beginner's guide to literary analysis
Understanding literature & how to write literary analysis.
Literary analysis is the foundation of every college and high school English class. Once you can comprehend written work and respond to it, the next step is to learn how to think critically and complexly about a work of literature in order to analyze its elements and establish ideas about its meaning.
If that sounds daunting, it shouldnât. Literary analysis is really just a way of thinking creatively about what you read. The practice takes you beyond the storyline and into the motives behind it.
While an author might have had a specific intention when they wrote their book, thereâs still no right or wrong way to analyze a literary textâjust your way. You can use literary theories, which act as âlensesâ through which you can view a text. Or you can use your own creativity and critical thinking to identify a literary device or pattern in a text and weave that insight into your own argument about the textâs underlying meaning.
Now, if that sounds fun, it should , because it is. Here, weâll lay the groundwork for performing literary analysis, including when writing analytical essays, to help you read books like a critic.
What Is Literary Analysis?
As the name suggests, literary analysis is an analysis of a work, whether thatâs a novel, play, short story, or poem. Any analysis requires breaking the content into its component parts and then examining how those parts operate independently and as a whole. In literary analysis, those parts can be different devices and elementsâsuch as plot, setting, themes, symbols, etceteraâas well as elements of style, like point of view or tone.
When performing analysis, you consider some of these different elements of the text and then form an argument for why the author chose to use them. You can do so while reading and during class discussion, but itâs particularly important when writing essays.
Literary analysis is notably distinct from summary. When you write a summary , you efficiently describe the workâs main ideas or plot points in order to establish an overview of the work. While you might use elements of summary when writing analysis, you should do so minimally. You can reference a plot line to make a point, but it should be done so quickly so you can focus on why that plot line matters . In summary (see what we did there?), a summary focuses on the â what â of a text, while analysis turns attention to the â how â and â why .â
While literary analysis can be broad, covering themes across an entire work, it can also be very specific, and sometimes the best analysis is just that. Literary critics have written thousands of words about the meaning of an authorâs single word choice; while you might not want to be quite that particular, thereâs a lot to be said for digging deep in literary analysis, rather than wide.
Although youâre forming your own argument about the work, itâs not your opinion . You should avoid passing judgment on the piece and instead objectively consider what the author intended, how they went about executing it, and whether or not they were successful in doing so. Literary criticism is similar to literary analysis, but it is different in that it does pass judgement on the work. Criticism can also consider literature more broadly, without focusing on a singular work.
Once you understand what constitutes (and doesnât constitute) literary analysis, itâs easy to identify it. Here are some examples of literary analysis and its oft-confused counterparts:
Summary: In âThe Fall of the House of Usher,â the narrator visits his friend Roderick Usher and witnesses his sister escape a horrible fate.
Opinion: In âThe Fall of the House of Usher,â Poe uses his great Gothic writing to establish a sense of spookiness that is enjoyable to read.
Literary Analysis: âThroughout âThe Fall of the House of Usher,â Poe foreshadows the fate of Madeline by creating a sense of claustrophobia for the reader through symbols, such as in the narratorâs inability to leave and the labyrinthine nature of the house.
In summary, literary analysis is:
- Breaking a work into its components
- Identifying what those components are and how they work in the text
- Developing an understanding of how they work together to achieve a goal
- Not an opinion, but subjective
- Not a summary, though summary can be used in passing
- Best when it deeply, rather than broadly, analyzes a literary element
Literary Analysis and Other Works
As discussed above, literary analysis is often performed upon a single workâbut it doesnât have to be. It can also be performed across works to consider the interplay of two or more texts. Regardless of whether or not the works were written about the same thing, or even within the same time period, they can have an influence on one another or a connection thatâs worth exploring. And reading two or more texts side by side can help you to develop insights through comparison and contrast.
For example, Paradise Lost is an epic poem written in the 17th century, based largely on biblical narratives written some 700 years before and which later influenced 19th century poet John Keats. The interplay of works can be obvious, as here, or entirely the inspiration of the analyst. As an example of the latter, you could compare and contrast the writing styles of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Edgar Allan Poe who, while contemporaries in terms of time, were vastly different in their content.
Additionally, literary analysis can be performed between a work and its context. Authors are often speaking to the larger context of their times, be that social, political, religious, economic, or artistic. A valid and interesting form is to compare the authorâs context to the work, which is done by identifying and analyzing elements that are used to make an argument about the writerâs time or experience.
For example, you could write an essay about how Hemingwayâs struggles with mental health and paranoia influenced his later work, or how his involvement in the Spanish Civil War influenced his early work. One approach focuses more on his personal experience, while the other turns to the context of his timesâboth are valid.
Why Does Literary Analysis Matter?
Sometimes an author wrote a work of literature strictly for entertainmentâs sake, but more often than not, they meant something more. Whether that was a missive on world peace, commentary about femininity, or an allusion to their experience as an only child, the author probably wrote their work for a reason, and understanding that reasonâor the many reasonsâcan actually make reading a lot more meaningful.
Performing literary analysis as a form of study unquestionably makes you a better reader. Itâs also likely that it will improve other skills, too, like critical thinking, creativity, debate, and reasoning.
At its grandest and most idealistic, literary analysis even has the ability to make the world a better place. By reading and analyzing works of literature, you are able to more fully comprehend the perspectives of others. Cumulatively, youâll broaden your own perspectives and contribute more effectively to the things that matter to you.
Literary Terms to Know for Literary Analysis
There are hundreds of literary devices you could consider during your literary analysis, but there are some key tools most writers utilize to achieve their purposeâand therefore you need to know in order to understand that purpose. These common devices include:
- Characters: The people (or entities) who play roles in the work. The protagonist is the main character in the work.
- Conflict: The conflict is the driving force behind the plot, the event that causes action in the narrative, usually on the part of the protagonist
- Context : The broader circumstances surrounding the work political and social climate in which it was written or the experience of the author. It can also refer to internal context, and the details presented by the narrator
- Diction : The word choice used by the narrator or characters
- Genre: A category of literature characterized by agreed upon similarities in the works, such as subject matter and tone
- Imagery : The descriptive or figurative language used to paint a picture in the readerâs mind so they can picture the storyâs plot, characters, and setting
- Metaphor: A figure of speech that uses comparison between two unlike objects for dramatic or poetic effect
- Narrator: The person who tells the story. Sometimes they are a character within the story, but sometimes they are omniscient and removed from the plot.
- Plot : The storyline of the work
- Point of view: The perspective taken by the narrator, which skews the perspective of the reader
- Setting : The time and place in which the story takes place. This can include elements like the time period, weather, time of year or day, and social or economic conditions
- Symbol : An object, person, or place that represents an abstract idea that is greater than its literal meaning
- Syntax : The structure of a sentence, either narration or dialogue, and the tone it implies
- Theme : A recurring subject or message within the work, often commentary on larger societal or cultural ideas
- Tone : The feeling, attitude, or mood the text presents
How to Perform Literary Analysis
Step 1: read the text thoroughly.
Literary analysis begins with the literature itself, which means performing a close reading of the text. As you read, you should focus on the work. That means putting away distractions (sorry, smartphone) and dedicating a period of time to the task at hand.
Itâs also important that you donât skim or speed read. While those are helpful skills, they donât apply to literary analysisâor at least not this stage.
Step 2: Take Notes as You Read
As you read the work, take notes about different literary elements and devices that stand out to you. Whether you highlight or underline in text, use sticky note tabs to mark pages and passages, or handwrite your thoughts in a notebook, you should capture your thoughts and the parts of the text to which they correspond. Thisâthe act of noticing things about a literary workâis literary analysis.
Step 3: Notice Patterns
As you read the work, youâll begin to notice patterns in the way the author deploys language, themes, and symbols to build their plot and characters. As you read and these patterns take shape, begin to consider what they could mean and how they might fit together.
As you identify these patterns, as well as other elements that catch your interest, be sure to record them in your notes or text. Some examples include:
- Circle or underline words or terms that you notice the author uses frequently, whether those are nouns (like âeyesâ or âroadâ) or adjectives (like âyellowâ or âlushâ).
- Highlight phrases that give you the same kind of feeling. For example, if the narrator describes an âovercast sky,â a âdreary morning,â and a âdark, quiet room,â the words arenât the same, but the feeling they impart and setting they develop are similar.
- Underline quotes or prose that define a characterâs personality or their role in the text.
- Use sticky tabs to color code different elements of the text, such as specific settings or a shift in the point of view.
By noting these patterns, comprehensive symbols, metaphors, and ideas will begin to come into focus.
Step 4: Consider the Work as a Whole, and Ask Questions
This is a step that you can do either as you read, or after you finish the text. The point is to begin to identify the aspects of the work that most interest you, and you could therefore analyze in writing or discussion.
Questions you could ask yourself include:
- What aspects of the text do I not understand?
- What parts of the narrative or writing struck me most?
- What patterns did I notice?
- What did the author accomplish really well?
- What did I find lacking?
- Did I notice any contradictions or anything that felt out of place?
- What was the purpose of the minor characters?
- What tone did the author choose, and why?
The answers to these and more questions will lead you to your arguments about the text.
Step 5: Return to Your Notes and the Text for Evidence
As you identify the argument you want to make (especially if youâre preparing for an essay), return to your notes to see if you already have supporting evidence for your argument. Thatâs why itâs so important to take notes or mark passages as you readâyouâll thank yourself later!
If youâre preparing to write an essay, youâll use these passages and ideas to bolster your argumentâaka, your thesis. There will likely be multiple different passages you can use to strengthen multiple different aspects of your argument. Just be sure to cite the text correctly!
If youâre preparing for class, your notes will also be invaluable. When your teacher or professor leads the conversation in the direction of your ideas or arguments, youâll be able to not only proffer that idea but back it up with textual evidence. Thatâs an A+ in class participation.
Step 6: Connect These Ideas Across the Narrative
Whether youâre in class or writing an essay, literary analysis isnât complete until youâve considered the way these ideas interact and contribute to the work as a whole. You can find and present evidence, but you still have to explain how those elements work together and make up your argument.
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay
When conducting literary analysis while reading a text or discussing it in class, you can pivot easily from one argument to another (or even switch sides if a classmate or teacher makes a compelling enough argument).
But when writing literary analysis, your objective is to propose a specific, arguable thesis and convincingly defend it. In order to do so, you need to fortify your argument with evidence from the text (and perhaps secondary sources) and an authoritative tone.
A successful literary analysis essay depends equally on a thoughtful thesis, supportive analysis, and presenting these elements masterfully. Weâll review how to accomplish these objectives below.
Step 1: Read the Text. Maybe Read It Again.
Constructing an astute analytical essay requires a thorough knowledge of the text. As you read, be sure to note any passages, quotes, or ideas that stand out. These could serve as the future foundation of your thesis statement. Noting these sections now will help you when you need to gather evidence.
The more familiar you become with the text, the better (and easier!) your essay will be. Familiarity with the text allows you to speak (or in this case, write) to it confidently. If you only skim the book, your lack of rich understanding will be evident in your essay. Alternatively, if you read the text closelyâespecially if you read it more than once, or at least carefully revisit important passagesâyour own writing will be filled with insight that goes beyond a basic understanding of the storyline.
Step 2: Brainstorm Potential Topics
Because you took detailed notes while reading the text, you should have a list of potential topics at the ready. Take time to review your notes, highlighting any ideas or questions you had that feel interesting. You should also return to the text and look for any passages that stand out to you.
When considering potential topics, you should prioritize ideas that you find interesting. It wonât only make the whole process of writing an essay more fun, your enthusiasm for the topic will probably improve the quality of your argument, and maybe even your writing. Just like itâs obvious when a topic interests you in a conversation, itâs obvious when a topic interests the writer of an essay (and even more obvious when it doesnât).
