Literary Analysis: A literary analysis paper asks you to explore a specific aspe

Literary Analysis:
A literary analysis paper asks you to explore a specific aspect or concept within a piece of literature that you have read. Not only should you describe it, but show how or why it is or is not important, what the possible benefits or deficits it has within the context of the story. To aid in this process, you will employ ONE literary criticism lens such as Critical Race Theory, or Historicism, or Feminist Theory, etc… This means that you must read the piece you have chosen from what we have read so far in class with a literary critical theory in mind and then apply this to your analysis. Remember, this paper should not be shorter than 475 words or longer than 550 words. Concision in writing is an important element to becoming a proficient writer.
Focus your analysis through ONE critical literary lens and expand with descriptive expository language and detail to make your point.
Possible Essay Structure:
Introductory Paragraph – Provide some background on the story and/or author which leads into specific information about the concept you are analyzing. The introductory paragraph should end with your Thesis Statement in bold. While the thesis statement does not necessarily have to form an argument, it should expressly convey the central idea, why it is important, and contain your opinion in 3rd person perspective. Remember that you are also applying one critical literary theory.
Example thesis: In “The Yellow Wallpaper,” women are portrayed as subservient and weak which is a direct factor for depression and melancholy due to male dominance, specifically in regard to “the woman” in the story. The fact that the woman, the main character, is unnamed provides a template for all women to rise up against patriarchal constraints.
(Two) Body Paragraphs – Two body paragraphs should be enough to provide your analysis, the link to the literary criticism you are using to analyze, and relevant content to support your claim. Remember to use outside content to support your ideas and to accurately cite and analyze any outside content you use. For support with how to write an effective paragraph, see the Paragraph Support page in our modules.
Concluding Paragraph – A strong concluding paragraph should contain “ending” language (not necessarily in conclusion or finally, but language that indicates to the reader that the paper is coming to a close), restate the thesis, usually in a fresh way, briefly summarize the main points of the body paragraphs, and offer some food for thought.
Specs:
Paper should be very close to 500 words. Please include word count at the end of the paper. Double spaced. MLA formatting, including MLA citation (Don’t forget to include a Works Cited page which is not included toward word count)
Thesis statement must be in bold.
Avoid colloquialisms and slang. Paper must be written in 3rd-person perspective.