Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Literary Analyses / 233

For character:

•    an analysis of what the character says, thinks, and does, pointing out any

discrepancies

•    an analysis of what others say about the character

•    an analysis of any differences between what the reader observes of the

character and what others say about him or her

•    an evaluation of any direct description by the author about the character

•    a statement of position as protagonist or antagonist [see protagonist and

antagonist in the Glossary]

For setting:

•    an evaluation of the relationship of setting to the work’s mood [see mood

in the Glossary]

•    an evaluation of the setting as it reflects the work’s theme [see theme in

the Glossary]

•    an evaluation of the setting’s impact on the characters

•    an analysis of the setting’s impact on the conflict [see conflict in the Glossary]

•    an explanation of change in setting as it affects change in mood, characters,

or conflict

For plot:

•    an analysis of the exposition, or beginning, of the story, drama, or novel

•    an evaluation of the rising action [see rising action in the Glossary]

•    an analysis of the climax, or high point [see climax in the Glossary]

•    an analysis of the falling action [see falling action in the Glossary]

•    an examination of special techniques of plot, such as foreshadowing and

flashback [see the corresponding Glossary entries]

For theme:

•    a statement of the major idea or theme of the story, drama, or novel

•    an analysis of evidence supporting the theme

For dialogue:

•    a description of the dialogue’s purpose

•    an analysis of its appropriateness, considering word choice, sentence length,

and cadence

•    an analysis of its impact on characterization [refer to the earlier section of this

list For character]

•    an analysis of its impact on the plot [refer to the earlier section of this list

For plot]