Your topic ideas should also be specific, unique, and arguable. A good way to think of topics is that theyâre the answer to fairly specific questions. As you begin to brainstorm, first think of questions you have about the text. Questions might focus on the plot, such as: Why did the author choose to deviate from the projected storyline? Or why did a characterâs role in the narrative shift? Questions might also consider the use of a literary device, such as: Why does the narrator frequently repeat a phrase or comment on a symbol? Or why did the author choose to switch points of view each chapter?
Once you have a thesis question , you can begin brainstorming answersâaka, potential thesis statements . At this point, your answers can be fairly broad. Once you land on a question-statement combination that feels right, youâll then look for evidence in the text that supports your answer (and helps you define and narrow your thesis statement).
For example, after reading â The Fall of the House of Usher ,â you might be wondering, Why are Roderick and Madeline twins?, Or even: Why does their relationship feel so creepy?â Maybe you noticed (and noted) that the narrator was surprised to find out they were twins, or perhaps you found that the narratorâs tone tended to shift and become more anxious when discussing the interactions of the twins.
Once you come up with your thesis question, you can identify a broad answer, which will become the basis for your thesis statement. In response to the questions above, your answer might be, âPoe emphasizes the close relationship of Roderick and Madeline to foreshadow that their deaths will be close, too.â
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Once you have your topic (or youâve narrowed it down to two or three), return to the text (yes, again) to see what evidence you can find to support it. If youâre thinking of writing about the relationship between Roderick and Madeline in âThe Fall of the House of Usher,â look for instances where they engaged in the text.
This is when your knowledge of literary devices comes in clutch. Carefully study the language around each event in the text that might be relevant to your topic. How does Poeâs diction or syntax change during the interactions of the siblings? How does the setting reflect or contribute to their relationship? What imagery or symbols appear when Roderick and Madeline are together?
By finding and studying evidence within the text, youâll strengthen your topic argumentâor, just as valuably, discount the topics that arenât strong enough for analysis.
Step 4: Consider Secondary Sources
In addition to returning to the literary work youâre studying for evidence, you can also consider secondary sources that reference or speak to the work. These can be articles from journals you find on JSTOR, books that consider the work or its context, or articles your teacher shared in class.
While you can use these secondary sources to further support your idea, you should not overuse them. Make sure your topic remains entirely differentiated from that presented in the source.
Step 5: Write a Working Thesis Statement
Once youâve gathered evidence and narrowed down your topic, youâre ready to refine that topic into a thesis statement. As you continue to outline and write your paper, this thesis statement will likely change slightly, but this initial draft will serve as the foundation of your essay. Itâs like your north star: Everything you write in your essay is leading you back to your thesis.
Writing a great thesis statement requires some real finesse. A successful thesis statement is:
- Debatable : You shouldnât simply summarize or make an obvious statement about the work. Instead, your thesis statement should take a stand on an issue or make a claim that is open to argument. Youâll spend your essay debatingâand provingâyour argument.
- Demonstrable : You need to be able to prove, through evidence, that your thesis statement is true. That means you have to have passages from the text and correlative analysis ready to convince the reader that youâre right.
- Specific : In most cases, successfully addressing a theme that encompasses a work in its entirety would require a book-length essay. Instead, identify a thesis statement that addresses specific elements of the work, such as a relationship between characters, a repeating symbol, a key setting, or even something really specific like the speaking style of a character.
Example: By depicting the relationship between Roderick and Madeline to be stifling and almost otherworldly in its closeness, Poe foreshadows both Madelineâs fate and Roderickâs inability to choose a different fate for himself.
Step 6: Write an Outline
You have your thesis, you have your evidenceâbut how do you put them together? A great thesis statement (and therefore a great essay) will have multiple arguments supporting it, presenting different kinds of evidence that all contribute to the singular, main idea presented in your thesis.
Review your evidence and identify these different arguments, then organize the evidence into categories based on the argument they support. These ideas and evidence will become the body paragraphs of your essay.
For example, if you were writing about Roderick and Madeline as in the example above, you would pull evidence from the text, such as the narratorâs realization of their relationship as twins; examples where the narratorâs tone of voice shifts when discussing their relationship; imagery, like the sounds Roderick hears as Madeline tries to escape; and Poeâs tendency to use doubles and twins in his other writings to create the same spooky effect. All of these are separate strains of the same argument, and can be clearly organized into sections of an outline.
Step 7: Write Your Introduction
Your introduction serves a few very important purposes that essentially set the scene for the reader:
- Establish context. Sure, your reader has probably read the work. But you still want to remind them of the scene, characters, or elements youâll be discussing.
- Present your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is the backbone of your analytical paper. You need to present it clearly at the outset so that the reader understands what every argument you make is aimed at.
- Offer a mini-outline. While you donât want to show all your cards just yet, you do want to preview some of the evidence youâll be using to support your thesis so that the reader has a roadmap of where theyâre going.
Step 8: Write Your Body Paragraphs
Thanks to steps one through seven, youâve already set yourself up for success. You have clearly outlined arguments and evidence to support them. Now itâs time to translate those into authoritative and confident prose.
When presenting each idea, begin with a topic sentence that encapsulates the argument youâre about to make (sort of like a mini-thesis statement). Then present your evidence and explanations of that evidence that contribute to that argument. Present enough material to prove your point, but donât feel like you necessarily have to point out every single instance in the text where this element takes place. For example, if youâre highlighting a symbol that repeats throughout the narrative, choose two or three passages where it is used most effectively, rather than trying to squeeze in all ten times it appears.
While you should have clearly defined arguments, the essay should still move logically and fluidly from one argument to the next. Try to avoid choppy paragraphs that feel disjointed; every idea and argument should feel connected to the last, and, as a group, connected to your thesis. A great way to connect the ideas from one paragraph to the next is with transition words and phrases, such as:
- Furthermore
- In addition
- On the other hand
- Conversely
Step 9: Write Your Conclusion
Your conclusion is more than a summary of your essay's parts, but itâs also not a place to present brand new ideas not already discussed in your essay. Instead, your conclusion should return to your thesis (without repeating it verbatim) and point to why this all matters. If writing about the siblings in âThe Fall of the House of Usher,â for example, you could point out that the utilization of twins and doubles is a common literary element of Poeâs work that contributes to the definitive eeriness of Gothic literature.
While you might speak to larger ideas in your conclusion, be wary of getting too macro. Your conclusion should still be supported by all of the ideas that preceded it.
Step 10: Revise, Revise, Revise
Of course you should proofread your literary analysis essay before you turn it in. But you should also edit the content to make sure every piece of evidence and every explanation directly supports your thesis as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Sometimes, this might mean actually adapting your thesis a bit to the rest of your essay. At other times, it means removing redundant examples or paraphrasing quotations. Make sure every sentence is valuable, and remove those that arenât.
Other Resources for Literary Analysis
With these skills and suggestions, youâre well on your way to practicing and writing literary analysis. But if you donât have a firm grasp on the concepts discussed aboveâsuch as literary devices or even the content of the text youâre analyzingâit will still feel difficult to produce insightful analysis.
If youâd like to sharpen the tools in your literature toolbox, there are plenty of other resources to help you do so:
- Check out our expansive library of Literary Devices . These could provide you with a deeper understanding of the basic devices discussed above or introduce you to new concepts sure to impress your professors ( anagnorisis , anyone?).
- This Academic Citation Resource Guide ensures you properly cite any work you reference in your analytical essay.
- Our English Homework Help Guide will point you to dozens of resources that can help you perform analysis, from critical reading strategies to poetry helpers.
- This Grammar Education Resource Guide will direct you to plenty of resources to refine your grammar and writing (definitely important for getting an A+ on that paper).
Of course, you should know the text inside and out before you begin writing your analysis. In order to develop a true understanding of the work, read through its corresponding SuperSummary study guide . Doing so will help you truly comprehend the plot, as well as provide some inspirational ideas for your analysis.
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay: An Insightful Guide
Welcome to the fascinating world of writing a literary analysis essay â where words come alive, stories unravel, and your insights take center stage. Have you ever wondered how to decode the deeper meanings of your favorite books or express your thoughts in a way that captivates your reader? Well, you're in the right place. In this article, we're diving headfirst into essays writing, breaking down the complexities, and showing you how to craft an essay that not only impresses your teacher but also makes you appreciate literature in a whole new light.
What Is Literary Analysis Essay
According to a literary analysis essay definition, it is a written examination and interpretation of a literary work, typically dissecting its elements such as plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. Going beyond summarization, this type of essay delves into the intricacies of a text, aiming to uncover deeper meanings, explore the author's intentions, and critically evaluate the literary techniques employed. It requires the writer to engage in thoughtful analysis, supported by evidence from the text, to unveil the layers of significance within the work. Through this process, the essay not only offers a nuanced understanding of the literature but also encourages readers to appreciate the artistry and complexity inherent in written narratives. Those students who are not ready to work on such an assignment can simply say, â write my papers ,â and our experts will handle the task shortly.Â
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What Is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to delve deeply into a literary work, examining its various elements and uncovering layers of meaning beyond the surface narrative. Through critical analysis and interpretation, this type of essay aims to illuminate the themes, characters, settings, and literary devices employed by the author, offering insights into their intentions and the broader significance of the text. By dissecting the nuances of the work, a literary analysis encourages readers to engage with literature on a deeper level, fostering a richer understanding of the human experience, societal issues, and the complexities of language and storytelling. Ultimately, the essay serves as a platform for readers to explore and appreciate the artistry and impact of literature while honing their analytical and critical thinking skills. When you have time, study our guide regarding how to write an analytical essay , which will shed light on more important academic writing aspects.
Literary Analysis Outline
Here's a basic outline for this type of essay:
Introduction
- Hook: Engage the reader with a compelling quote, question, or anecdote related to the literary work.
- Background Information: Provide relevant information about the author, the title, and the context of the work.
- Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or argument of your analysis.
Body Paragraph 1: Analysis of the Plot
- Provide a brief summary of the plot.
- Analyze key events, plot twists, and their significance.
- Discuss the structure of the narrative and how it contributes to the overall theme.
Body Paragraph 2: Character Analysis
- Introduce and describe the main characters.
- Analyze their traits, motivations, and relationships.
- Discuss how the characters contribute to the development of the story.
Body Paragraph 3: Theme Exploration
- Identify and discuss the major themes in the literary work.
- Provide examples and evidence from the text to support your analysis.
- Explore the deeper meanings and messages conveyed through the themes.
Body Paragraph 4: Literary Devices and Techniques
- Identify and analyze literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, metaphors, and foreshadowing.
- Discuss how these elements enhance the overall impact of the work.
- Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.
- Restate the thesis in a fresh way.
- Offer final insights or reflections on the literary work's significance and enduring relevance.
Optional: Additional Considerations
- Discuss the cultural or historical context that may influence the interpretation of the work.
- Address any alternative perspectives or counterarguments.
- Offer recommendations for further reading or exploration related to the literary work.
We recommend analyzing this article about how to start a reflection paper to gain extra competence in the domain of school and college writing.
Literary Analysis Essay Topics
Before you commence the assignment, itâs important to find a great topic. For your inspiration, our writers shared 20 literary analysis essay ideas that you can develop in a written form within the framework of your current task.
- Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby."
- Character development in "Hamlet."
- Themes in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
- The significance of the southern setting in "The Sound and the Fury."
- Foreshadowing in "Of Mice and Men."
- Point of view in "The Catcher in the Rye."
- Irony in "Othello."
- Social class in "Pride and Prejudice."
- The motif of light and dark in "Romeo and Juliet."
- Archetypes in "The Heroâs Journey" in "The Hobbit."
- The tragic flaw of Macbeth in "Macbeth."
- The use of nature imagery in "Wuthering Heights."
