Issues in Literature & CultureLiterary/Argument Analysis Paper
LIT 2480: Harry Potter and
Issues in Literature & Culture
Literary/Argument Analysis Paper
MDC LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSED: COMMUNICATION, CRITICAL THINKING AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Assignment Goal
This paper is an analysis of one of the Harry Potter novels covered. The use of literary analysis is
required to research a particular, theme, issue character, etc.
Unlike class discussions and lectures, writing is the sharpened, focused expression of thought,
study and a specific point of development. This will work to improve your critical thinking
abilities and requires the development of an idea. You must work to convince the person
reading your essay that you have studied, researched and supported the idea you are
developing. This will require tight organization and control of your topic.
Literary Analysis
In the literary analysis you carefully examine and sometimes evaluate a work of
literature or an aspect of a work of literature. You must examine the many and different
elements and choose a pattern or concept in the literature to present. For instance, in a
poem you may identify and analyze the imagery and how it works within the form and
content of the work. On the other hand, you may want to analyze the imagery and
language for the metaphors it alludes within the societal constraints of the time period.
In the argument paper you carefully consider and analyze the issues surrounding the
text of literature. How does the text reflect cultural and societal issues? It is important
in an argument to have a distinct point of view (claim) that you will present and support.
Consider using the Toulmin model of argumentation for this paper. (This is NOT a book
report!)
The Bedford Handbook, Chapter 7, pages 176-198, discusses approaches to reading and writing
about literature. There is also a sample paper for review in the handbook. There are also
sample papers for your review in Blackboard.
Assignment Topic & Research
There are many issues and topics that were not presented that can be utilized for this paper.
Use the MDC Library catalog and databases to complete the research. You will also use the
MDC databases to find research on the topic. You must cite at least four peer-reviewed,
scholarly articles.. Quotes from these articles must be included in the main text of your writing.
Make sure you choose a topic that gives you something to work with. You must also cite from
the novels to support the literary analysis.
Assignment Format
The paper must be at least 5 pages in length but not more than 7 pages. The paper must be
MLA formatted. This means:
● 1-inch margins,
● 12 point Arial or Times New Roman font,
● last name and page number in header,
● double-spaced
● in-text citations for all quotes,
● present tense verbs and active verbs,
● works cited page (not all the research but what is cited)
● must cite the primary source
The Bedford Handbook has details on MLA format and a MLA sample paper. Improper use of
grammar, spelling and mechanics will affect your grade.
Assume that your readers have not read the essay to which you are responding. All quotations
must be accurate and introduced with a signal phrase. (Consult the Bedford Handbook to
remind yourself of the rules.) Even though you will be inserting your own personal evaluation of
the author’s persuasiveness, do not use any first-person pronouns (I, me, my, mine, myself).
No second-person pronouns (you, your, yours, yourself, us, we) should appear in your essay
either (unless they are in a quote you are using).
As always, your essay should have a title, an introduction with a thesis statement, at least three
supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. It may be best to organize your supporting
paragraphs chronologically, showing your readers which information and strategies come first,
second, third, and so on. If you choose to organize your analysis chronologically, be aware that
you may still need to discuss features, such as tone, that manifest throughout the essay. Other
essays may call for you to group examples of the different strategies and organize the groups
from most to least convincing (or vice versa). However you organize the analysis, it must be
logical and your reader must be able to follow along (without having read the essay you are
analyzing).
TITLE
Give your essay an original title that speaks to the content of what you have written. It is a
good idea to have a title that will explain the purpose (to show how an author succeeds or fails
at persuading) and the context (which author/text are you addressing) of your writing. For
example, if you were analyzing an poem by Walt Whitman, “Oh Captain, My Captain” you might
use the title “Whitman’s Eulogy for Lincoln.” Some students choose to “play” with the title of
the essay to which they are responding. For example, the title might be, “Oh Lincoln, My
Lincoln.”
General outline of paper:
● Introduction paragraph (1 paragraph – 12-15 sentences minimum)
○ Should capture the reader’s attention
○ Must include title of work of literature or artifact and author
○ Historical and social context of literature or artifact
○ Background information that is relevant (7-10 sentences)
■ Make sure to name the president
■ What is significance with particular president?
