Literary Analysis Blog

Be careful with paraphrasing in a literary analysis essay.  Sometimes it is better just to use a quotation and then explain how that quote relates to your topic.  However there are times when the event or evidence that you wish to include is very lengthy or which has superfluous information that does not relate directly to your topic.  In these cases you should paraphrase.

When you paraphrase, be sure that you do not change the author’s message.  Keep the important details; maintain the fa...

Organizing a literary analysis essay is a fairly straightforward process.  Unlike creative writing or other narrative forms, it is usually not a good idea to stray from a basic essay format.

1) Introduction
    a. Give your main idea and summarize your main points.
2) First main point (Include each of these items in a sentence or two)
    a. include why it is important
    b. include a paraphrase or quotation from the text
    c. explain the quotation and relate it to the main point of this secti...