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Writing Analytical Paper
Ultimately, the quality of analysis determines the worth of your paper. You may have a good topic, and organize your discussion logically, but if you develop it only in general terms, the paper will not be successful. Analysis answers how and why questions. Quoting from the Text: Whenever you quote a passage from the text, analyze it. Dont expect it to speak for itself. A properly quoted passage has three components: introduction of the quote, the quoted passage itself, and analysis of the passage. When the introduction of the quote is a complete sentence, it should be followed by a colon. Example: What Norman Bowker observes as he circles the lake again and again marks the passage of time but also shows purposeful activity in contrast to his life: The band shell was deserted, and the woman in pedal pushers quietly reeled in her line, and Dr. Masons sprinkler went round and round (153). The concert is over and so is the womans fishing. The sprinkler continues to go round and round, just as Norman does, but unlike him it is accomplishing something, bringing life-giving water to the lawn. Sample Paragraph: 1. topic sentence 2. introduction and quotation specific 3. analysis 4. concluding generalization This is not the only time that the question of truth arises in In Pharaohs Army. Wolff claims to have crushed a valuable bowl belonging to his friend Pete, but immediately after relating this story, he breaks his paragraph with the words, really, now. He then goes on to relate that he would never deliberately take something precious from a manthe pride of his collection, say, or his own pride . . . and break it (159). These lines, besides clearly indicating that the narrator has just spun a tale for pure effect and in turn has brought into question his reliability, are also fraught with irony at the implication of taking something precious from a man. Wolff...