31 Literature Analysis Using PIE Method

The following literature analysis sample is paired with an outline illustrating the organizational strategy of each paragraph in relation to the PIE method, which is:

• Point: The main idea of a paragraph stating your interpretation or opinion
• Information:  Supporting details or examples illustrating the point (quotes, statistics, analysis)
• Explanation:  How the point supports the thesis in relation to the information

What is a Literature Analysis?

The purpose of a literature analysis is to investigate an author’s rhetorical choices in relation to purpose, context, audience, tone, and genre. Examples of such rhetorical choices include literary devices, plot, setting, character, overall structure, and style (word usage, point of view). A literature analysis should contain a thesis statement which presents a clear argument in the introduction paragraph(s). All supporting evidence in the body paragraphs should directly tie back to the main argument as well as the text itself, avoiding unnecessary plot summary when identifying the who, what, when, where, and how. Similarly, the conclusion should reinforce the main argument while summarizing supporting ideas, focusing on the “why” by explaining the importance of the author’s work based on his or her rhetorical strategy.

In this draft, I have underlined examples of direct citation and utilized track markings to identify my overall organizational strategy. Note the progression of my supporting ideas from paragraph to paragraph and how they relate back to my main point (thesis).