LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY

The goal of a Literary Analysis Essay is to discuss your interpretation of a

piece of literature using a specific literary focus.
Your essay will discuss your interpretation of The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer by focusing on Toms character.
Things to keep in mind as you write:
Never use I, you, we, or our. (Even though this is your
interpretation, it is still a formal, academic paper).
Do not just retell the story. (This is not a book report.)

5 Paragraph Paper
Intro with thesis

1st Body Paragraph - Elaborates on one element of your thesis.

2nd Body Paragraph - Elaborates on another element of your thesis.

3rd Body Paragraph - Elaborates on yet another element of your

thesis.
Conclusion

All of your Paragraphs must directly connect to

your thesis!!!

THESIS STATEMENTS
Thesis statements make an argument that you work to prove
throughout your essay.
Driving Question: Is Tom a good example of a static or a dynamic
character?
Sample Thesis:
Throughout

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain develops a

dynamic main character, Tom.

OR
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twains main
character Tom remains static.

Throughout

CONTINUED
Your topic sentences MUST directly connect to your thesis.
What that means is that you must use the same or very similar
wording in each of your topic sentences as you use in your thesis.
Pay attention to the following example and how the topic sentences
directly connect to the thesis statement.

Thesis
Throughout The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain develops a
dynamic main character, Tom.
Body Paragraph 1 - Topic Sentence
o One of the first major scenes to show a change in Tom occurs on
the island.
Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence
o Shortly after the island is the funeral scene that continues to show
Tom as a dynamic character.

Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence

o An important scene towards the end of the book that shows Tom
becoming more mature is the cave.

LITERARY ANALYSIS EVIDENCE

Each body paragraph must be supported by evidence from the
novel.

Evidence must
directly support your topic sentence and thesis statement
prove your argument
be a quote taken directly from the novel

Thesis
Throughout The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain develops a dynamic main
character, Tom.
o

Body Paragraph 1 - Topic Sentence

o One of the first major scenes to show a change in Tom occurs on the island.
o Evidence: Toms praying.
pg. 104 They said their prayers inwardly.

Body Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence

o Shortly after the island is the funeral scene that continues to show Tom as a
dynamic character.
o Evidence: Tom realizing someone elses feelings.
pg. 131 Aunt Polly, it aint fair. Somebodys got to be glad to see
Huck.

Body Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence

o An important scene towards the end of the book that shows Toms maturity is the
cave.
o Evidence: Tom caring for Becky.
pg. 228 .Becky was very weak. She had sunk into a dreary apathy and
would not be roused.

CONTINUED (REVIEW)
Your evidence must be imbedded (a part of your sentence).
Example:
While Tom went to find an escape, he used kite string to keep track
of Beckys location because .Becky was very weak. She had
sunk into a dreary apathy and would not be roused.

LITERARY ANALYSIS COMMENTARY

(THE HEART OF A LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY)
The goal of commentary is:
to show that you understand what you have quoted.
to show that you can explain how your scene and quote support
your thesis.

Commentary must be 2-3 sentences long!!!

Thesis:
Throughout The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain develops a dynamic main
character, Tom.
o

Topic Sentence #3:

An important scene towards the end of the book that shows Tom becoming more
mature is the cave.

Evidence to prove my topic sentence and thesis:

While Tom went to find an escape, he used kite string to keep track of Beckys
location because .Becky was very weak. She had sunk into a dreary apathy
and would not be roused.

Commentary:
Tom knew he had to leave Becky in order to assure her making it out alive.
He also knew that he needed a way back to her and a way to assure her of
his return. Toms actions clearly demonstrate his willingness to care for
others and think about their feelings. His actions show him to be mature
and thoughtful he put someone elses needs before his own.

Sample paragraph:
An important scene towards the end of the book that shows
Tom becoming more mature is the cave. Tom and Becky go
exploring deep into a cave and get lost. All they have with them
are a few candles, a small cake, and some kite string. When
Tom goes to find an escape, he uses kite string to keep track of
Beckys location because .Becky was very weak. She had
sunk into a dreary apathy and would not be roused.4 Tom knew
he had to leave Becky in order to assure her making it out alive.
He also knew that he needed a way back to her and a way to
assure her of his return. Toms actions clearly demonstrate his
willingness to care for others and think about their feelings. His
actions show him to be mature and thoughtful he puts
someone elses needs before his own.