Outline for writing a literary essay Note: This is merely a tool for those who are having difficulty

writing about literature. Do not feel obligated to follow this outline.

I.

Introduction A. Opening (Introduce the name of the author and the name of the text you are analyzing, then provide a background of the story in order for your reader to understand your thesis; make sure you use present tense when referring to the story) B. Thesis (Argument)

II.

First Body Paragraph (Textual Analysis: Point A that supports your thesis) A. Refer to a passage in the story that supports your thesis B. Quote the passage C. Explain the significance of the passage

III.

Second Body Paragraph (Secondary Source: Point A that supports your thesis) A. Refer to how your thesis plays out in society at large B. Quote a passage from your scholarly article C. Explain the significance of the passage Third Body Paragraph (Textual Analysis: Point B that supports your thesis) A. Refer to a passage in the story that supports your thesis B. Quote the passage C. Explain the significance of the passage Fourth Body Paragraph (Scholarly Article: Point B that supports your thesis) A. Refer to how your thesis plays out in society at large B. Quote a passage from your scholarly article C. Explain the significance of the passage Conclusion A. Restate main idea B. Food for thought

IV.

V.

VI.