Literary Analysis

Composition Classes --- Mr. Dawursk

Format Specifications (The Rules and Regulations):

1. Your Literary Analyses must be DOUBLE SPACE typed and spell checked. Computers in the school labs are available before and after school and at lunch time. See Mr. Dawursk for any other times.
2. Grammar mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, and usage) must be correct.
3. Your name, period, and date must appear in the upper-right corner of the document. Include this on the Word document you save. The file you save on the Advanced Composition directory should be saved as: YOURLASTNAME.doc.
4. When you are given permission to finally print the final draft of your paper, use only one staple in the upper-left corner to hold your report together. (No binders or covers, please.)
5. Do not illustrate your Literary Analysis with graphics of any kind.
6. Please use Arial 12 point or Times New Roman 12 point font ONLY.
7. You must write the analysis as an essay and all responses must be in complete sentences and paragraphs. Be sure to respond completely to all parts of all questions.

Content Format:

Simple Answers: (complete sentences whenever necessary)

1. What was the title of the book? (All book titles should be in italics or underlined.)
2. Who was the author of the book? (Full Name)
3. When was the book written? (Check the copyright date and publishing history page at the front of the book.)
4. By whom (which publishing company) was this version of the book published?
5. How many pages are in this version of the book?
   
   

One Paragraph for EACH Section Below:

6. Describe the setting of the book. (Time and place.)
7. Name the main characters in the book? Describe two of them briefly.
8. Name the minor characters. Describe two of them briefly.
9. Who was the protagonist? What were his/her most admirable traits? What obstacles was he/she faced with? How did he/she overcome them? Who was the antagonist? How did this character cause conflict for the protagonist? Remember, the protagonist is NOT always the “good” guy.
10. Clearly state one theme that is present in your book and explain why you think it is what the author is suggesting through his/her plot and characters. You may present several themes if you wish.
11. Write a one-paragraph review of the book. Explain the best and worst qualities of the book. Why did you like it or dislike it? What sort of a person would enjoy the book? You may even create a “rating” scale and give it a rating if you want.

150 Word Plot Summary:

12. Finally, write a 150-word summary of the book’s plot your summary should include a little bit about all the parts of the book, including the ending. Do not just write 140 words about the first chapter and then write, “...and if you want to know how it ends, you’ll have to read it yourself!” Be complete.
13. Be sure that your analysis follows the Format Specifications above.

Remember: Turn it in on or before the due dates listed in the syllabus. The first draft MUST be saved on computer as specified above. The second or final draft must be printed out in final form and handed in to Mr. Dawursk by the second due date listed in the syllabus.