- That "something" here can mean, for example, the relations of a character's words, actions, gestures, physical appearance, and thoughts to the character's general character or personality.
- To analyze is to find how all the bits of information relate to something they relate to or are a part of.
"Evaluation" refers to the process of judging the quality of something relative to some implicit or explicit criteria.
- In studying literature, one may often decide one does not like a character or a story. This is a simple act of evaluation. In our studies, we will evaluate, but we will do so by referring to explicit and well-grounded criteria.
- In other words, if I write, “Romeo is in love”, that is fine so long as no one requires me to clarify what I mean by "in love." In the formal study of literature, we are obliged to clarify and defend such statements, so we have to offer some credible definitions and criteria for "love" and show how Romeo meets the definition and criteria.
- IT IS NOT A PLOT SUMMARY!
THINK ABOUT THE HOW AND THE WHY (analysis).... Not the who, what, when (plot summary)
The essay MUST:
- have a clear thesis idea that is appropriate for the essay prompt you have chosen
- Have the evidence supporting the thesis logically and clearly organized as well as effectively explained and connected to the thesis
- have sufficient, relevant, and reasonable evidence to support the thesis
- effectively quote(3x) and use the text of the work to support your claims
- all quotes must be cited according to MLA standards (parenthetical reference, lines, scenes, and acts): see Bedford Sections 54 -57.
- have a complete works cited page according to MLA standards
- be the original work of the student (with no plagiarism and with accurately documented sources)
- contain few if any serious spelling, grammatical or mechanical errors
- The essay will be no less than five paragraphs (600 words) of excellent writing: typed, double spaced, 12 pt font, ***complete with MLA heading and a snazzy title (do not increase font of the title).
- Extra-long quotes will not be counted towards your total word count (i.e. do not quote the entire TO BE or not to be speech).
An analysis of a literary work may discuss:
- How the various components of an individual work relate to each other
- How two separate literary works deal with similar concepts or forms
- How concepts and forms in literary works relate to larger aesthetic, political, social, economic, or religious contexts
