Writing on Literary Themes

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Writing on Literary Themes

• Compiled by Diane Dates Casey

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Common Mistakes

• Merely retelling the plot or restating an idea.
• Slavishly following another literary critic's
  framework for an argument.
• Completely summarizing the plot, as if the reader
  never read the literature being discussed.
• Cluttering the paper with details which have
  nothing to do with the argument.

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More Common Mistakes

• Failing to build the case using the literary text
  and to focus on what the author does with the
  text in relationship to the argument.
• Failing to coherently and logically argue the
  case.
• Showing little perception, creativity or
  expansion in the argument.
• Failing to use concise, descriptive vocabulary in
  an active voice.

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Potential Topics

• Plot and structure
• Characters
• Settings
• Point of view
• Idea or theme
• Imagery
• Metaphor and Simile
• Evaluation

• Symbolism and Allegory
• Tone
• Problems
• Themes of Comparison and Contrast
• Prosody

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Weaving Citations into the Text

• Establish a personal voice for the argument, so
  the reader can distinguish between the views of
  other literary critics and your own.
• Make sure the reader knows what you think.
• Build the argument with details from the literary
  text. In other words, refer to the text
  frequently.
• Compare and contrast your argument with the
  arguments of other literary critics.