○ You may use a provocative/startling statement, question, quotation, anecdote,
or combination of these
○ Must contain an arguable thesis/claim statement 1-2 sentences
■ Thesis= (1-2 sentences) specific aspects of the artifact to focus on
■ Claim = (2-3 sentences) the issue or problem and resolution, solution, or
evaluation
○ Summarize the artifact
● Your introduction should begin with a brief summary of the article that incorporates
the full name of the author and the full title of the article in quotation marks. After
you explain in one or two sentences what the author’s main point is, transition into a
general discussion of his or her rhetoric. Include any historical and social context that
may give the reader background to the writer and their ideology. Then give your thesis
statement in which you a) describe at least three rhetorical strategies the author uses
and decide whether or not the author is ultimately successful in persuading his or her
readers. Here is one example introduction using an essay by sociologist Barry Glassner:
In “Narrative Techniques of Fear Mongering,” Barry Glassner argues that news organizations
and politicians manipulate the fears of average Americans for their own benefit. When
people are afraid, Glassner points out, they are more likely to continue to consume the
products put before them and to vote in certain ways. In his efforts to bring this matter to the
attention of his readers, the author uses a variety of rhetorical techniques. Glassner is
persuasive because of his concerned ethos, his meticulous logos, and his use of authority to
provide expert opinions on the subject.
Here is another example introduction (note that this is a segment of the introduction and not
complete), this one using Milton Friedman’s essay:
In “Prohibition and Drugs,” Milton Friedman argues for the legalization of all drugs. He claims
that most of the problems surrounding drug use stem from the fact that drugs are illegal. In
order to make his case, Friedman employs several rhetorical strategies. Because he makes
allusions to history, stirs up pathos in the reader, and most of all, applies a solid logic,
Friedman succeeds in persuading a general reader that legalizing drugs would benefit society.
Here is a literary analysis student example (sections removed):
“In “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d,” … He [Whitman] injects rich imagery to
enthrall his audience, develops symbolic/metaphorical expressions, and most importantly,
infuses a large amount of pathos within the text, from firsthand experience, to make his
audience feel the melancholy tenor of that period in time. Thus, constructing, what could be,
one of the most impactful elegies ever written” (Menendez 1).
The author’s last name should appear quite often in your paper (as you can see from these
examples) because you are examining and evaluating the writing choices that he or she has
made.
Supporting Body Paragraph (4 paragraphs minimum, 12-15 sentences)
● Begin your detailed analysis of the author’s rhetoric in your second paragraph. Focus on
one rhetorical strategy per paragraph after your introduction.
○ Supporting details should be cited from the artifact and any research completed.
■ Evidence can be from MDC databases, books or historical websites
○ What rhetorical strategies are used to convey the message?
○ What literary devices are employed to communicate the message?
○ How do the devices or strategies work to clearly communicate the
assertion/premise posed?
○ How do you think the audience reacted?
○ How does this connect to the social construct of the time period?
For each strategy/literary device that you examine from the essay, you must develop a
paragraph that includes the following information:
● For your topic sentence, name the rhetorical or literary technique that the author has
used.
● Quote the word, phrase or passage (or give a quality paraphrase of longer information)
that exemplifies the author’s use of that strategy. Introduce your quotation or
paraphrase with a signal phrase. (According to Smith, “Blah blah blah.” or Smith states,
“Blah blah blah.” etc.)
● Explain how an average reader would react to the writer’s use of that word, phrase,
passage or technique.
● Explain whether the decision to use that strategy in that way helps or hurts the author’s
overall argument, and whether or not average readers would be convinced. This helps
to connect your analysis to your thesis.
● Research from peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
● Explain the research quote and how it supports the technique or the artifact.
For example, here is a segment of a paragraph analyzing an allusion in a speech by Martin
Luther King, Jr. on April 3rd, 1968:
Dr. King employs the rhetorical technique of allusion in his speech. When he says, “I have been
to the mountaintop,” King is demonstrating his keen audience awareness by alluding to the
story of Moses in the Bible. In that story, God tells Moses that he will not make it to the
Promised Land but that he can go to the top of the mountain with God and at least see it.