- The symbolism of the green light in "The Great Gatsby."
- The role of technology in "Fahrenheit 451."
- Character motivations in "The Scarlet Letter."
- The exploration of identity in "The Invisible Man."
- The impact of war on characters in "All Quiet on the Western Front."
- The role of dreams in "A Raisin in the Sun."
- The representation of women in "Jane Eyre."
- The symbolism of the mockingbird in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Step by Step
In this section, we're ditching the jargon and breaking down the process into simple, actionable steps. Whether you're a wordsmith in the making or someone feeling a bit lost in the world of dissecting literature, we've got your back. Think of this as your roadmap, helping you navigate through characters, themes, and all the juicy stuff that makes a story tick. So, grab your metaphorical magnifying glass and let's dive into the art of making sense of written words without the unnecessary fuss!
Step 1: Choose Your Text and Topic
Before actually writing a literary analysis essay, select a literary work that piques your interest or aligns with your academic requirements. Whether it's a novel, play, or poem, opt for a piece that offers rich content for analysis. Once you've chosen your text, narrow down a specific topic or theme within it that you find compelling. This initial step sets the stage for a focused and meaningful exploration. Use our analytical essay writing service to gain the upper hand when tackling this assignment.
Step 2: Create a Strong Thesis Statement
Write a clear and concise literary analysis essay introduction with a thesis statement that outlines the main argument or interpretation you'll be presenting in your essay. This statement should encapsulate your perspective on the chosen topic, providing a roadmap for both you and your readers. A well-defined thesis serves as the backbone of your literary analysis, guiding your analysis and ensuring a cohesive and purposeful essay. In this guide on how to write an essay introduction , you will find more information on this matter.
Step 3: Conduct Textual Analysis
Delve into the chosen literary work and conduct a thorough textual analysis. Pay attention to key elements such as characters, plot, setting, and literary devices employed by the author. Extract relevant quotes and passages that support your thesis, and consider how each element contributes to the overall meaning of the work. By the way, are you working on your capstone or dissertation at the moment? If yes, see our thesis writing service , which is especially helpful for students dealing with long-format scholarly documents.
Step 4: Set the Stage with Context
Establish the context of your literary analysis essay by providing relevant background information on the chosen work. Briefly introduce the author, the time period, and any significant historical or cultural factors that may impact the interpretation of the text. Creating this contextual framework helps orient your readers and prepares them for the nuanced exploration that follows. By offering a snapshot of the broader landscape in which the literary work exists, you set the stage for a more informed and insightful analysis.
Step 5: Construct Analytical Body Paragraphs
Organize your analysis into well-structured body paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your thesis, supported by evidence from the text. Analyze characters, themes, and literary devices individually, connecting each point back to your overarching argument. Use clear and concise language to convey your insights and interpretations effectively.
Step 6: Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion
Summarize your main points, restate your thesis in a new light, and offer final insights in a thoughtful conclusion. Avoid introducing new information in this section but rather emphasize the significance of your analysis and its broader implications. A well-written conclusion leaves a lasting impression and reinforces the value of your literary interpretation. At this point, you have everything you need to become a student who knows how to write a literary analysis essay from A to Z.
Literary Analysis Essay Doâs and Donâts
- Develop a clear thesis statement.
- Use evidence from the text to support your analysis.
- Organize your essay logically with coherent paragraphs.
- Focus on specific elements like characters, themes, and literary devices.
- Engage with the text critically, questioning and probing meanings.
- Don't summarize the plot extensively; focus on analysis.
- Avoid vague or generic statements without supporting evidence.
- Don't introduce new ideas in the conclusion. Stick to summarizing.
- Avoid excessive quoting; provide brief, relevant excerpts.
- Don't rush; take the time to revise and edit for clarity.
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Literary Analysis Essay Writing Tips
Get ready to up your academic writing game! This section is packed with straightforward tips to help you sharpen your skills. Whether you're a senior year student or just a freshman, we've got you covered. From digging into themes to writing insightful interpretations, our tips are here to make your literary analyses shine. Let's dive in and boost your writing skills!
Maintain Consistent Tone and Style
- Keep a consistent tone throughout your essay, aligning with the formality or informality required. Ensure that your writing style complements the nature of your analysis, creating a cohesive and engaging reading experience for your audience.
Focus on Analysis, Not Summary
- Avoid lengthy plot summaries. Instead, delve into the 'why' and 'how' aspects of the text â analyzing characters, themes, and literary devices to uncover deeper meanings.
Provide Textual Evidence
- Support your analysis with concrete examples from the text. This strengthens your argument and demonstrates a close engagement with the literary work.
Organize Coherently
- Structure your essay logically with well-organized paragraphs. Each paragraph should explore a specific aspect of your analysis, contributing to the overall understanding of your thesis.
Critical Engagement
- Approach the text with a critical mindset. Question the author's choices, explore alternative interpretations, and analyze the implications of various literary elements.
Concise and Clear Language
- Express your ideas using clear and concise language. Avoid unnecessary jargon, and ensure that your analysis is easily understandable by a broader audience.
Revise and Edit
- Take the time to revise your essay for clarity and coherence. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that each paragraph contributes meaningfully to your overall analysis.
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Literary Analysis Essay Example
Students might find a literary analysis essay example invaluable for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a practical demonstration of the theoretical concepts they learn in class, offering a tangible model of how to analyze and interpret literary elements effectively. Additionally, examples serve as templates, offering insights into the proper structure and organization of an essay. They help students grasp the application of critical thinking skills, showcasing how to dissect a text, identify themes, and support arguments with textual evidence.
Example 1: The Symbolism of Light and Darkness in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"
This literary analysis of Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" explores the pervasive symbolism of light and darkness throughout the novel. Examining the journey of the protagonist, Marlow, and the character of Kurtz, the essay delves into the metaphorical implications of light and darkness as they represent moral ambiguity, the corrupting influence of power, and the ironic consequences of European imperialism.
Example 2: The Complex Portrait of Identity in Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake"
This literary analysis of Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake" explores the intricate layers of identity depicted in the novel, focusing on the protagonist Gogol Ganguli's navigation through the complexities of cultural assimilation and the immigrant experience. The essay delves into the symbolic significance of Gogol's name as a representation of the clash between his Bengali heritage and the American environment, examining the tension between tradition and modernity.Â
Final Thought
To sum it up, getting the hang of how to write a literary analysis essay is an experience that benefits both new and experienced writers. Throughout this guide, we've tried to simplify the process, offering practical insights and tips. Analyzing literature isn't just an academic exercise â it's a way to dive deeper into the richness of written expression. Now armed with these tools, you're not only prepared to analyze literature effectively but also to bring your unique perspectives to the ongoing discussion about the stories we encounter. Happy writing!
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Literary Analysis Essay
Literary Analysis Essay - Step by Step Guide
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Literature is an art that can inspire, challenge, and transform us. But how do we analyze literature in a way that truly captures its essence?
That's where a literary analysis essay comes in.
Writing a literary analysis essay allows you to delve into the themes, characters, and symbols of a literary work. It's a chance to engage with literature on a deeper level and to discover new insights.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the process of writing a literary analysis essay, step by step. Plus, youâll get to read some great examples to help you out!
So letâs dive in!
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What is a Literary Analysis Essay?
Literary analysis is a process of examining a literary work in detail to uncover its meaning and significance.Â
It involves breaking down the various elements of a work, such as plot, character, setting, and theme. And then analyzing how they work together to create a specific effect on the reader.
In other words, literary analysis is an exercise in interpretation. The reader of a work asks questions about what the author means to say, how they are saying it, and why.Â
A literary analysis essay is an essay where you explore such questions in depth and offer your own insights.
What is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay?
In general, the purpose of a literary analysis essay is as follows:Â
- To gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the work.
- To be able to think critically and analytically about a text.Â
Content of a Literary AnalysisÂ
A literary analysis essay delves deep into the various aspects of a literary work to examine its meaning, symbolism, themes, and more. Here are the key elements to include in your literary analysis essay:
Plot AnalysisÂ
Plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the storyline of a literary work. It encompasses the main events, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the narrative forward.Â
Elements of Plot AnalysisÂ
The elements of a plot typically include:
- Exposition: The introduction of the story that establishes the setting, characters, and initial circumstances.
- Rising action: A set of events or actions that sets the main conflict into motion, often occurring early in the story.
- Conflict: The series of events that build tension and develop the conflict, leading to the story's climax.
- Climax: The turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome hangs in the balance.
- Falling Action: The events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution of the conflict.
- Resolution: The point in the story where the conflict is resolved, providing closure to the narrative.
Character AnalysisÂ
Character analysis involves studying the role, development, and motivations of the characters in a literary work. It explores how characters contribute to the overall narrative and themes of the story.
Elements of Character AnalysisÂ
- Identification of major and minor characters.
- Examination of their traits, behaviors, and relationships.
- Analysis of character development and changes throughout the story.
- Evaluation of the character's role in advancing the plot or conveying themes.
Symbolism and Imagery AnalysisÂ
Symbolism and imagery analysis focuses on the use of symbols, objects, or images in a work. It analyzes and explores the use of literary devices to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions.Â
Elements of Symbolism and Imagery AnalysisÂ
- Identification of key symbols or recurring motifs.
- Interpretation of their symbolic significance.
- Analysis of how imagery is used to create vivid mental pictures and enhance the reader's understanding and emotional experience.
Theme AnalysisÂ
Analyzing the theme involves exploring the central ideas or messages conveyed in a literary work. It examines the underlying concepts, or messages that the author wants to convey through the story.
Elements of Theme AnalysisÂ
- Identification of the main themes or central ideas explored in the text.
- Analysis of how the themes are developed and reinforced throughout the story.
- Exploration of the author's perspective and the intended message behind the themes.
Setting AnalysisÂ
The Setting of a story includes the time, place, and social context in which the story takes place. Analyzing the setting involves how the setting influences the characters, plot, and overall atmosphere of the work.
Elements of Setting AnalysisÂ
- Description and analysis of the physical, cultural, and historical aspects of the setting.
- Examination of how the setting contributes to the mood, atmosphere, and themes of the work.
- Evaluation of how the setting shapes the characters' actions and motivations.
Structure and Style AnalysisÂ
Structure and style analysis involves studying the organization, narrative techniques, and literary devices employed by the author. It explores how the structure and style contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of the work.
Elements of Structure and Style AnalysisÂ
- Analysis of the narrative structure, such as the use of flashbacks, nonlinear timelines, or multiple perspectives.
- Examination of the author's writing style, including the use of language, tone, and figurative language.
- Evaluation of literary devices, such as foreshadowing, irony, or allusion, and their impact on the reader's interpretation.
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How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay? Â
Writing a great literary analysis piece requires you to follow certain steps. HereâÂÂs what you need to do to write a literary essay:
Preparing for Your EssayÂ
The pre-writing process for writing a literary analysis essay includes the following:
- Choosing a literary work to analyze
- Reading and analyzing the work
- Taking notes and organizing your thoughts
- Creating an outline for your essay
Choosing a Work to AnalyzeÂ
As a student, you would most probably be assigned a literary piece to analyze. It could be a short story, a novel, or a poem. However, sometimes you get to choose it yourself.
In such a case, you should choose a work that you find interesting and engaging. This will make it easier to stay motivated as you analyze the work and write your essay.
Moreover, you should choose a work that has some depth and complexity. This will give you plenty of material to analyze and discuss in your essay. Finally, make sure that your choice fits within the scope of the assignment and meets the expectations of your instructor.
Reading and AnalyzingÂ
Once youâÂÂve chosen a literary work, it's time to read the work with careful attention. There are several key elements to consider when reading and analyzing a literary work:
- Plot - The sequence of events that make up the story. Analyzing the plot involves examining the structure of the story, including its exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
- Characters - The people or entities that populate the story. Analyzing characters involves examining their motivations, personalities, relationships, and development over the course of the story.
