Here's why:
* Timelessness: Literary analysis focuses on the enduring qualities of a text. The present tense emphasizes this timelessness, suggesting that the work and its themes continue to hold relevance and meaning.
* Objectivity: The present tense helps maintain a sense of objectivity. It avoids the impression that the author is offering a personal interpretation of a work that is bound by a specific historical moment.
* Clarity and Focus: Using the present tense helps to streamline your writing and keep the focus on the text itself.
Example:
Instead of writing:
> "Shakespeare wrote *Hamlet* in the late 16th century."
You would write:
> "Shakespeare writes *Hamlet* in the late 16th century."
Exceptions:
While the present tense is the norm, there are a few exceptions where other tenses might be appropriate:
* Historical Context: You might use the past tense to discuss the author's life or the historical context surrounding the work.
* Specific Events: If you are discussing a specific event within the text, you can use the past tense to describe that event.
Key Takeaway:
For the most part, use the present tense when writing a literary essay. This will help ensure that your analysis is clear, objective, and focused on the enduring qualities of the work.