Literary Analysis
Outline/Rough Draft Worksheet
Introduction
Be sure that your intro includes the following information:
Title of work: ______
Author’s name: ______
(For the first reference, use the author’s first and last names; for all subsequent references, use the last name only)
Interpretation:
The interpretation you have chosen to defend in your essay. The chosen interpretation must be one that you can see as a pattern in the work: ______
______
Three main points #1 ______
#2 ______
#3 ______
Thesis Statement (interpretation + three main points): ______
______
______
______
Persuasive Support in Body Paragraphs
In the body of the paper, defend your thesis using specific statements about the literary work. Defend your three main points with around three facts or quotes from the literary work. Use plot summary only on a very limited basis, and always speak in the present tense in the summary. Assume your reader has read the work.
1st Body Paragraph Topic: ______
Summary, Quote or Fact #1 ______
#2 ______
#3 ______
2nd Body Paragraph Topic: ______
Summary, Quote or Fact #1 ______
#2 ______
#3 ______
3rd Body Paragraph Topic: ______
Summary, Quote or Fact #1 ______
#2 ______
#3 ______
Conclusion:
In your closing, reflect on your thesis and the three key points you have made in the essay. Do not bring in any new points.
Works Cited:
Document the literary work and any outside sources on a separate Works Cited page. MLA rules apply.
Blending Quotes
Quoted material should be blended with your own words in a way that is easy for the reader to follow and that supports your thesis.
Quotes CANNOT stand alone.
Never refer to the quote itself (This quote says…or, In this quote you will see…).
Include page numbers for all quoted material.
Present Tense Verbs
Always use present tense verbs for summary. List 4 present tense verbs used in your paper:
1. ______2. ______3. ______4. ______