CRITICAL ANALYSIS
OUTLINE
I. Introduction
- Establish author, title, credentials, source and central idea of subject essay. (Credentials and source may be added gradually as you develop the analysis.)
- Note that it is essential to pinpoint clearly the central idea. It is the single most vital element of the introduction. This is the author’s thesis, whether it is explicit or implied in the original essay. You might want to note that fact somewhere along the line in your analysis.
- The introduction should culminate in your own thesis that establishes how you will analyze the subject essay.
- Establish two or three rhetorical devices that
- the author employs to achieve certain effects. In other words, throughout the essay you will try to demonstrate how techniques interact with “content” in order to produce meaning.
- EXAMPLE: In the essay “Being a Man,” noted travel writer Paul Theroux utilizes sarcastic humor and exaggeration to dramatize his belief that stereotypes of masculinity have had a destructive effect on the rearing of American males.
II. Body paragraph #1
A.Summary of essay if you are going to separate summary and analysis. (I recommend that you keep this portion relatively brief. Give the reader just enough so that the points of analysis that come later will be clear.)
B. First point of analysis (if you are going to mesh summary and analysis.)
1. Assertion
- Evidence (quoted or paraphrased and tagged when appropriate).
- ***Commentary***
- Next point of analysis, developed with same strategy. (Try stacking evidence at some point in your analysis.)
- Final point of analysis (same basic pattern)
- Conclusion
- Echo but do not repeat your thesis.
- Try to conclude the essay with a thought provoking comment.
Final tips: See Writing for tips on intros and conclusions in general.
Remember that it is preferable to analyze fewer elements but to analyze and illustrate them thoroughly.
No “I” or “you” references.