. What’s the big picture? What is the text about from a broad, thematic perspective? Consider the author’s purpose)
→ Examine what the main theme is in the text and articulate that theme in general terms. Let’s say the work deals with sibling rivalry.
Sample line: “Atmosphere has a way of transporting us to depths of our imagination, allowing readers to journey beyond the confines of their own reality and explore new emotional landscapes, cultures, and experiences.”
2. Author’s name and title of the piece in relation to the General observation
→ Identify the author’s name and title and connect the key aspect of the piece to the theme mentioned in the general observation above.
Sample line: In Amit Chaudhuri's novel "A Strange and Sublime Address," Chaudhuri paints a scene that transports readers to the domestic setting of a family in Kolkata while also cultivating an atmosphere of resignation toward government inefficiencies.
3. Thesis statement (how your analysis connects to the thesis)
→ Identify the main literary device(s) you will analyze and how it will help explore the work’s main theme, message.
Sample line: Through descriptive language, vivid imagery, and subtle symbolism, Chaudhuri creates an immersive experience that captivates the senses and evokes a range of emotions in the reader.
Entire Intro
Atmosphere has a way of transporting us to depths of our imagination, allowing readers to journey beyond the confines of their own reality and explore new emotional landscapes, cultures, and experiences. In Amit Chaudhuri's novel "A Strange and Sublime Address," Chaudhuri paints a scene that transports readers to the domestic setting of a family in Kolkata while also cultivating an atmosphere of resignation toward government inefficiencies. Through descriptive language, vivid imagery, and subtle symbolism, Chaudhuri creates an immersive experience that captivates the senses and evokes a range of emotions in the reader.
Body
1. Topic
2. Example
3. Intent/Effect
4. Closing statement
1. Topic
→ Identify the literary device you will analyze. If need be, you can creatively phrase the sentence and include the textual evidence as you see fit. What’s important is the device and evidence has to be there before you start discussing the intent and effect part.
Sample line: The passage opens with a scene of domestic tranquility as Chaudhuri uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the familial intimacy, with characters "reclined on the large bed" and engaged in a "transparent stream of conversation.
2. Example
→Insert the actual text evidence (the quote). Mind you, throughout the paragraph you can include the textual evidence in bits and pieces as well while you let your sentences merge with sentences used in the text.
Sample line: The imagery of "desert patches of silence" interspersed within the dialogue conveys a sense of quiet contemplation, punctuated by moments of shared connection.
3. Intent/Effect: Analyze the intent and effect of the text. This is where most of your energy should be focused. Your grade will be determined mostly by this of your writing. In this case, we’re dealing with imagery so discuss what the effect the descriptive language has. Note how phrases from the text get converted. For example, the text described the appearance of Chhotomama sleeping, so the essay uses the evidence provided to convert the text into words of the writer’s choosing: the phrases “tranquil domesticity” and “quiet introspection” are used here to describe the effect of the quote provided. Intimacy is also mentioned here to further elaborate on the atmosphere pertaining to warmth and comfort.
Sample lines: The mentioning of Chhotomama falling asleep, with the newspaper covering his face as “the breath came up from his nostrils” while “the newspaper rose and fell lightly,” serves to paint an atmosphere of tranquil domesticity tinged with a sense of quiet introspection and the passage of time. This image of a family member dozing off after a hearty meal is a common occurrence in many households, thus evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. However, the addition of the newspaper covering his face adds a layer of intimacy and privacy to the scene, suggesting that Chhotomama seeks solace and solitude within the confines of his own thoughts. This tranquility is further reinforced by the rhythmic repetition of mundane activities like washing hands and settling into beds, creating a comforting rhythm that mirrors the routine of everyday life.
4. Closing statement: Make clear how your analysis connects to the thesis. Recap the essence of your analysis in a concise manner.
Sample line: In this manner, Chaudhuri's descriptive language serves to capture the heart of the family home and the intimate moments of everyday life while also conveying deeper themes of introspection and the passage of time.
Entire body paragraph
The passage opens with a scene of domestic tranquility as Chaudhuri uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the familial intimacy, with characters "reclined on the large bed" and engaged in a "transparent stream of conversation." The imagery of "desert patches of silence" interspersed within the dialogue conveys a sense of quiet contemplation, punctuated by moments of shared connection. The mentioning of Chhotomama falling asleep, with the newspaper covering his face as “the breath came up from his nostrils” while “the newspaper rose and fell lightly,” serves to paint an atmosphere of tranquil domesticity tinged with a sense of quiet introspection and the passage of time. This image of a family member dozing off after a hearty meal is a common occurrence in many households, thus evoking a sense of warmth and comfort. However, the addition of the newspaper covering his face adds a layer of intimacy and privacy to the scene, suggesting that Chhotomama seeks solace and solitude within the confines of his own thoughts. This tranquility is further reinforced by the rhythmic repetition of mundane activities like washing hands and settling into beds, creating a comforting rhythm that mirrors the routine of everyday life. In this manner, Chaudhuri's descriptive language serves to capture the heart of the family home and the intimate moments of everyday life while also conveying deeper themes of introspection and the passage of time.