Want to learn more about character analysis? Head to our blog about how to conduct character analysis and learn easy steps with examples.
- Setting - The time, place, and environment in which the story takes place. Analyzing the setting involves examining how the atmosphere contributes to the story's overall meaning.
- Theme - The underlying message or meaning of the story. Analyzing themes involves examining the work's central ideas and how they are expressed through the various elements of the story.
Moreover, it's important to consider the following questions while analyzing:
- What is the central theme or main point the author is trying to make?
- What literary devices and techniques has the author used?
- Why did the author choose to write this particular work?
- What themes and ideas are present in the work?
These questions will help you dive deeper into the work you are writing about.
Take Notes and Gather MaterialÂ
As you read and analyze the literary work, it's important to take notes so you donâÂÂt forget important details and ideas. This also helps you identify patterns and connections between different elements of the piece.
One effective way to take notes is to list important elements of the work, such as characters, setting, and theme. You can also use sticky notes, highlighters, or annotations to mark important passages and write down your ideas.
Writing Your Literary Analysis EssayÂ
Once you have read a piece of literature and taken notes, you have all the material you need to write an essay. Follow the simple steps below to write an effective literary analysis essay.
Create an Outline for Your EssayÂ
Firstly, creating an outline is necessary. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically and coherently.
This is what your literary essay outline would look like:Â
Writing the IntroductionÂ
Writing your essay introduction involves the three following parts:
- Begin the introductory paragraph with an engaging hook statement that captures the readers' attention. An effective hook statement can take many different forms, such as a provocative quote, an intriguing question, or a surprising fact.Â
Make sure that your hook statement is relevant to the literary work you are writing about. Here are a few examples of effective hooks:
- Afterward, present the necessary background information and context about the literary work. For instance,Â
- Talk about the author of the work or when and where it was written.Â
- Give an overview of the work or why it is significant.Â
- Provide readers with sufficient context so they can know what the work is generally about.
- Finally, end the introduction with a clear thesis statement . Your thesis statement should be a concise statement that clearly states the argument you will be making in your essay. It should be specific and debatable, and it should provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay.
For example, a thesis statement for an essay on "Hamlet" might be:Â
Watch this video to learn more about writing an introduction for a literary analysis essay:
Writing the BodyÂ
Here are the steps to follow when writing a body paragraph for a literary analysis essay:
- Start with a topic sentence:Â
The topic sentence should introduce the main point or argument you will be making in the paragraph. It should be clear and concise and should indicate what the paragraph is about.
- Provide evidence:Â
After you have introduced your main point, provide evidence from the text to support your analysis. This could include quotes, paraphrases, or summaries of the text.
- Explain and discuss the evidence:
Explain how the evidence supports your main point or argument or how it connects back to your thesis statement.
- Conclude the paragraph:Â
End the paragraph by relating your main point to the thesis and discussing its significance. You should also use transitions to connect the paragraph to your next point or argument.
Writing the ConclusionÂ
The conclusion of a literary analysis essay provides closure to your analysis and reinforces your thesis statement. HereâÂÂs what a conclusion includes:
- Restate your thesis statement:Â
Start by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way than in your introduction. This will remind the reader of the argument you made and the evidence you provided to support it.
- Summarize your main points:Â
Briefly summarize the main points you made in your essay's body paragraphs. This will help tie everything together and provide closure to your analysis.
- Personal reflections:
The conclusion is the best place to provide some personal reflections on the literary piece. You can also explain connections between your analysis and the larger context. This could include connections to other literary works, your personal life, historical events, or contemporary issues.
- End with a strong statement:Â
End your conclusion with a strong statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a final insight into the significance of your analysis.
Finalizing your Essay
YouâÂÂve completed the first draft of your literary analysis essay. Congratulations!
However, itâÂÂs not over just yet. You need some time to polish and improve the essay before it can be submitted. HereâÂÂs what you need to do:
Proofread and Revise your EssayÂ
After completing your draft, you should proofread your essay. You should look out for the following aspects:
- Check for clarity:Â
Make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and logically. You should also take a look at your structure and organization. Rearrange your arguments if necessary to make them clearer.
- Check for grammar and spelling errors:Â
Use spelling and grammar check tools online to identify and correct any basic errors in your essay.Â
- Verify factual information:
You must have included information about the work or from within the work in your essay. Recheck and verify that it is correct and verifiable.Â
- Check your formatting:Â
Make sure that your essay is properly formatted according to the guidelines provided by your instructor. This includes requirements for font size, margins, spacing, and citation style.
Helpful Tips for Revising a Literary EssayÂ
Here are some tips below that can help you proofread and revise your essay better:
- Read your essay out loud:
Reading your essay out loud makes it easier to identify awkward phrasing, repetitive language, and other issues.
- Take a break:Â
It can be helpful to step away from your essay for a little while before starting the editing process. This can help you approach your essay with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective.
- Be concise:
Remove any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add to your argument. This can help to make your essay more focused and effective.
- Let someone else proofread and get feedback:Â
You could ask a friend or a teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. This way, you can get some valuable insights on what you could include or catch mistakes that you might have missed.
Literary Analysis Essay ExamplesÂ
Reading a few good examples helps to understand literary analysis essays better. So check out these examples below and read them to see what a well-written essay looks like.Â
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay
Literary Analysis Essay Example
Sample Literary Analysis Essay
Lord of the Rings Literary Analysis
The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis
Literary Analysis Example for 8th Grade
Literary Analysis Essay TopicsÂ
Need a topic for your literary analysis essay? You can pick any aspect of any work of literature you like. Here are some example topics that will help you get inspired:
- The use of symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- The theme of isolation in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.
- The portrayal of social class in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.
- The use of magical realism in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
- The role of women in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
- The use of foreshadowing in "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding.
- The portrayal of race and identity in "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison.
- The use of imagery in "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.
- The theme of forgiveness in "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini.
- The use of allegory in "Animal Farm" by George Orwell.
To conclude,
Writing a literary analysis essay can be a rewarding experience for any student or writer, But itâÂÂs not easy. However, by following the steps you learned in this guide, you can successfully produce a well-written literary analysis essay.Â
Also, you have got some examples of essays to read and topic ideas to get creative inspiration. With these resources, you have all you need to craft an engaging piece. So donâÂÂt hesitate to start writing your essay and come back to this blog whenever you need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 components of literary analysis.
The four main components of literary analysis are:
- Conflict
- Characters
- Setting
What is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay?
Interpretive is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay.
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Introduction
Youâve been assigned a literary analysis paperâwhat does that even mean? Is it like a book report that you used to write in high school? Well, not really.
A literary analysis essay asks you to make an original argument about a poem, play, or work of fiction and support that argument with research and evidence from your careful reading of the text.
It can take many forms, such as a close reading of a text, critiquing the text through a particular literary theory, comparing one text to another, or criticizing another criticâs interpretation of the text. While there are many ways to structure a literary essay, writing this kind of essay follows generally follows a similar process for everyone
Crafting a good literary analysis essay begins with good close reading of the text, in which you have kept notes and observations as you read. This will help you with the first step, which is selecting a topic to write aboutâwhat jumped out as you read, what are you genuinely interested in? The next step is to focus your topic, developing it into an argumentâwhy is this subject or observation important? Why should your reader care about it as much as you do? The third step is to gather evidence to support your argument, for literary analysis, support comes in the form of evidence from the text and from your research on what other literary critics have said about your topic. Only after you have performed these steps, are you ready to begin actually writing your essay.
Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
How to create a topic and conduct research:.
Writing an Analysis of a Poem, Story, or Play
If you are taking a literature course, it is important that you know how to write an analysisâsometimes called an interpretation or a literary analysis or a critical reading or a critical analysisâof a story, a poem, and a play. Your instructor will probably assign such an analysis as part of the course assessment. On your mid-term or final exam, you might have to write an analysis of one or more of the poems and/or stories on your reading list. Or the dreaded âsight poem or storyâ might appear on an exam, a work that is not on the reading list, that you have not read before, but one your instructor includes on the exam to examine your ability to apply the active reading skills you have learned in class to produce, independently, an effective literary analysis.You might be asked to write instead or, or in addition to an analysis of a literary work, a more sophisticated essay in which you compare and contrast the protagonists of two stories, or the use of form and metaphor in two poems, or the tragic heroes in two plays.
You might learn some literary theory in your course and be asked to apply theoryâfeminist, Marxist, reader-response, psychoanalytic, new historicist, for exampleâto one or more of the works on your reading list. But the seminal assignment in a literature course is the analysis of the single poem, story, novel, or play, and, even if you do not have to complete this assignment specifically, it will form the basis of most of the other writing assignments you will be required to undertake in your literature class. There are several ways of structuring a literary analysis, and your instructor might issue specific instructions on how he or she wants this assignment done. The method presented here might not be identical to the one your instructor wants you to follow, but it will be easy enough to modify, if your instructor expects something a bit different, and it is a good default method, if your instructor does not issue more specific guidelines.You want to begin your analysis with a paragraph that provides the context of the work you are analyzing and a brief account of what you believe to be the poem or story or playâs main theme. At a minimum, your account of the workâs context will include the name of the author, the title of the work, its genre, and the date and place of publication. If there is an important biographical or historical context to the work, you should include that, as well.Try to express the workâs theme in one or two sentences. Theme, you will recall, is that insight into human experience the author offers to readers, usually revealed as the content, the drama, the plot of the poem, story, or play unfolds and the characters interact. Assessing theme can be a complex task. Authors usually show the theme; they donât tell it. They rarely say, at the end of the story, words to this effect: âand the moral of my story isâŚâ They tell their story, develop their characters, provide some kind of conflictâand from all of this theme emerges. Because identifying theme can be challenging and subjective, it is often a good idea to work through the rest of the analysis, then return to the beginning and assess theme in light of your analysis of the workâs other literary elements.Here is a good example of an introductory paragraph from Benâs analysis of William Butler Yeatsâ poem, âAmong School Children.â
âAmong School Childrenâ was published in Yeatsâ 1928 collection of poems The Tower. It was inspired by a visit Yeats made in 1926 to school in Waterford, an official visit in his capacity as a senator of the Irish Free State. In the course of the tour, Yeats reflects upon his own youth and the experiences that shaped the âsixty-year old, smiling public manâ (line 8) he has become. Through his reflection, the theme of the poem emerges: a life has meaning when connections among apparently disparate experiences are forged into a unified whole.
In the body of your literature analysis, you want to guide your readers through a tour of the poem, story, or play, pausing along the way to comment on, analyze, interpret, and explain key incidents, descriptions, dialogue, symbols, the writerâs use of figurative languageâany of the elements of literature that are relevant to a sound analysis of this particular work. Your main goal is to explain how the elements of literature work to elucidate, augment, and develop the theme. The elements of literature are common across genres: a story, a narrative poem, and a play all have a plot and characters. But certain genres privilege certain literary elements. In a poem, for example, form, imagery and metaphor might be especially important; in a story, setting and point-of-view might be more important than they are in a poem; in a play, dialogue, stage directions, lighting serve functions rarely relevant in the analysis of a story or poem.
The length of the body of an analysis of a literary work will usually depend upon the length of work being analyzedâthe longer the work, the longer the analysisâthough your instructor will likely establish a word limit for this assignment. Make certain that you do not simply paraphrase the plot of the story or play or the content of the poem. This is a common weakness in student literary analyses, especially when the analysis is of a poem or a play.
Here is a good example of two body paragraphs from Ameliaâs analysis of âArabyâ by James Joyce.
