English 1A
Literary Analysis Essay - Angela's Ashes
1500-1800 words (5-6 pages)

Purpose: 

To demonstrate knowledge of the technique of analysis; to demonstrate ability to present a thesis that illuminates a deeper meaning of a literary text than may be apparent at first glance; to provide concrete, specific evidence from a literary source to support that thesis.

Overview: 

Reading for analysis is very different than reading for fun or for information.  When we read for analysis, we practice active reading skills. The goal is to break down the various elements of a text, and examine how those elements work together to accomplish the author's goal, or to have a certain effect on the reader. Some elements of literary analysis are: plot, theme, setting, character, tone and style, point of view, and symbolism.

Directions:

1. Read the material associated with Module 6. 
2. Review the seminar topics and discussion items for Angela's Ashes.

3. Choose a topic. If you are feeling stuck for ideas, look at the following suggestions.  Remember, the questions are just suggestions to get you thinking. You might consider jotting your answers to the questions and other ideas in the margins of the book as you read, or taking notes on a separate sheet. 

    Gender: How are men and women portrayed in the book? What traits are associated with masculinity or feminity? Does McCourt seem to adhere to or promote certain stereotypes of men and/or women?  What does he seem to be suggesting about the nature of masculinity or femininity?
    Narrative Voice: Evaluate McCourt's choice of narrator for this book. From whose point of view is the story being told?  Does the voice of the narrator change at all throughout the book? Why does McCourt choose this particular narrator to tell the story? Do you think the narrator's voice is effective and/or believable? Why or why not?
    Family Ties: What is the central impression that McCourt gives of his family? Are they a close family? Does Frank feel proud or ashamed to be a member of the family? How would you describe his relationship to his parents and siblings (including the dead brothers and sister)? 
    Religion: What role does religion play in McCourt's life? What was he taught about religion in New York, and how did that change when he moved to Ireland? What is his relationship to the Catholic Church?  What does he suggest about the influence of religion in the lives of people like those in Limerick?
    Story-telling: Analyze the role of storytelling in the book.  Who tells stories, and for what purpose?  What role do stories play in Frank's life?  What does McCourt seem to be suggesting about the importance of storytelling in everyday life?
    Tone:  How would you describe the tone of the novel? Is it depressing? Humorous? Uplifting? Angry? Self-pitying? Evaluate how effective McCourt's tone is. What effect does his tone have on the reader? How does the tone help the reader to a deeper understanding of how McCourt views his childhood?
    Poverty: How does living in poverty affect the McCourts, as a family and as individuals? Do individual family members view their poverty differently? How about Frank himself - how does he feel about being so poor?  How does it affect the way he views the world? 
    Free Choice: Create a question yourself if none of these appeal to you. If you choose this option, you must first submit a proposal for my approval.

    

4. Write a thesis.  If you are unsure about how to write a thesis for an academic analysis, check out the interactive exercise in the Hacker site.  Click on "Research Exercises", then "MLA", then "E-ex LIT 2-1." 

5.  Make an outline/write a draft.

Make sure that you develop your thesis with quotes and specific examples from the text.  The paper must be in MLA format! 

6. Revise draft/Submit.

Congratulations; you are done.  Relax in the sun with your favorite beverage.