Essay #1: Literary Analysis (Pre-1900 Texts)

Course: LIT2000 — Introduction to Literature

Purpose

This essay introduces you to college-level literary analysis. Your goal is not to summarize the story, but to analyze how meaning is constructed in a literary text.

You will develop a clear thesis and support it through close reading of specific passages.

Text Options (Choose One)

· Oedipus the King

· The Cask of Amontillado

· Shakespeare, Sonnet 18

· Shakespeare, Sonnet 29

· Kate Chopin, The Story of an Hour

· Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Yellow Wallpaper

· (Any pre-1900 published work of fiction, poetry, or mythology with instructor permission)

Your Task

Write a 750–1000 word analytical essay in which you do the following:

1. Present a clear, arguable thesis

2. Begin your essay from a specific observation (a word, phrase, or moment) and build your interpretation from that detail

3. Focus your analysis on one or two specific passages (no more than 10–20 lines total)

4. Analyze specific literary elements, such as:

· Theme

· Character

· Symbolism

· Tone

· Imagery

· Irony

5. Support your ideas with quoted textual evidence

6. Explain how the evidence supports your interpretation

7. Your interpretation should be specific and original, not a general or obvious statement about the text

Important Distinction

Summary retells what happens.

Analysis explains how the text creates meaning and why that meaning matters.

Your essay should focus on interpretation, not plot summary.

Suggested Approach

· Introduction

· Briefly introduce the text and topic

· Present a clear thesis

· Body Paragraphs (at least 2–3)

· Focus each paragraph on one main analytical point

· Use direct quotations from the text

· Explain the significance of your evidence

· Conclusion

· Reinforce your main insight

· Show what your analysis reveals about the text

Formatting Requirements

· Length: 750–1000 words

· Format: MLA format (basic)

· Evidence: Include at least 2–3 direct quotations

Guiding Question

You may find it helpful to think about the essay through the following question:

What truth about human nature does this text reveal, and how does the author reveal it through literary form?

Click to view additional guiding questions

Process Note (Required)

At the end of your essay, include 2–3 sentences explaining:

· What passage you chose and why

· How your main idea developed as you worked on the essay

What I’m Looking For

· A clear and focused thesis

· Strong use of textual evidence

· Thoughtful explanation of meaning

· Logical organization

· Clear, readable writing

Advice

Do not try to say everything about the text. Choose one strong idea, develop it clearly, and support it well.

Connection to the Course

This essay builds the foundation for the major writing work in this course:

· Essay #2 will move toward comparison

· Essay #3 will move toward argument and interpretation

If you learn to analyze well here, the later essays will be easier to write.

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