Reflection Papers = Literary Analysis

The over-riding goal of literary analysis (i.e. your Reflection Papers) is to demonstrate some new understanding of the text that is unique, specific, and debatable.

Analysis

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For other uses, see Analysis (disambiguation).

Look up Analysis or analysis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Analysis is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts to gain a better understanding of it. The technique has been applied in the study of mathematics and logic since before Aristotle (384–322 B.C.), though analysis as a formal concept is a relatively recent development.^[1]
The word is a transcription of the ancient Greek ἀνάλυσις (analusis, "a breaking up", from ana- "up, throughout" and lysis "a loosening").^[2]

Analysis as an independent subject was created in the 17th century during the European scientific revolution.^[3] As a formal concept, the method has variously been ascribed to Alhazen,^[4] René Descartes (Discourse on the Method) and Galileo Galilei. It has also been ascribed to Isaac Newton, in the form of a practical method of physical discovery (which he did not name or formally describe).

In analyzing literature, the over-riding goal of analysis writing is to demonstrate some new understanding of the text.

Click HERE for a link concerning thesis statements 

Ex. Riverbend blames those who are in power for the situation in Iraq.

vs.

Through a variety of subtle strategies, Riverbend systematically leads her readers to agree with her that the true blame for the situation in Iraq rests on the shoulders of American leaders, and the Iraqi "puppets" they have brought to power.