Within the storyâs first few paragraphs occur several religious references which will accumulate as the story progresses. The narrator is a student at the Christian Brothersâ School; the former tenant of his house was a priest; he left behind books called The Abbot and The Devout Communicant. Near the end of the storyâs second paragraph the narrator describes a âcentral apple treeâ in the garden, under which is âthe late tenantâs rusty bicycle pump.â We may begin to suspect the tree symbolizes the apple tree in the Garden of Eden and the bicycle pump, the snake which corrupted Eve, a stretch, perhaps, until Joyceâs fall-of-innocence theme becomes more apparent.
The narrator must continue to help his aunt with her errands, but, even when he is so occupied, his mind is on Manganâs sister, as he tries to sort out his feelings for her. Here Joyce provides vivid insight into the mind of an adolescent boy at once elated and bewildered by his first crush. He wants to tell her of his âconfused adoration,â but he does not know if he will ever have the chance. Joyceâs description of the pleasant tension consuming the narrator is conveyed in a striking simile, which continues to develop the narratorâs character, while echoing the religious imagery, so important to the storyâs theme: âBut my body was like a harp, and her words and gestures were like fingers, running along the wires.â
The concluding paragraph of your analysis should realize two goals. First, it should present your own opinion on the quality of the poem or story or play about which you have been writing. And, second, it should comment on the current relevance of the work. You should certainly comment on the enduring social relevance of the work you are explicating. You may comment, though you should never be obliged to do so, on the personal relevance of the work. Here is the concluding paragraph from Dao-Mingâs analysis of Oscar Wildeâs The Importance of Being Earnest.
First performed in 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest has been made into a film, as recently as 2002 and is regularly revived by professional and amateur theatre companies. It endures not only because of the comic brilliance of its characters and their dialogue, but also because its satire still resonates with contemporary audiences. I am still amazed that I see in my own Asian mother a shadow of Lady Bracknell, with her obsession with finding for her daughter a husband who will maintain, if not, ideally, increase the familyâs social status. We might like to think we are more liberated and socially sophisticated than our Victorian ancestors, but the starlets and eligible bachelors who star in current reality television programs illustrate the extent to which superficial concerns still influence decisions about love and even marriage. Even now, we can turn to Oscar Wilde to help us understand and laugh at those who are earnest in name only.
Dao-Mingâs conclusion is brief, but she does manage to praise the play, reaffirm its main theme, and explain its enduring appeal. And note how her last sentence cleverly establishes that sense of closure that is also a feature of an effective analysis.
You may, of course, modify the template that is presented here. Your instructor might favour a somewhat different approach to literary analysis. Its essence, though, will be your understanding and interpretation of the theme of the poem, story, or play and the skill with which the author shapes the elements of literatureâplot, character, form, diction, setting, point of viewâto support the theme.
Academic Writing Tips : How to Write a Literary Analysis Paper. Authored by: eHow. Located at: https://youtu.be/8adKfLwIrVk. License: All Rights Reserved. License Terms: Standard YouTube license
BC Open Textbooks: English Literature Victorians and Moderns: https://opentextbc.ca/englishliterature/back-matter/appendix-5-writing-an-analysis-of-a-poem-story-and-play/
Literary Analysis
The challenges of writing about english literature.
Writing begins with the act of reading . While this statement is true for most college papers, strong English papers tend to be the product of highly attentive reading (and rereading). When your instructors ask you to do a âclose reading,â they are asking you to read not only for content, but also for structures and patterns. When you perform a close reading, then, you observe how form and content interact. In some cases, form reinforces content: for example, in John Donneâs Holy Sonnet 14, where the speaker invites Godâs âforceâ âto break, blow, burn and make [him] new.â Here, the stressed monosyllables of the verbs âbreak,â âblowâ and âburnâ evoke aurally the force that the speaker invites from God. In other cases, form raises questions about content: for example, a repeated denial of guilt will likely raise questions about the speakerâs professed innocence. When you close read, take an inductive approach. Start by observing particular details in the text, such as a repeated image or word, an unexpected development, or even a contradiction. Often, a detailâsuch as a repeated imageâcan help you to identify a question about the text that warrants further examination. So annotate details that strike you as you read. Some of those details will eventually help you to work towards a thesis. And donât worry if a detail seems trivial. If you can make a case about how an apparently trivial detail reveals something significant about the text, then your paper will have a thought-provoking thesis to argue.
Common Types of English Papers Many assignments will ask you to analyze a single text. Others, however, will ask you to read two or more texts in relation to each other, or to consider a text in light of claims made by other scholars and critics. For most assignments, close reading will be central to your paper. While some assignment guidelines will suggest topics and spell out expectations in detail, others will offer little more than a page limit. Approaching the writing process in the absence of assigned topics can be daunting, but remember that you have resources: in section, you will probably have encountered some examples of close reading; in lecture, you will have encountered some of the courseâs central questions and claims. The paper is a chance for you to extend a claim offered in lecture, or to analyze a passage neglected in lecture. In either case, your analysis should do more than recapitulate claims aired in lecture and section. Because different instructors have different goals for an assignment, you should always ask your professor or TF if you have questions. These general guidelines should apply in most cases:
- A close reading of a single text: Depending on the length of the text, you will need to be more or less selective about what you choose to consider. In the case of a sonnet, you will probably have enough room to analyze the text more thoroughly than you would in the case of a novel, for example, though even here you will probably not analyze every single detail. By contrast, in the case of a novel, you might analyze a repeated scene, image, or object (for example, scenes of train travel, images of decay, or objects such as or typewriters). Alternately, you might analyze a perplexing scene (such as a novelâs ending, albeit probably in relation to an earlier moment in the novel). But even when analyzing shorter works, you will need to be selective. Although you might notice numerous interesting details as you read, not all of those details will help you to organize a focused argument about the text. For example, if you are focusing on depictions of sensory experience in Keatsâ âOde to a Nightingale,â you probably do not need to analyze the image of a homeless Ruth in stanza 7, unless this image helps you to develop your case about sensory experience in the poem.
- A theoretically-informed close reading. In some courses, you will be asked to analyze a poem, a play, or a novel by using a critical theory (psychoanalytic, postcolonial, gender, etc). For example, you might use Kristevaâs theory of abjection to analyze mother-daughter relations in Toni Morrisonâs novel Beloved. Critical theories provide focus for your analysis; if âabjectionâ is the guiding concept for your paper, you should focus on the scenes in the novel that are most relevant to the concept.
- A historically-informed close reading. In courses with a historicist orientation, you might use less self-consciously literary documents, such as newspapers or devotional manuals, to develop your analysis of a literary work. For example, to analyze how Robinson Crusoe makes sense of his island experiences, you might use Puritan tracts that narrate events in terms of how God organizes them. The tracts could help you to show not only how Robinson Crusoe draws on Puritan narrative conventions, but alsoâmore significantlyâhow the novel revises those conventions.
- A comparison of two texts When analyzing two texts, you might look for unexpected contrasts between apparently similar texts, or unexpected similarities between apparently dissimilar texts, or for how one text revises or transforms the other. Keep in mind that not all of the similarities, differences, and transformations you identify will be relevant to an argument about the relationship between the two texts. As you work towards a thesis, you will need to decide which of those similarities, differences, or transformations to focus on. Moreover, unless instructed otherwise, you do not need to allot equal space to each text (unless this 50/50 allocation serves your thesis well, of course). Often you will find that one text helps to develop your analysis of another text. For example, you might analyze the transformation of Arielâs song from The Tempest in T. S. Eliotâs poem, The Waste Land. Insofar as this analysis is interested in the afterlife of Arielâs song in a later poem, you would likely allot more space to analyzing allusions to Arielâs song in The Waste Land (after initially establishing the songâs significance in Shakespeareâs play, of course).
- A response paper A response paper is a great opportunity to practice your close reading skills without having to develop an entire argument. In most cases, a solid approach is to select a rich passage that rewards analysis (for example, one that depicts an important scene or a recurring image) and close read it. While response papers are a flexible genre, they are not invitations for impressionistic accounts of whether you liked the work or a particular character. Instead, you might use your close reading to raise a question about the textâto open up further investigation, rather than to supply a solution.
- A research paper. In most cases, you will receive guidance from the professor on the scope of the research paper. It is likely that you will be expected to consult sources other than the assigned readings. Hollis is your best bet for book titles, and the MLA bibliography (available through e-resources) for articles. When reading articles, make sure that they have been peer reviewed; you might also ask your TF to recommend reputable journals in the field.
Harvard College Writing Program: https://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/files/hwp/files/bg_writing_english.pdf
In the same way that we talk with our friends about the latest episode of Game of Thrones or newest Marvel movie, scholars communicate their ideas and interpretations of literature through written literary analysis essays. Literary analysis essays make us better readers of literature.
Only through careful reading and well-argued analysis can we reach new understandings and interpretations of texts that are sometimes hundreds of years old. Literary analysis brings new meaning and can shed new light on texts. Building from careful reading and selecting a topic that you are genuinely interested in, your argument supports how you read and understand a text. Using examples from the text you are discussing in the form of textual evidence further supports your reading. Well-researched literary analysis also includes information about what other scholars have written about a specific text or topic.
Literary analysis helps us to refine our ideas, question what we think we know, and often generates new knowledge about literature. Literary analysis essays allow you to discuss your own interpretation of a given text through careful examination of the choices the original author made in the text.
ENG134 â Literary Genres Copyright © by The American Women's College and Jessica Egan is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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Literary Analysis Essay
Literary Analysis Essay Writing
Last updated on: May 21, 2023
Literary Analysis Essay - Ultimate Guide By Professionals
By: Cordon J.
Reviewed By: Rylee W.
Published on: Dec 3, 2019
A literary analysis essay specifically examines and evaluates a piece of literature or a literary work. It also understands and explains the links between the small parts to their whole information.
It is important for students to understand the meaning and the true essence of literature to write a literary essay.
One of the most difficult assignments for students is writing a literary analysis essay. It can be hard to come up with an original idea or find enough material to write about. You might think you need years of experience in order to create a good paper, but that's not true.
This blog post will show you how easy it can be when you follow the steps given here.Writing such an essay involves the breakdown of a book into small parts and understanding each part separately. It seems easy, right?
Trust us, it is not as hard as good book reports but it may also not be extremely easy. You will have to take into account different approaches and explain them in relation with the chosen literary work.
It is a common high school and college assignment and you can learn everything in this blog.
Continue reading for some useful tips with an example to write a literary analysis essay that will be on point. You can also explore our detailed article on writing an analytical essay .
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What is a Literary Analysis Essay?
A literary analysis essay is an important kind of essay that focuses on the detailed analysis of the work of literature.
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to explain why the author has used a specific theme for his work. Or examine the characters, themes, literary devices , figurative language, and settings in the story.
This type of essay encourages students to think about how the book or the short story has been written. And why the author has created this work.
The method used in the literary analysis essay differs from other types of essays. It primarily focuses on the type of work and literature that is being analyzed.
Mostly, you will be going to break down the work into various parts. In order to develop a better understanding of the idea being discussed, each part will be discussed separately.
The essay should explain the choices of the author and point of view along with your answers and personal analysis.
How To Write A Literary Analysis Essay
So how to start a literary analysis essay? The answer to this question is quite simple.
The following sections are required to write an effective literary analysis essay. By following the guidelines given in the following sections, you will be able to craft a winning literary analysis essay.
Introduction
The aim of the introduction is to establish a context for readers. You have to give a brief on the background of the selected topic.
It should contain the name of the author of the literary work along with its title. The introduction should be effective enough to grab the readerâs attention.
In the body section, you have to retell the story that the writer has narrated. It is a good idea to create a summary as it is one of the important tips of literary analysis.
Other than that, you are required to develop ideas and disclose the observed information related to the issue. The ideal length of the body section is around 1000 words.
