Literary Analysis of two Shakespearian sonnets. I chose sonnet 18 and 130.
Please write 2-3 pages in MLA format which means double-spaced, indented paragraphs
Include an MLA heading on the first page of your essay and include properly formatted page numbering using the “header” page numbering function in Microsoft Word (use the Little Seagull Handbook or Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) for help with formatting).
Include a minimum of three examples from the work – at least one for each body paragraph.
Please read the instructions on how to write a literary analysis before submitting it.
Note, you generally will not be using an outside source for this paper, but if you use any outside research, you must cite it properly. You will be using quotes from the work to back up your own thoughts about the themes. This should be YOUR analysis and not someone else’s analysis of the works.
Your paper should have an intro paragraph ending in your thesis statement which should state the controlling idea for the essay.
Include supporting body paragraphs – each corresponding with the points in your thesis statement.
A conclusion paragraph that begins with a re-stated thesis to remind the reader of the controlling idea proven in the essay.
MLA formatted Works Cited Page
How to Write a Literary Essay
An essay should have an intro, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. I do not count paragraphs, but I do pay attention to structure, so you do not have to create a standard 5-paragraph essay, but you should prove the thesis. A one-paragraph body to the essay should also be avoided.
You shouldn’t use quotes in your intro or conclusion – save that for the body paragraphs where you are making your points.
Create a thesis statement that shows the central and controlling idea for the essay. What will be proven in the essay – state that in your thesis. I prefer to see the thesis statement at the end of the introduction. Begin your essay with an attention grabber – a statement that is broad but entices the reader to continue with the essay. After the attention grabber statement, write a few transition statements to narrow the points to the thesis. The introduction should set the tone for the essay. Please note: DO NOT use questions in this essay. As the writer, YOU should include statements to control and center the points for the reader. Do not use a “hook” in the form of a question for your first sentence of the essay (i.e. Have you ever wondered what the Middle Ages were like?”)
You can compare on themes, treatment of women, literary devices used, and any point that you would like to prove in relation to the readings. Just remember that your essay must have the correct literary structure. For instance, you should’t write “Compared on the treatment of women, symbolism, and metaphor.” The treatment of women is one of the themes while the other two are literary devices.
Literary essays are written in third-person and present tense. You should already know this from your ENG 111/112 classes, but if you don’t know what that means, make sure to look it up before writing your essay as failure to do so will negatively affect your grade.
***Remember a literary analysis is not a summary of the story. I’ve already read these works, so I don’t need to read a book report about the plot. I want you to show your comprehension of the stories by utilizing and proving points about themes, literary devices, or particular traits from the readings.