Similarly, as a leader of the Civil Rights movement, King fears that he personally will not see
the day when all are treated equally, but he feels that God has at least shown it to him, that it
is within reach. This allusion is a great message of hope to his audience, who (as King
knows) are familiar with the Bible. His audience is persuaded by this allusion because they
make the connection to their own lives and are inspired to continue the struggle for freedom
and equality.
Continue your analysis by focusing one at a time on the most salient features you have
identified in the essay. You must identify and analyze at least three different literary
techniques/issues that the author uses, though you may have more than one example of
each technique.
● Concluding paragraph
○ Restate the thesis/claim
○ What was the most significant detail presented
○ Any conclusions
○ What did the audience learn from your paper?
○ What is the “take-away”?
○ Call to action?
ARGUMENTATIVE OUTLINE
● Title (something descriptive), Heading (Name, Professor’s Name, Course, Date, Header
information
● Introduction (1 paragraph)
○ background of topic of text
○ make a case for this topic
○ What is the problem or issue and why is this important?
○ o thesis/claim
Is it arguable?
Is it original?
Is it significant?
Is it opposable?
Don’t ask a question in the thesis/claim
● Body Paragraphs (2 paragraphs)
○ summary of text, including the author’s argument
○ statement and proof offered to support that statement);
○ Use of the rhetorical mode of argumentation and persuasion with emphasis on
analyzing the text and synthesizing the sources
○ How did the author use one of the argumentative styles in his/her argument?
○ Did the author give adequate support for his/her claim?; would you add anything
to make his/her argument stronger?
○ Did the author leave out any important information that contradicts his/her
argument?
○ Analysis must also include comparison of 3 points from your text to at least 3
research sources; there must be in-text citations of at least 4 sources
● Counterargument/Refutation Paragraph (1 paragraph)
○ A counter argument to your proposed argument with a rebuttal to follow (see
outline).
● Body Paragraphs (1 paragraph)
○ This is your strongest argument and evidence to support the claim
○ summary of text, including the author’s argument
○ (statement and proof offered to support that statement);
o Use of the rhetorical mode of argumentation and persuasion with emphasis
on analyzing the text and synthesizing the sources
o How did the author use one of the argumentative styles in his/her argument?
o Did the author give adequate support for his/her claim?; would you add
anything to make his/her argument stronger?
o Did the author leave out any important information that contradicts his/her
argument?
o Analysis must also include comparison of 3 points from your text to at least 3
research sources; there must be in-text citations of at least 4 sources
● Conclusion Paragraph (1 paragraph)
o What was your overall evaluation of the author’s argument? o Was it effective or
ineffective, and why?
o Any final thoughts or comments you have on the text.
REVISION
As always, proofread your essay carefully. Take a look at your previous assignments to see what
structural and grammatical areas needed improvement, and look for those same problem
areas in your final draft. Use the checklist on the next page to make sure you are on the
right track.
A SUCCESSFUL LITERARY ANALYSIS OR ARGUMENT PAPER:
✓ Follows the instructions of the assignment
✓ Introduces the author and article and gives a brief summary of the main point
✓ Has a thesis statement that decides whether or not the author is ultimately successful in
persuading readers—and explains why or why not
✓ Organizes the essay logically
✓ Thoroughly develops the analysis of each example by:
● Accurately distinguishing and identifying the various rhetorical features
● Accurately quoting the word, phrase, or passage (or paraphrasing longer
examples)
● Introducing all quotations and paraphrases with signal phases
● Explaining how each technique effects the readers
● Explaining whether or not the technique helps or hurts the overall argument
✓ Concludes succinctly
✓ Avoids adding opinion or commentary about the topic of the article
✓ Is written in formal academic English
✓ Follows MLA-style formatting and citation guidelines
✓ Includes a works-cited page which includes research from 4 scholarly, peer-reviewed
articles and cites the primary source (novel)
✓ Does not include research from the Internet especially from: Wikipedia, Google searches
or Harry Potter websites that is not backed up with solid scholarly peer-reviewed
research.