To write the body section, your observation should be based on evidence and your own style of writing.
It would be great if the body of your essay is divided into three paragraphs. Make a strong argument with facts related to the thesis statement in all of the paragraphs in the body section.
Start writing each paragraph with a topic sentence and use transition words when moving to the next paragraph.
Summarize the important points of your literary analysis essay in this section. It is important to compose a short and strong conclusion to help you make a final impression of your essay.
Pay attention that this section does not contain any new information. It should provide a sense of completion by restating the main idea with a short description of your arguments. End the conclusion with your supporting details.
You have to explain why the book is important. Also, elaborate on the means that the authors used to convey her/his opinion regarding the issue.
For further understanding, here is a downloadable literary analysis essay outline. This outline will help you structure and format your essay properly and earn an A easily.
DOWNLOADABLE LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY OUTLINE (PDF)
Types of Literary Analysis Essay
- Close reading - This method involves attentive reading and detailed analysis. No need for a lot of knowledge and inspiration to write an essay that shows your creative skills.
- Theoretical - In this type, you will rely on theories related to the selected topic.
- Historical - This type of essay concerns the discipline of history. Sometimes historical analysis is required to explain events in detail.
- Applied - This type involves analysis of a specific issue from a practical perspective.
- Comparative - This type of writing is based on when two or more alternatives are compared
Examples of Literary Analysis Essay
Examples are great to understand any concept, especially if it is related to writing. Below are some great literary analysis essay examples that showcase how this type of essay is written.
A ROSE FOR EMILY LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY
THE GREAT GATSBY LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY
If you do not have experience in writing essays, this will be a very chaotic process for you. In that case, it is very important for you to conduct good research on the topic before writing.
There are two important points that you should keep in mind when writing a literary analysis essay.
First, remember that it is very important to select a topic in which you are interested. Choose something that really inspires you. This will help you to catch the attention of a reader.
The selected topic should reflect the main idea of writing. In addition to that, it should also express your point of view as well.
Another important thing is to draft a good outline for your literary analysis essay. It will help you to define a central point and division of this into parts for further discussion.
Literary Analysis Essay Topics
Literary analysis essays are mostly based on artistic works like books, movies, paintings, and other forms of art. However, generally, students choose novels and books to write their literary essays.
Some cool, fresh, and good topics and ideas are listed below:
- Role of the Three Witches in flaming Macbethâs ambition.
- Analyze the themes of the Play Antigone,
- Discuss Ajax as a tragic hero.
- The Judgement of Paris: Analyze the Reasons and their Consequences.
- Oedipus Rex: A Doomed Son or a Conqueror?
- Describe the Oedipus complex and Electra complex in relation to their respective myths.
- Betrayal is a common theme of Shakespearean tragedies. Discuss
- Identify and analyze the traits of history in T.S Eliotâs âGerontionâ.
- Analyze the theme of identity crisis in The Great Gatsby.
- Analyze the writing style of Emily Dickinson.
If you are still in doubt then there is nothing bad in getting professional writersâ help.
We at 5StarEssays.com can help you get a custom paper as per your specified requirements with our do essay for me service.
Our essay writers will help you write outstanding literary essays or any other type of essay. Such as compare and contrast essays, descriptive essays, rhetorical essays. We cover all of these.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a literary analysis essay include.
A good literary analysis essay must include a proper and in-depth explanation of your ideas. They must be backed with examples and evidence from the text. Textual evidence includes summaries, paraphrased text, original work details, and direct quotes.
What are the 4 components of literary analysis?
Here are the 4 essential parts of a literary analysis essay;
No literary work is explained properly without discussing and explaining these 4 things.
How do you start a literary analysis essay?
Start your literary analysis essay with the name of the work and the title. Hook your readers by introducing the main ideas that you will discuss in your essay and engage them from the start.
How do you do a literary analysis?
In a literary analysis essay, you study the text closely, understand and interpret its meanings. And try to find out the reasons behind why the author has used certain symbols, themes, and objects in the work.
Why is literary analysis important?
It encourages the students to think beyond their existing knowledge, experiences, and belief and build empathy. This helps in improving the writing skills also.
What is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay?
Interpretation is the fundamental and important feature of a literary analysis essay. The essay is based on how well the writer explains and interprets the work.
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Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.
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The Subtle Art of Writing an Literary Analysis Essay
29 July, 2020
12 minutes read
Author: Tomas White
When studying at school, college, or university, you get dozens of writing tasks, and a literary analysis essay is one of them. You have to study a piece of literature and write about the core idea, characters, or the authorâs intentions. In some cases, itâs necessary to explore style, plot, structure, and other elements to explain how they complement or weaken each other.
Although itâs an interesting task, students often donât have enough time or writing skills to craft a literary analysis essay excellently. Our article will help you cope with the assignment and compose a flawless paper. Discover how to craft an outline, start a literary analysis essay, and many more.
What is a Literary Analysis Essay?
Paper quality depends not only on the writerâs skills or the presence of fresh ideas in a text but also on their understanding of what is a literary analysis essay. Many students make the same mistake and compose reviews or just describe what theyâve read, but itâs not the purpose of this task. Take a look at the explanation of a literary analysis below to avoid the confusion:
Literary analysis essay definition
A literary analysis essay involves studying the text, evaluating the plot, analyzing characters, and determining devices used by the author to engage and influence readers. A novel, tale, poem, play, or another piece of literature can become the object of your research. When composing a literary analysis essay, a writer explores the text form, style, perspective, and characters.
What is the purpose of a literary analysis essay?
An excellently composed literary analysis essay demonstrates that youâve looked at the events described in the literature piece from different perspectives. Examination of all the major elements, including a text structure, plot, authorâs style, charactersâ qualities, main theme, and form is an essential stage of the writing process. After you study all the important components, provide a conclusion on how they interact with each other and influence your overall impression.
How to Start a Literary Analysis Essay?
Now that you know a literary analysis essay definition, youâre ready to move further and discover the secrets of writing the paper. When reading the text, you must be very attentive. Notice the tricks the author uses to engage the reader, surprising details, and uncommon characterâs features. Use these elements for your analysis.
Itâs also necessary to answer a few important questions to discover the essence of the literature piece youâve just read:
- Which parts are the most essential ones?
- What literary devices did the author use, and why did they choose them?
- Do characters change somehow?
After youâve answered these questions, youâll have to determine the relationships between the ideas and storyline, the charactersâ behavior, and how their roles change in a piece. Conduct comprehensive research to get information about the text, its background, and the author. These materials will help you understand the writerâs intentions and ideas better.
Literary Analysis Essay Outline
Crafting a literary analysis essay outline is an efficient method to organize your materials and structure a paper. An outline will contain all the core thoughts of your research. It helps an essay writer figure out whether theyâve studied all the essential elements and mentioned all the points.
Before you design an outline, itâs necessary to write a thesis statement that shortly describes your paper’s content. Usually, it contains one sentence and presents the entire sense of the essay. Crafting an outline is the next step after composing a thesis statement. Traditionally, it consists of 3 sections:
- Introduction . This part is the most important one, as it should explain the main points of the body text and grab the readerâs attention. However, itâs not only a brief description of the essayâs content â you have to compose a catchy introduction that engages the audience. Itâs necessary to use a hook to grab the readerâs attention and make them wonder what happens in the next literary analysis essayâs section. You can add a quote, an interesting fact connected with the book or the author, or write a question and promise to provide the answer in the next part.
- Body text . After youâve composed the introduction, itâs necessary to move to the next step in your writing. Body text will contain all your statements, arguments, and important details supporting your analysis. Usually, this section has 3 paragraphs, but you can extend it depending on the task complexity and the professorâs requirements. When designing an outline, use the columns or bullet points to present the main ideas. These lists will help you figure out which details are unnecessary in your essay.
- Conclusion . Your final thoughts will shape the entire paper and influence the readerâs impression. At this point, the audience gets the overall impression of your analysis and decides whether youâre right or wrong. Name the paperâs core thoughts and write your final statement. You can write a sentence or two about the significance of the authorâs idea or the impact made by the piece.
Literary Analysis Essay Examples
Check this short list of literary analysis essay example to get the idea:
- http://web.cocc.edu/cagatucci/classes/eng104/midtermexamples.htm
- https://www.unm.edu/~aobermei/Eng200/sonnet95a.html
20 Literary Analysis Essay Topics
Sometimes professors allow students to pick topics themselves, and itâs a lucky ticket in the academic world. You can choose your favorite book or novel, research it, and provide excellent analysis. If youâve written about the piece you love before or want to impress the professor, we recommend you to check our list of literary analysis essay topics for more ideas:
- Examining the structure of Kurt Vonnegutâs â Slaughterhouse-Five. â
- Explaining the importance of Ray Bradburyâs â Fahrenheit 451. â
- Analyzing the changes in Ebenezer Scroogeâs character over the course of â A Christmas Carol. â
- The importance of symbolism in â Wuthering Heights .â
- Examining Ernest Hemingwayâs writing style.
- The connection of plot lines in â Froth of Days â by Boris Vian.
- The lasting influence of â The Catcher in the Rye .â
- Literary devices used by George Orwell in â 1984. â
- The use of humor in Mark Twainâs short stories.
- The impact of â To Kill a Mockingbird .â
- Analyzing the allegory in William Goldingâs â Lord of the Flies .â
- â Pride and Prejudice â character analysis.
- â Love in the Time of Cholera â: Florentino Ariza character analysis.
- The significance of Herman Melville’s â Moby-Dick .â
- Plot analysis of William Shakespeareâs â Hamlet. â
- The influence of Jack Londonâs life on his works.
- The analysis of Jane Eyreâs personality.
- Mysticism in Edgar Allan Poeâs novels.
- Language analysis in Haper Leeâs â To Kill Mockingbird .â
- Stylistic analysis of â The Great Gatsby .â
Useful Tips for Literary Analysis Essay
A literary analysis essay requires time, patience, and attentiveness. When reading a piece, donât be lazy to write down all the important details connected with characters, plot, authorâs style, ideas, etc. You also must be very attentive to notice important elements. However, attentiveness isnât the only thing that will help you craft a paper. Read our tips to learn how to write a literary analysis essay flawlessly and get the best grade:
1. Read carefully
Choose a cozy place for reading â itâs where no one will disturb you, and noise wonât interrupt the process. Only in this case, youâll notice the most important details. If you pick the right environment, youâll be able to concentrate on a story. You can choose a quiet place in a park, stay in your room, or go to a library.
2. Take notes
Do characters have specific features? What makes the writerâs style special? How does symbolism influence text comprehension? Write down all the interesting or intriguing details you notice. You can use this information in your literary analysis essay.
3. Determine literary devices
Writers use literary devices to create special effects that help readers understand their intentions, interpret their works, and analyze them. Besides, these elements often become the authorâs identifying feature that helps them stand out from the crowd. Hereâs the list of literary devices you have to know:
- Personification
- Alliteration
- Foreshadowing
4. Consider language style
Itâs necessary to pay attention to the length of sentences, terminology, descriptions, presence of metaphors, etc. Does the writer use simple words to describe an object or go poetic? Is it easy to understand the text? Does the author use slang or conventional terms?
The writerâs style tells a lot about their piece â even more than you can imagine. Besides, the charactersâ language style is one of their most important features. It helps readers understand their personalities. If your topic is connected with the character analysis, taking notes about language is a must for you.
5. Determine the narrator
Whoâs telling the story? It can be told by a character or by an author watching the course of events from a distant perspective. You have to determine the role of the narrator in a story. Do they know everything about other characters? Is their role important for story development? Of course, if an author is a narrator, you wonât have to wonder whether they influence the piece somehow. If a character tells the story, the chances are that they hide some information or donât know much about different events. In this case, some details may become evident in the end.
