Avoid Writing from "Within the Story"

When analyzing a work of literature, avoid writing exclusively from "within the story."

"Atticus wanted to set a good example and be a role model to his children."

Writing from within the story is important, but use it to setup a bigger and more insightful form of analysis.

Focus on writing about the creative decisions the author made and how they shape the readers' experience with the story or the value the story holds within our society.

"Atticus is a character that provides readers with a constant reminder of who we should strive to be. He's maintains an almost unrealistic level of rectitude that provides us with an example of what we, as members of the human race, should try to be."

Create and defend an argument ABOUT the story...about the author's message, techniques, style, etc.

"By telling the story from a child's point of view, readers are forced to see issues of race, gender, and poverty with fresh eyes."

Write ABOUT the author's techniques, style, and other creative choices and focus on how those elements affect the reader's experience with the story.