Using Literary Evidence

Literary evidence is typically open to multiple interpretations. As a result, finding interesting textual evidence is only the first step in producing a compelling literary analysis. Even more important is how you persuasively analyze that evidence.

Literary evidence can be interpreted in many different ways. That means that when you provide a quotation from a text as evidence, you need to be sure to explain clearly how that evidence supports your interpretation. Although there are many ways to explain literary evidence, most people writing about literature make the following moves:

Introduce a quotation in a way that helps readers recognize what you want them to see in it.
After you quote a text, take the time to explain exactly how the language of that quotation and the form of the passage supports the point you're making.
Read the following paragraph from a paper on Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."

Using Rhetorical Appeals

In literary analysis essays, one task of the paper is to analyze a text, and another task of the paper is to persuade your readers to see and believe the points you are making about the literary text you are analyzing. Understanding rhetorical appeals can really help in crafting a compelling argument. Here is a summary of the three main rhetorical appeals:

1. Logos - Logical Appeal

Logos is about using logical reasoning and evidence to support argument. It is focused on making clear, rational points.
- For example:
  - When you use your recent report card as evidence to persuade your parents into allowing you to go out with friends.
In your literary analysis you will use logos the most. The research you conduct will help you gather evidence that supports your claims and ultimately persuades your readers to agree with the claims you are making about the text you are analyzing.

2. Ethos - Ethical Appeal

Ethos is about establishing credibility and trustworthiness. When you use ethos, you are showing that you have the knowledge and authority to speak on the topic.
- For example:
  - When advertisements use doctors to recommend their product
In your literary analysis, you can implement the rhetorical appeal of ethos by citing reliable sources and using evidence from the text to support your claims.

3. Pathos - Emotional Appeal

Pathos involves appealing to the audience's emotions. It's about making a connection with the readers on an emotional level.
- For example:
  - When you tell your parents: If you really cared about my safety, you'd buy me that new car I asked for.
In your literary analysis you can highlight how certain elements evoke emotions.

To summarize, ethos helps you build trust with your readers, pathos connects with their emotions and logos ensures your argument are solid and well-supported.

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