Write a Literary Analysis Essay with HandmadeWriting
If you need someone to help you craft a literary analysis essay, itâs necessary to choose a reputable service. You can rely on HandmadeWriting whenever assignments seem too difficult to cope with solely. It doesnât matter if you donât have enough time for the task completion because a professional writer will compose a flawless paper within the tightest timeframes.
HandmadeWriting has over 700 experienced writers specializing in different fields. They cope even with the most complicated tasks and deliver original papers in time. Writers at HandmadeWriting do their best to help students compose excellent essays. Theyâre passionate researchers who use many credible sources where they get the necessary information from. All the papers are also checked for plagiarism and edited.
Writing a literary analysis essay is an exciting yet time-consuming process. Itâs necessary to read the piece of literature carefully to notice all the essential details. Composing a thesis statement, outlining an essay, and writing a meaningful paper are the next steps. If you arenât sure about your skills or simply donât have time because of the academic overload, you can address HandmadeWriting for professional help.
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21 Literary Analysis
When is the last time you read a book for fun? If you were to classify that book, would you call it fiction or literature? This is an interesting separation, with many possible reasons for it. One is that âfictionâ and âliteratureâ are regarded as quite different things. âFiction,â for example, is what people read for enjoyment. âLiteratureâ is what they read for school. Or âfictionâ is what living people write and is about the present. âLiteratureâ was written by people (often white males) who have since died and is about times and places that have nothing to do with us. Or âfictionâ offers everyday pleasures, but âliteratureâ is to be honored and respected, even though it is boring. Of course, when we put anything on a pedestal, we remove it from everyday life, so the corollary is that literature is to be honored and respected, but it is not to be read, certainly not by any normal person with normal interests.
What is Literature?
Some misconceptions about literature, why reading literature is important, how to read literature.
- The more you know about a story, the more pleasure your reading will provide as you uncover the hidden elements that create the theme of the piece.
- Address your own biases and compare your own experiences with those expressed in the piece.
- Test your positions and thoughts about the piece with what others think by doing research.
While you will have your own individual connection to a piece based on your life experiences, interpreting literature is not a willy nilly process. Each piece has an author who had a purpose in writing the pieceâyou want to uncover that purpose. As the speaker in the video you watched about how to read literature notes, you, as a reader, also have a role to play. Sometimes you may see something in the text that speaks to youâwhether or not the author intended that piece to be there, it still matters to you. However, when writing about literature, itâs important that our observations can be supported by the text itself. Make sure you arenât reading into the text something that isnât there. Value the author for who he/she is and appreciate his/her experiences while attempting to create a connection with yourself and your experiences.
To analyze means to break something down into its parts and examine them. Analyzing is a vital skill for successful readers. Analyzing a text involves breaking down its ideas and structure to understand it better, think critically about it, and draw conclusions. In order to most efficiently analyze a fictional text, you can make use of a story map.
Literary Elements
When you read a literary piece of work, one of the best ways to begin an analysis is to review the literary elements that are contained within that story. Several of these elements were mentioned in the previous section on writing a story map. Letâs look a little deeper.
A common approach to analyzing short fiction is to focus on five basic elements: plot , character , setting , conflict , and theme .The plot of a work of fiction is the series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict. A character is a person, or perhaps an animal, who participates in the action of the story. The setting of a piece of fiction is the time and place in which the events happen, including the landscape, scenery, buildings, seasons, or weather. The conflict is a struggle between two people or things in a short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict. The theme is the central idea or issue conveyed by the story. These five basic elements combine to form what might be called the overall narrative of story. In the next section, we will discuss the narrative arc of fiction in more detail.Below are the formal elements of fiction and questions that will help you to read texts actively.
Questions for Active Reading:
- How does the text present the passing of time?
- Does it present time in a chronological way?
- Or does it present the event in a non-chronological way?
- What verb tenses are used? (i.e. past, present, future)
- How are the characters described?
- Do the characters talk in unique or peculiar ways?
- Are the names of the characters important or meaningful?
- What kind of conflicts emerge between the characters?
- When and where does the story seem to take place?
- Is there anything important or meaningful in regards to the time of day or time of year the story seems to take place?
- Is there any significance to the atmospheric, environmental, or weather events that take place?
- What problem or issue serves as the storyâs focus?
- Is the conflict an explicit one between the storyâs characters?
- Or is there a larger question or concern that is implied through the storyâs narration?
- What is the relationship between the title of the story and the text?
- What main issue or idea does the story address? (1)
Narrative Arc
The narrative arc â or dramatic structure â of a story may be divided into several phases of development. One traditional method of the analysis of fiction involves identifying five major stages of the development of the plot. The five major stages are known as the exposition (or introduction), the rising action (sometimes referred to as complicating action), the climax (or turning point), the falling action , and the denouement (or resolution).
The exposition of a story introduces charactersâ backstory and key information about the setting. With this foundation laid, the dramatic tension then builds, thus creating the rising action of the story through a series of related events that complicate and exacerbate the major conflicts of the story. The turning point of the story occurs at the climax that typically changes the main characterâs fate or reveals how the conflict will move toward resolution, either favorably or perhaps tragically. The falling action works to unravel the tension at the core of the major conflict or conflicts in the story and between the characters, although it may include one last twist that impacts the resolution of events. Denouement is derived from the Old French word desnouer (âto untieâ); the term suggests that the knot of conflict generating the tension in the story at last is loosened. Of course, not every aspect of the conflict may be resolved or may be resolved to the satisfaction of the reader. Indeed, in some stories, the author may intend that the reader should be left to weigh the validity or even the morality of further outcomes.While these five stages of dramatic structure are very helpful in analyzing fiction, they can be applied too strictly making a story seem like one linear series of events in straight chronological order. Some of the most engaging and well-crafted works of fiction break or interrupt the linear structure of events, perhaps through the manipulation of time (as in the use of flashback or flash forward ) or through the inclusion of an extended interior monologue (a digression into the interior thoughts, memories, and/or feelings of a particular character). Therefore, readers should be careful not to simplify the plot of a story into an ordered, numerical list of events.The terms protagonist (main character, or hero/heroine) and antagonist (anti-hero/ine) can be helpful in highlighting the roles of the major characters in a story. The story also may unfold through a particular point-of-view , or even through alternating points-of-view. The two most utilized narrative perspectives to consider are first-person point-of-view where the protagonist narrates the story from the voice of âI,â and third-person point-of-view , or omniscient point-of-view, where the narrative refers to each character as âhe,â âshe,â or âitâ thus offering a more distanced perspective on events.Readers may be persuaded, or not, of a narrativeâs credibility through point-of-view(s) and/or the presentation of the persona of the narrator (if there is one). A persona is the role that one assumes or displays in public; in literature, it is the presented face or speaking voice of a character. Credibility is the quality of being believed, convincing, or trustworthy. When the credibility of a text is called into question, perhaps as a result of conflicting accounts of events, or detected bias in a point-of-view, the text is said to have an unreliable narrator . Sometimes authors choose to intentionally create an unreliable narrator either to raise suspense, obscure their own position on a subject, or as a means of critiquing a particular cultural or social perspective.Additionally, to analyze a short story more closely, as in poetry, students may also pay attention to the use of figurative language . Figurative language, such as the use of imagery and symbol can be especially significant in fiction. What brings value to oneâs analysis is the critical thought that prioritizes which of these many formal elements is most significant to communicating the meaning of the story and connects how these formal elements work together to form the unique whole of a given fictional work.
Common Types of Figurative Language:
Apostrophe â A direct address to a person or object not literally listening; ex: âOh, Great Mother Nature how you test our spiritâŚâ Allusion â Reference to a well-known object, character, or event, sometimes from another literary work. Hyperbole â Exaggeration used for emphasis. Imagery â Words and phrases that appeal to the senses, particularly sight. Metaphor â A direct comparison of two seemingly dissimilar items (does not use the words like or as ). Onomatopoeia â A word that imitates the sound of the object the word represents. Personification â The attribution of human characteristics to nonhuman places or things. Simile â A comparison of two seemingly dissimilar items using like or as .While it is important to ground our analysis of literature in a close reading based on a detailed understanding of formal elements and structure, we should not become so carried away that we neglect the roles history and cultural circumstances can play in shaping a piece. Likewise, as Edward Hirsch suggests, it is also important to recognize the contribution that you make as a reader to the construction of a textâs meaning.Consider the poem â Dulce et Decorum est â by Wilfred Owen. The content of the text is moving enough, yet the added emotional weight of understanding the poemâs context â the mass casualties in Europe during World War I â lends a potent specificity to the imagery in Owenâs poem. The poemâs effect is made all the more palpable by the knowledge that he was killed in action one week before the Armistice that ended the fighting in Western Europe. With this historical context in mind, it might be possible then to consider what your own experience or views on war might be.The context of a text can play a major role in what gives it a lasting literary value. However, when a powerful historical context meets masterful formal execution, it can be tempting to assume everything in the piece is a direct line to the authorâs heart and mind. But when analyzing a poem or story, the speaker , the narrator, the âIâ voice, should not be conflated with the author of the poem. In the written analysis, we refer to âthe authorâ when speaking of his or her craftsmanship and authorial choices, as in âthe author repeats the symbol of the bird at the beginning and the end of the poem.â We use âthe speakerâ when discussing the point-of-view of the narrator of the story, or the âIâ speaking in the poem, as in âthe speaker longs to be freeâ or âthe speaker bemoans the impending loss of her child.â In our analysis we can suggest that âthe poetâ is closely aligned with âthe speaker,â but we should not assume they are one and the same.
Preparing for Research â Knowing Your Thesis
If we truly are engaged in writing and research as a process, then finding the thesis or purpose statement that will ground and drive your analysis essay will not be instant. Drafting different versions of what will be your thesis is advisable. Consider the preparation that would occur for other things you would place before an audience, like a business proposal or an invitation to a party; some refinement would be required.
For example, if your goal was to write an analysis of Mark Twainâs novel Huckleberry Finn , it is likely that several ideas for a thesis statement would come to mind.
The friendship between Huck and Jim reveals Twainâs commentary on the moral dilemma of slavery.
This is a fair enough focus. It is analytical; it does more than summarize. It places a proposition before the reader and upon consideration of that proposition would lead to a richer understanding of the novel. However, slight alterations in this thesis statement may offer improvements or interesting variations. For instance, an emphasis on the form could add to the analysis of the content of the novel.
The friendship of Huck and Jim reveals Twainâs commentary on the moral dilemma of slavery as revealed through the use of dialogue and interior monologue.
A further refinement might manage to incorporate form, content, AND context. Notice that a fully developed thesis may well require more than one long, run-on sentence.
Mark Twain encourages the reading audience of his day to question the moral dilemma of slavery through his portrayal of the friendship between Huck and Jim. By revealing differing social perspectives and moral positions through the dialogue between the characters and the interior monologues of Huck, Twain allows his readers to have multiple opinions while nudging their sympathies toward a critique of slavery.
The advantage of establishing your thesis before embarking upon outside research is that you are more likely to be focused on the kinds of sources that will be most useful and less likely to be overwhelmed or sidetracked by tangential information. You may want to look up general information, such as confirming historical dates or clarifying the use of certain vocabulary, but entering the process of looking for quality sources without a clear sense of the thesis you intend to place at the center of your analysis may muddle your thinking. Certainly, as you continue your research and draft and revise your essay, your thesis, and/or your supporting ideas may shift somewhat. That is a natural part of the writing process, but that kind of adjustment in thinking deepens or refines your analysis.
Time to Write
Purpose: This assignment will demonstrate the understanding of how to respond to a piece of literature you have read by evaluating it and making a claim or observation about the way it relates to a larger issue or idea.
Task: This assignment frames a single short story in which the student analyzes the significance of the elements in the text.
