Literary Analysis of We Have Always Lived in the Castle
When you write a literary analysis, you are writing for the purpose of helping other readers
understand some specific aspect of the story. A literary analysis requires that you choose a part of the
story such as a character, the setting, the plot, a theme, a symbol, and explain how that element works
in the story and how you interpret its overall meaning. So the first task in writing a literary analysis is to
narrow your subject and choose your specific topic. Then, using examples and details from the book,
you will support your observations with evidence in the form of quotations and paraphrase.
Choose one topic for your focus:
(Character Analysis)
1. Analyze Mary Katherine, using three character traits to describe her.
2. Analyze Constance, using three character traits to describe her.
3. Why do you think Charles is a part of this story? What purpose does he serve to the overall
plot?
4. Analyze a relevant symbol or symbolic behavior (house, fire, locks, burying objects, the cat, the
moon, etc.) Might there be some psychological relevance?
5. Analyze the reactions of the townspeople. What might the author be saying about society, etc.?
Length: 2-4 pages, typed and double spaced. USE MLA FORMATTING
Sources: 3 quotations from the book. All other work should be your own work.
DUE: Rough Draft is due Monday March 14
DUE: Final Draft is due Wed March 16