✓ Includes quotes from the primary text (the Harry Potter books) to use as examples.
Last Name 1
First Name Last Name
Professor Bucher
ENC 2300
27 February 2015
Research Proposal/Prospectus: The Influence of Television on Family Values
Research Question(s): How has the portrayal of the father in a family sitcom changed
negatively in the past few decades? Is television eroding family values as the display of a family
on television changes?
Importance: This is an important issue because the current portrayal of the father on television
shows may influence children to disrespect their actual parents and mistake them for clueless.
Thesis or Claim: American television shows have created families in which the father figure has
become more ridiculous and uninterested in his children’s lives. This may cause young viewers
to change their viewpoints of their own parents and see them as less intelligent, causing them to
discard their parents’ reasoning and opinions.
Possible Counterarguments: These sitcoms are made purely for laughs and entertainment.
They do not influence children and teenagers to view their parents differently. They present a
silly and immature father only for comedic purposes.
Method: I will research this topic by picking specific sitcoms to review. I will watch various
episodes of each sitcom. I will look for peer-reviewed articles that present research and studies
on the topic. I will also look at the difference between family portrayal in television shows from
a decade ago and television shows now.
Interest: This topic interests me because I know the difference between an actual father and a
father played on television. On children’s channels I can see the parents portrayed as clueless and
occasionally reckless, giving a misleading impression of actual parents; this can lead children to
see their parents the same way and teenagers may see themselves as more intelligent than their
parents. For example, when I was younger I thought that if I walked away from my parents
during a fight and slammed the door to my room, I would be left alone, like on the sitcoms I
would watch. However, this only made the fight continue and matters worse because it was a
lack of respect towards my parents’ authority.
4 peer-reviewed journal articles:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Last Name 1
Research Paper Title
Use this outline to guide you through the development of your essay. Do not write out the entire
essay on this outline sheet.
I. Introductory Paragraph
a. Attention Grabber (light, true, relevant, or humorous)
b. Background Information (9-10 sentences minimum)
i. Audience does not know the subject, give history or significant details,
vocabulary)
ii. Show that you know the material you have researched
c. Claim statement -State the problem or issue (arguable, original, significant, not a
question)
d. Claim statement continued-recommendation or evaluation
e. Transition to essay body
II. Body Paragraph 1 – Pro Reason –
Argument
a. Topic Sentence, background information
b. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
c. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, , example, (semiotic) analysis
d. Concluding Sentence – Transition to next body paragraph
III. Body Paragraph 2 – Pro Reason – Argument
a. Topic Sentence, background information
b. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
c. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
d. Concluding Sentence – Transition to next body paragraph
IV. Body Paragraph 3 – Refutation – State the Opposing Positions or Views-
Counterargument
a. Topic Sentence, background information
b. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
c. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
d. Concluding Sentence – Transition to next body paragraph
V. Body Paragraph 4 – Pro Reason – Redirect and Present Your Most Powerful
Argument
a. Topic Sentence, background information
b. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
c. Major Detail
i. Summarize research (1-2 sentences)
ii. Signal Phrase (introduce quote)
iii. Quote – highlight evidence, give statistics (Author pg#)
iv. Explain how quote supports the thesis and main idea/point of this
paragraph
v. Share an observation of the issue, example, (semiotic) analysis
d. Concluding Sentence – Transition to next body paragraph
VI. Concluding Paragraph – Illustrate to your instructor you have thought critically
and analytically about the issue. Do not introduce new evidence that may need
additional support.
a. Restate/paraphrase your Thesis/Claim
b. Summarize/Emphasize main points stated prior
c. Why is this topic important to for the audience to understand?
d. Why does this matter?
e. Climax of your paper – Use your strongest analytical points to reiterate evidence
in your own words
f. Leave reader with final strong impression
g. Most important recommendation/solution/evaluative point
h. Clincher -Conclude with your opinion or a “call to action” (don’t use ‘I’)
- CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE
ORGANIZING YOUR ESSAY