If you haven't written many literary analysis essays, you may feel unsure how to interpret a work of literature. You have something unique and special to bring to the task, though: your own perspective and experiences. When you write about The Diary of a Young Girl, your task is simply to explain your ideas about the diary's themes—based on your own perspective and your own understanding. Those ideas may differ from the ideas of other readers, and that's fine—as long as you can support your interpretation with evidence from the text.
When you write literary analysis, you build an argument for your personal "take" on the work. However, it's always a good idea, in a written argument, to address at least one counterclaim—a claim that another reader with a different perspective might make about the topic. Let's look at a few simple examples. First, read the claim beneath each image, and think of a counterclaim, a way that someone might disagree with the opinion. Then think of a rebuttal, or a response to that opposing idea. Click each image to compare your ideas to the example.
Banana splits are best dessert in the entire world!
People who litter should be arrested and should spend time in jail.
Cooking should be a required class for every kid in school.
Suppose you read this claim about Anne Frank's relationship with Peter Van Daan.
Anne's diary entries about Peter reveal that her relationship with him is simply a distraction from her boredom and loneliness. The relationship would likely not continue if they were allowed to leave the Annex.
What would be a reasonable counterargument to this claim?
