Research Guides: LIT 2090: Literary Analysis (McCartney): Getting Started

Welcome to Literary Analysis!

You made it to Literary Analysis! One key to any successful literary analysis experience to develop competent research skills and take advantage of library resources.

Whether you are an expert researcher or a complete beginner, this guide will show you some tools, resources, and tips to help you along your journey.

What is Literary Analysis?

These encyclopedia articles provide a working definition:

Writing Literary Analysis | Salem Press Encyclopedia of Literature
A literary analysis is a writer's argument for how an aspect of a work of literature should be interpreted. When writing a literary analysis, writers must back up their assertions with the work itself and with secondary sources.
Literary Theory | Salem Press Encyclopedia of Literature
Literary theory, sometimes called cultural theory, refers to the ideas and methods used to interpret and analyze literature. Literary theories are often compared to lenses because, like a lens placed in front of an eye, each theory provides focus to a different picture of a literary work.

Your Course Textbooks

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Call #: MAIN 823.74 N8682
Also available as an e-book
Home by Marilynne Robinson
Call #: RESERVE - MAIN DESK