Literary Analysis

A literary analysis closely examines key elements of a literary work and explores how those elements affect the meaning of the work. Use this form to clarify your ideas. Introduction Attention Grabber (identify work): Oscar Wildes The Model Millionaire is a sweet story with a surprise ending. Necessary Information (literary element definitions and brief plot summary) Through most of the story, Hughie needs money to get married. He does not have money, but ends up with it by the end. This is because he happened to treat just the right guy with kindness. This man, the millionaire, gives him the cash he needed. In doing a literary analysis on Wildes story, it is important to look at irony, imagery, and characterization. Thesis In doing a literary analysis on Wildes story, it is important to look at irony, imagery, and characterization. Body Paragraph One Topic Sentence Irony, which is when what happens that is opposite our expectations, is apparent in the end of Wildes story. Key supporting points Illustration Explanation 1. No one expects the old 1. a wedding present to Hugh 1. The wedding present was beggar man to turn out to be Erskine and Laura Merton, from 10,000 pounds; the exact a millionaire. an old beggar (Wilde 8). amount Hughie needed to get married. 2. Hughie is embarrassed of his 2. What a duffer he must think kindness. me! (Wilde 7). 2. Most people would be proud of their generous 3. The reward is 3. Millionaire models, remarked nature. disproportionate to the Alan, are rare enough; but, by kindness. Jove, model millionaires are 3. It seems that the gift of rarer still! (Wilde 8). 10,000 pounds is excessive when compared to the sovereign, but Alan knows how reckless Hughie was to give the sovereign away. Transition/Concluding Sentence In addition to identifying examples of irony, focus should also be placed upon imagery. Body Paragraph Two Topic Sentence Imagery is when an author emphasizes sensory detail; it is found in Wildes story.

Key supporting points 1. the old-beggar man is described in detail. 2. Then, focus is placed on what the old-beggar is wearing. 3. imagery applies to the senses when describing Alans fit.

Illustration

Explanation

1. The beggar himself was 1. This description, with such standing on a raised platform words as wrinkled and in a corner of the studio. He parchment, really allows the was a wizard old man, with a reader to picture the old mans face like wrinkled parchment, face. and a most piteous 2. Upon reading these words one expression, (2). pictures a jacket so worn that 2. Over his shoulders were one questions its ability to flung a coarse brown cloak, all provide warmth and protection taters; his thick boots were from bad weather. patched and cobbled (5). 3. Not only can readers picture 3. However, Hughie wouldnt Alan bent over in laughter, but stop, but walked home, feeling can hear the chuckles as they very unhappy, and leaving emit from his mouth. Alan Trevor in fits of laughter, (8).

Transition/Concluding Sentence While imagery is vitally important, being able to identify characterization is just as important. Body Paragraph Three Topic Sentence Characterization is another essential element of Wildes story because of the many traits he gives Hughie. Key supporting Illustration Explanation points 1. Hughie is an altruistic 1. Poor old fellow and he 1. Despite being short on funds character. walked across the studio an himself, Hughie hands over 2. Hughie is a bit of a slipped the sovereign into the one of few sovereign available pessimist. beggars hand, (6). to himself. 3. Hughie is an assuming 2. I am an unlucky devil, (8). 2. Rather than observe that his man. 3. Thank you sir (6). actions were unselfish at the moment and that he nothing to be ashamed of he continues to berate himself. 3. In the story, he thinks the beggar is only hat he appeared to be. Transition/Concluding Sentence By doing a literary analysis of Wildes story, the reader gains a better understanding of what is happening. Conclusion Summary Restate Topic Sentence #1: Irony, which is when what happens that is opposite our expectations, is apparent in the end of Wildes story.

Restate Topic Sentence #2: Imagery is when an author emphasizes sensory detail; it is found in Wildes story. Restate Topic Sentence #3: Characterization is another essential element of Wildes story because of the many traits he gives Hughie. Thesis: In doing a literary analysis on Wildes story, it is important to look at irony, imagery, and characterization. Clincher: Wildes story is entertaining because of his ability to craft his writing with literary elements, truly hooking the reader.