Book Review; “First Confession” by Frank O’Connor Custom Essay

A literary analysis “takes apart” a piece of literature and closely examines literary techniques used in the text in order to show how they contribute to its overall theme. The purpose of this essay is to give you practice closely examining the point of view represented in a text, the setting, and the characters and how they contribute to the theme of the entire piece.

NOTE: An analysis is NOT a line-by-line explanation of the meaning of the text. Nor is it merely a summary of the text. A literary analysis attempts to identify the use of specific literary devices AND establish the relationship between that device and the meaning of the text. Think of it as attempting to show the relationship of the part to the whole.

For this paper, you will be required to identify the narrative point of view, setting, and characters and explain how they contribute to the theme of the entire selection.
Choose ONE of the following texts to analyze:
“Pigeon Feathers” 263
“First Confession” 279
“The Grangerfords” from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 89
“The Red Badge of Courage” 151

Essay Structure Guidelines
1. The introduction must include three points: a descriptive summary, the theme, and thesis statement.

II. The body of the essay must include:

• First Body Paragraph: Identify the narrative point of view used in the selection and explain how that choice of point of view used by the author contributes to the theme [the meaning of the entire piece]. Include examples from the work (quotations, summaries of scenes, etc.) to support your explanation.

• Second Body Paragraph: Select the setting and explain how it contributes to the theme of the entire selection. Include specific examples to support your explanation.

• Third Body Paragraph: Select characters and explain how the author’s choice of characters contributes to the theme of the entire selection. Include specific examples to support your explanation.

• Fourth Body Paragraph (your worldview ) Discuss how this particular text has influenced your own worldview. You may use first person in this paragraph. Cite specific examples to support your points.

III The conclusion must rephrase your thesis and summarize your main points; draw general conclusions about how the author uses the various literary techniques to convey his/her purpose to the reader. BE CREATIVE. Do not flatly list your major points. The conclusion is the last (and often lasting) impression.