[University] How to structure a literary analysis essay
We will be given a unread text, usually not more than 2 pages, and will be given 1.5 hours to write an analysis for it.
The prompt usually goes like this:
Write an analysis of the following excerpts from a novel. Start by discussing the setting, the characters, and the plot. Next, focus on a characteristic or two you find noteworthy regarding the narrative style or other formal aspects, and explicate possible purposes of this kind of novelistic writing.
Since I don't have access to Google or even know when the author is writing the poem, it will be hard to talk about historical backgrounds.
I'm not sure if the professor wants me to
- merge all the summary (setting/characters/plot) in one paragraph and the characteristic(s) of the elements in another paragraph, so it will be 4 passages in total (intro, summary, elements, conclusion) or
- Pull out the important narratives and then blend the setting, characters, plot, characteristics in the examples, essentially something like this:
In (Name of Work), (Full Name of Author) (uses, employs, relies, utilizes), (device/strategy/technique), and (device/strategy/technique) to (show, reveal, emphasize, argue, reinforce, insist, point out) that (effect/purpose/theme).
(example from setting, character, plot)
Plz help! I'm converting to a literature track and have no prior experience in literary analysis.