LIT 1000 – Critical Analysis A literary critical analysis is not merely a summa

LIT 1000 – Critical Analysis
A literary critical analysis is not merely a summary of a literary work. Instead, it is an argument that expresses an
interpretation, judgment, or critical evaluation of the work. This is accomplished by examining specific literary
devices (symbols, themes, metaphors, tone, point of view, diction, structure, etc.), within the work. The purpose of a
critical analysis is to demonstrate how these elements convey meaning. In your analysis, you will most likely discuss
how certain literary techniques are used to convey specific ideas. You will discuss what a literary piece means and
how it achieves its effect. To write critically, you must provide analysis of specific evidence from the text (words and
phrases; avoid long quotes). The goal of this assignment is to give the audience an interpretation of the literature.
Organization:
1. Introduction (explore the subject of your analysis and end with a thesis statement).
2. Body Paragraphs 2-3 (explore the main aspects of your argument); Include topic sentences (the
first sentence of the paragraph that states the main idea of the paragraph and its significance)
3. Conclusion (what is the significance of the analysis; avoid restating the thesis)
Requirements:
o Use 1 work of literature assigned for the course (Avoid: Loomba & “Language”)
o Use a different work of literature for Critical Analysis #2.
o MLA format & in-text citations (for quotes cited)
o 2-3 full pages (Works Cited page should always appear on a new page at the end of your
essay.)
MLA Format for Essays:
All formal papers must be submitted using the following format:
1. 12 pt, Times Roman font, double-spaced with one-inch margins;
2. Text is left-justified and title is center-justified;
3. Heading is on the upper left-hand corner of the paper and consists of the student’s name, course
number and section/instructor’s name, assignment title, and due date;
4. Header is in the upper right-hand corner and consists of the student’s last name and the page
number;
5. The first lines of paragraphs are indented 5 spaces with no extra line space between paragraphs.
6. No title page, cover page, folders, or hand-written essays.
7. Include a Works Cited page.
8. Carefully proofread the final draft
Works Cited Format
o Add Works Cited to the top of the page (no italics, bold, and/or underline)
o Always appears at the top of a new page.
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o Alphabetize citations.
o Use a hanging indent and double-space each citation.
o Use the following citation for all poems and short stories
o Last Name, First Name. “Poem or Short Story Title.” Date of Publication.
o Use the following citation for a dramatic work (play)
o Author last name, First name. Play Title. Directed by Director first name Last name, Publisher,
Day Month Year, Theater Name, City. Performance.
Do:
o Use quotation marks for poetry and short story titles.
o Cite the literature’s date of publication after the first mention (in parenthesis).
o MLA in-text citation for evidence. See the “Integrating Evidence” handout on Canvas.
o Use backslashes [/] to indicate a separate line of poetry in a quote. You must also include
the line number(s) at the end of the sentence in parentheses.
Avoid:
o Outside sources. The only source allowed for this assignment is the literature.
o First-person (“I,” “me”) and second-person pronouns (“you,” “your”).
o Using “I think,” “I feel,” “I believe,” and “In my opinion” because these statements prove
nothing.
o Using the author’s first name.
o Evidence (quotes) without introductions and explanations.
o Summary
Deadlines
Critical Analysis #1 is due to Canvas October 23rd by 11:59 pm
Critical Analysis #2 is due to Canvas November 12th by 11:59 pm
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