It’s that time of the semester when research papers are being assigned in multiple classes, but especially English! If you haven’t stopped by the library yet (either on campus or online at library.csn.edu/ask), we can absolutely assist you with finding research materials and citing sources. But when it comes to English literature specifically, you might find yourself unsure where to start! The good news is, researching and writing a paper for English Literature involves the same basic strategies as any research paper. Follow the tips below, compiled by our former librarian Clarissa Erwin in 2017 and updated for 2026!
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Start by reading the primary piece of literature to get your own idea of what it means. Sometimes reading a scholarly analysis (a secondary source) can help you better understand the work. Just be careful not to get overwhelmed by other interpretations.
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What does your instructor expect for the assignment? Are they asking you to summarize the work? Are you expected to identity themes and techniques and show how they work? Assignments often ask you to propose an argument for a particular interpretation of a work. Sometimes you’ll be asked to compare and contrast one literary work with another. In that case, your argument could revolve around different plots, characters, or possible interpretations.
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Once you’ve found your approach, create a thesis statement that reflects your particular argument. How will your argument unfold? Will you contrast techniques like narrative voice in fiction or the gradual shaping of a character’s identity? Be sure to visit a Writing Center for help on this process.
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With a good strategy in mind, you might start your research by asking a librarian for help selecting keywords. Identify the keywords and phrases from your thesis statement to put into search boxes on the CSN Libraries website. We have a search bar on our home page that searches almost everything on the website at once. If you wanted to argue that the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is about the different ways that old and young people view romantic love, for example, your keywords could be Shakespeare and romantic love.
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But don’t stop there! You don’t have to just use our home page search box to find sources. You can also put keywords into our individual databases. Click on Browse Databases and select specialized resources that will help you support your argument with scholarly insight. Best bets include:
- Literature Criticism Online – Literary criticism covering most time periods and literary disciplines, from classical to contemporary, from short stories and poetry to drama.
- Twayne’s Author Series – A collection of ebooks that cover concise critical introductions to world authors and their major works. This is a great starting place to fill-in the knowledge gaps and gain some background information on authors and what they’ve written.
As you write the paper, don’t forget to cite your sources! This gives credit to original authors/creators and helps you avoid plagiarism. It also gives you more credibility and makes your sources easier to find by your readers. Most English papers at CSN are required to be formatted using the Modern Language Association style (MLA). Click on Research Help in the CSN Libraries website menu and choose How to Cite. You’ll find a complete guide for the most recent 9th edition of MLA. Choose Additional Citation Resources to find a complete sample MLA paper through the Purdue University website.
CSN librarians are happy to help you on any step of the research and citation process. If you need assistance with proofing and editing the paper, you can also visit a CSN Writing Center.
Take a deep breath! You’re in good hands as we work together to help you get your assignments completed!