Literary Analysis with Template
Writing in the Humanities ENG 112
Assignment Snapshot:
Mode: Literary Analysis Essay
Research Requirements:
Relevant short story assigned to you – “The Nightingale” by Hans Christian Andersen
Formatting and Citation Style:
MLA 9 Format—1” margins, Times New Roman 12 Point Font, Double Spaced, Before/After spacing at 0, Heading and Headers, In-text citation, and Works Cited Page
Length:
3+ pages (equals essay content on page 4)
Complete draft can be reviewed by the English Studio prior to the due date and it should be submitted in Moodle
FAQ – Does the reference page count as one of the 3 pages?
Can I use long quotes?
No
Do not use long quotes
For this assignment, you will read an assigned short story and write a thesis-based essay that provides an in-depth analysis of the work.
Thesis:
Your thesis statement should specifically argue how a specific technique used by the author (such as symbolism, setting, narration, plot, or character) contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. Do not use ethos, logos or pathos as a device for this paper. Choose from the list of literary devices.
Keep in mind that the thesis should be specific, arguable, worthwhile, and have three reasons in the plan of development.
Thesis Templates:
In specific work, author uses strategy or device to purpose of the work or theme…(plan of development).
Through the use of strategy, character, or idea, author achieves purpose or reveals theme…(plan of development).
NOTE:
This essay is not a summary or an overview of the story like you might find on Shmoop or an NC Live article titled “Overview.” While those kinds of sources explicate everything about a text, your essay is going to narrowly focus on a specific aspect(s) of the work, and you will back that main point up with EVIDENCE from the work! DO NOT GOOGLE ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR STORY!!! This should be YOUR interpretation!
The works cited page will contain the story you are analyzing.
The following template may be used. This content says “book,” but you are aware the reading is a “short story.”
