: Literary Analysis Essay
Your Task: Closely read the pair of texts provided and write a well-developed, text-based response of two to three pages (600-800 words). In your response, first identify the theme, or central idea, related to The Bonds Between Us that links the two texts. Analyze how each author uses a variety of writing strategies to develop that theme, or central idea. Discuss a minimum of two literary elements, literary techniques, and/or rhetorical devices for each text, and be sure to address how the authors employ point of view to contribute to the meaning of the text. Use strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis, citing page numbers. Conclude by comparing the two writers’ treatments of these themes.
Texts from the HMH’s Collections for the 9th grade, Collection 3 – The Bonds Between Us:
“When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine” by Jhumpa Lahiri (short story)
“At Dusk” by Natasha Trethewey (poem)
Note: This e-textbook for the 9th grade is available on-line through TeachHub.
Guidelines: Be sure to:
Identify the theme that links the two pieces and articulate the central idea developed in each text.
Analyze how each author uses various writing strategies to develop this central idea. When writing about each text, incorporate analysis on at least two literary elements, literary techniques, and/or rhetorical devices. Examples include: characterization, conflict, denotation/connotation, metaphor, simile, irony, language use, point-of-view, setting, structure, symbolism, theme, tone, etc. Do not simply summarize the text!
Use strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis, citing page numbers.
Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner.
Maintain a formal style of academic writing.
Follow the conventions of standard written English.
Resources:
There are glossaries of literary terms and techniques here and here.
Ms. Peer Editor’s videos break down how to write a literary analysis. She has tutorials on writing a literary analysis thesis, introductions, conclusions and on integrating quotes in your analysis.
You can read strong, short examples of literary analyses from the ELA Regents if you look at Part 3 essays that received a score of four in the “Rating Guides” here.
Standards Addressed:
9-10R1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly/implicitly and make logical inferences; develop questions for deeper understanding and for further exploration. (RI&RL)
9-10R2: Determine one or more themes or central ideas in a text and analyze its development, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; objectively and accurately summarize a text. (RI&RL)
9-10R3: Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. In literary texts, analyze how complex and/or dynamic characters develop, interact with other characters, advance the plot, or develop a theme. (RL)
9-10R4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood. Examine technical or key terms and how language differs across genres. (RI&RL)
9-10R6: Analyze how authors employ point of view, perspective, and purpose to shape explicit and implicit messages (e.g., examine rhetorical strategies, literary elements and devices). (RI&RL)
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