I somehow got an A* for lit GCSE, truth be told, I highlighted phrases or words that I thought I could write about, I made links to themes and symbolism as revision. I embedded quotes, and did very long pee answers.
1. What is your point
2. Embed the quote
3. Offer an explantion
4. Pick out a word from the quote and further explain
5. Comment on the grammar
6. Alternative view
7.link to the context of the short story snd how it might back up your point
8. Readers effect
9. Writers effect
That's what I used to do and it worked for me