Choose a topic. The first step is to select a topic to research. When choosing a topic, pick something aligned with the course objectives that truly interests you. You want your research paper topic to be narrow and focused enough to thoroughly explore within the assigned page limits. Some common literary research paper topics include analyzing themes, characters, literary techniques or historical context within specific works or comparing elements across multiple works.
Develop a thesis statement. With your topic chosen, craft a clear, arguable thesis statement that presents your perspective on the topic. A strong thesis states your position and preview the main points that will support this position. For example, a thesis for a paper analyzing themes in Shakespeare’s Hamlet could be: “Hamlet explores the theme of madness through Polonius, Ophelia and Hamlet himself to reveal that in a corrupt world, sanity is indistinguishable from madness.”
Conduct preliminary research. Before beginning to write your paper, do some preliminary research to familiarize yourself with relevant scholarly criticism and analysis on your topic. Search library databases and bibliographies to find past literary criticism and scholarly journal articles. Taking detailed notes will help ensure you don’t lose important ideas and quotes. At this stage, avoid focusing on summarizing sources and instead concentrate on understanding different scholarly perspectives relevant to your thesis.
Create an outline. With your research notes in hand, devise a structured outline to plan how you will organize and develop your paper’s main points. Your outline should include a clear introduction, multiple body paragraphs supporting your thesis with evidence and analysis, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one key aspect of your thesis, with topic sentences signaling how each paragraph specifically supports your overall argument.
Draft the introduction. Begin writing by drafting a strong introductory paragraph that establishes the significance of your topic, provides necessary context, and previews your thesis argument. Hook the reader with an attention-grabbing opening and draw them into your perspective on the topic.
Develop body paragraphs with analysis. Using your outline for guidance, write multiple body paragraphs that thoroughly develop and support your thesis argument. Each paragraph should be focused on analyzing one of the main points indicated in your outline through close readings of textual evidence. Weave quotations and paraphrases from primary and secondary sources into your analysis, always clearly contextualizing and commenting on them. Draw original insights and conclusions, posing probing questions for further thought.
Draft a conclusion. Complete your paper with a conclusion that does not simply restate your thesis but instead reviews your argument’s key strengths and insights while appropriately closing the discussion. You can leave your reader with broader implications, new avenues for future exploration, or a final clinching thought related to your thesis.
Edit and refine your draft. Set your draft aside for a day or two and then return to it with a critical eye. Carefully proofread for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation or consistency of style. Refine transitional phrases and the logical flow between paragraphs. Strengthen weak analysis or rework paragraphs that are off-topic or redundant. Have peers or the writing center review it as another set of eyes to catch anything you may have overlooked.
Prepare a references page. Compile full citations for all primary and secondary sources cited in your paper in a references list on a new page at the end, formatted per your specified style guide (typically MLA or Chicago Manual of Style).
Finalize and submit your paper. One last review for any missed errors will help to catch last issues before finalizing your paper. Carefully check that all sources are properly cited and attributed. When satisfied that your paper demonstrates a persuasive, well-organized argument supported by thorough analysis and thoughtful consideration of multiple perspectives, it’s ready for submission!