Write a Literary Analysis. Concentrating on the literary elements of the text, write a short essay in which you analyze the significance of specific literary elements with evidence from the text itself and from outside sources.
Key Features of a Literary Analysis:
Introduce an interpretation of the literary work
Present specific questions or ideas that need a response
Present a clear argument in your thesis
Use quotes from the literary text
Explain how the quotes support your thesis
If it is a long text, you may need to focus on a particular section such as a chapter
Key Grading Considerations
A clear focus on literary elements
Supporting points are credible, clear, and explained
3 solid, supporting points minimum
3 sources, used in an appropriate manner
All information is clear, appropriate, and correct.
Key Features of Analysis are included
Organization
Transitions
Argumentative Thesis Statement
Topic Sentences
Clear introduction, body, and conclusion
Comprehension of the literary text
Language Use, Mechanics & Organization
Correct, appropriate, and varied integration of textual examples, including in-text citations
Limited errors in spelling, grammar, word order, word usage, sentence structure, and punctuation
Good use of academic English
Demonstrates cohesion and flow
Fully in MLA Format
Paper Format
In-text Citations
Citation Format
Attributions:
âIntroduction to Literatureâ by Dr. Karen Palmer adapted from Literature, the Humanities, and Humanity by Theodore L. Steinberg and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
âApproaches to Literary Analysisâ by FSCJ found in Literature for the Humanities by Lumen Learning is licensed under CC-BY 4.0
Original Content âTime to Writeâ by Christine Jones is licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
English 101: Journey Into Open Copyright © 2021 by Christine Jones is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
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How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay: Purposes, Outline, Samples
Firstly to understand what a literary analysis essay means, itâs a way to determine and understand the work of an author, even if it is a single work or an entire body of work. Literary criticism is a description, analysis, evaluation, or interpretation of a particular literary work or an authorâs writings as a whole.
Many students, writers, and english scholars are told to write essays on different literary analysis essay topics because this type of assignment helps and makes writers to think about the reason why a poem, short story, novel, or play was written. To analyze literature, writers will need to remember that authors have specific decisions for particular reasons. Your essay should point out the authorâs decision and try to explain their intentions.
Learn how to write a book review and check out related guides: poem analysis essay , poetry analysis essay or critical lens essay at EssayHub blog.
What Is A Literary Analysis Essay?
The most comprehensive literary analysis definition goes as follows. It is a text that objectively analyzes the weak and strong points of another text. One author shares their opinion on what another author wrote. The most common literary analysis format is an essay.
The writer examines a novel, short story, or another type of fiction created by someone else. They praise or criticize the plot, style, characters, and other aspects of the text. After reading a piece of literary analysis, people should understand whether the book is worthy or not.Â
What Is The Purpose Of A Literary Analysis Essay?
When a newbie checks literary analysis examples, they will see that they are very personal. Different people might perceive the same text very differently. It depends on their character, life experience, and cultural background. The aim of writing a literary analysis is to express oneâs individual understanding of the text and back it up with facts.
It is not sufficient to say, "I enjoyed every minute of reading this book!" or "It is too dull." All types of literary analysis involve the assessment of both technical and emotional aspects of the text. It implies an impartial balancing of pros and cons.
Imagine that someone is looking for a good book. Their time and finances are limited, so they can afford just one text. They want to avoid hit-or-miss decisions. They prefer an expert to recommend to them what to read.
They do not want this expert to be a high-brow professional critic. They are interested in the opinions of people whose lifestyle and worldview are close to theirs. They read book blogs and unbiased reviews on profile sites. When they finally buy a piece of fiction, they know what to expect of it.
After a reader gains experience, they become ready to share viewpoints with others. They read articles on how to analyze literature and start writing their own reviews. They can post their works in their private blogs or share them on social networks. Plus, literary analysis is an essential part of the educational process in schools and colleges.
Content Of A Literary Analysis Essay
There are many topics for literary analysis, but it all depends on the kind of work that a writer analyzes. For instance, the approach is not the same in poems as it is in the case with a play. Before writing it is important to know what you want to analyze in the literature that you have read. That brings us to types of literature analysis. How can a writer analyze the literature? This is done by:
- Character Analysis
- Symbolism Analysis
- Theme Analysis
- Setting Analysis
- Structure and Style Analysis
- Diction, Imagery, and Denotation Analysis. etc.
How To Write A Literary Analysis Essay?
Read the text critically.
When carrying out literature analysis, a person should read slowly. They should start a notebook where they would put down their thoughts. They should take notes when they find themselves in one of the following situations:
- disagree with the author;
- want to praise the authorâs skills;
- come across a plot twist that resembles their own lives;
- have anything to say on the matter.
When people read an interesting text, they have controversial desires. On the one hand, they want to finish it to get to know what happens in the end. On the other hand, they want to enjoy it for as long as possible. When compiling a literary analysis sample, people should focus on their thoughts and not emotions.
Literary Devices
When newbies ask about how to write a good literary analysis, literary devices become the most challenging aspect for them. These devices involve the following terms and notions:
- literary elements, such as plot, mood, and protagonists;
- figurative language, including symbolism and metaphors;
- literary techniques, such as foreshadowing and repetition.
To be able to analyze these aspects, newbies should read theory in textbooks. Also, they should examine enough sample literary analysis essays. They need to see how other writers handle the overview of literary devices without making their texts too formal.
In a literary analysis paper, it is not enough to say that the author has a masterful command of the word. The writer should concentrate on the following important aspects.
- Is the language modern, archaic, or full of slang?
- Does the author use poetic phrases?
- Are the sentences predominantly long or short? How does the rhythm of the text impact its mood?
It would be wise to answer the following question in a literary analysis essay example. Do all characters speak the same language, or does each one have their particular style? Individual speech manners are significant merits of fiction.
Narrative Voice
A text can be written either from a first-person or third-person perspective. In a literary analysis example, the author should explain the position of the narrator. Are they omnipresent, or does the reader hardly notice them? Are they reliable, or do they share a distorted version of events?
Writers with little experience might ask how to do literary analysis when the narrator is absent. In this case, speak about the tone. Is it neutral, comic, or tragic? What emotions does it evoke in the readers from the first passage? How often does the reader come across exaggerations, irony, or incongruities?
In a novel, the key elements of literary analysis are chapters. In a play, these constituents are acts and scenes. In a poem, these are lines and stanzas. The author of the essay should think of how skilfully the writer divided their text into parts.
Chapters, scenes, and stanzas should be interconnected logically and emotionally. The last line of the previous part should motivate the reader to glance through the next one. The structure of the text helps emphasize its conflicts and build up the tension. The pauses between every two parts might speak louder than a thousand words.
Most examples of literary analysis essay include comments on the timeline of the story. Do the events unfold in chronological order? Does the author make the readers travel back and forth in a time machine? How easy is it to switch between different time layers, and which effect does it produce?
The following types of conflicts are most likely to be present in a literary analysis:
- one person versus another;
- person versus society;
- person versus technology;
- person versus supernatural forces;
- an inner conflict within a person (good versus bad intentions).
Instead of one person, there might be a group of people.
Newbies should not get confused about how to write a thesis for a literary analysis. The term "thesis" denotes the main point that they are planning to focus on. Modern books are multifaceted: they feature numerous problems and give readers a lot of food for thought. Yet, the writer should concentrate only on a handful of aspects in their work.
There are three approaches to thesis writing:
- analytical;
- argumentative;
- explanatory.
The literary analysis thesis of the first type strives to answer the questions "why?" and "how?" The writer tries to explain why the author created that book. Why is their perception of the world so unique and innovative? Why do they draw certain parallels and use specific devices?
This sentence might serve as a good example of an analytical thesis: "Outraged by gender inequality in this Eastern country, the author ridicules the problem instead of trying to undermine the traditions."
An argumentative thesis for literary analysis implies that the writer explains their own perception of the text. They take a certain position that might differ from the opinion of the majority. They further prove their point by quoting the book. For instance: "While most critics perceive this novel as an educational one, I believe that the main conflict lies in the lack of tolerance in society."
Literary analysis thesis examples of the explanatory type do not include the authorâs opinion at all. They just help other readers understand the message of the book: "The author depicts their ideal political system."
Write A Literary Analysis Essay
Write a title.
After reading the title, the person should understand what the literary analysis paper example is about. The title should contain the digest of the paper. It should reveal the writerâs attitude to the piece of fiction that they criticize.Â
Those who do not know how to start a literary analysis can use a popular trick that works for any book genre. They can include a short quote from the book in the name of their essay. Then, they should put a colon and accompany the quote with their own comment.
Write An Introduction
The instruction on how to write literary analysis starts with a clear statement of oneâs goals. The author should tell their readers what the book they are going to criticize is about and why they chose it. They should share the title of the text and the name of its writer. They might briefly outline the plot and problems of the manuscript. They might focus the readersâ attention on the main points of their essay â language, characters, or conflicts.
Write A Body
All the best examples of literary analysis essay have an identical structure. Each paragraph is focused on one aspect or topic. In the first sentence, the author briefly outlines this topic. That initial phrase should be concise and unambiguous.Â
The last sentence of each paragraph should summarize its essence. It should not contradict the first phrase and overall logic of the passage.
The writer should avoid lengthy and complicated structures. Even if the author of the book prefers compound sentences, a literary analysis sample should be easier to read. One phrase should contain only one thought. To link sentences, the writer should use transition words.
"The book dissects the impact of virtual reality technologies on the life of single people in cosmopolitan cities" â this is an example of a topic sentence that opens a paragraph. "Nevertheless, its target audience is not geeks or die-hard gamers" â here, the word "nevertheless" serves as a transition.
In any literary analysis template, the writer should back up their opinion with textual evidence. They should quote parts of the original texts only if they contain no more than 30 words. Otherwise, they should reword the quotes to deliver the essence of large passages.\
Write A Conclusion
The answer to the question "How to conclude a literary analysis?" is very simple. The writer needs to reword and sum up everything that they have said above. They should share no original quotes and introduce no new thoughts. It is enough to summarize their main ideas logically and concisely.
Literary Analysis Essay Outline
Introduction.
Introduction should be sophisticated and creative, and it should catch the readerâs attention, so they can read the rest of the essay. A literary analysis should not sound boring. It should create some enthralling and fascinating quotes, reflection or motives. The main sentences of the introduction should give backdrop facts so that the analysis will make sense; facts such as Title of the Book, Name of Author and little information about the book. Donât write bulky details of the book the reader would have read this book and they just want to read the analysis. Make sure that your backdrop information and your thesis statement are short and transitional. To make the reader understand and connect to the literature and what exactly is been analyzed. The analysis or thesis statement is what you will prove in your essay, and it should come at the end of your introductory paragraph. The Intro could be more than one paragraph but about 5 important sentences.
The body must be very convincing. Here start rendering evidences of the argument. A convincing body will have at least three to four paragraphs or more. Also, do not go out of context the question has to be related. How does it relate to the overall theme of what the analysis? Make emphasis on the ways in which these elements bestow to the entire quality of the book. Emphasize one major point per paragraph in this section. No need to rush all of your evidence into one idea. Do more reading and analyze different factors in your literary analysis. Argue on a character's development, for example how the individual changes from the beginning to the end of the book. Center core on a character's fatal flaw and query or question the person's mistakes.
The conclusion should end dynamically and energetically. Start rounding up the literary essay paper in the last paragraph. It should include all the major points that have been made in the aforementioned statements of your literary analysis. Also, make emphasis on the on the implications of your argument.
Literary Analysis Essay Example
Symbolism Manifestation in Little Prince By Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The storyline arose from the author's personal experience. He survived an airplane accident in a desert. It happened when the writer served as a pilot during World War II.
A seemingly simple-hearted fairy tale has two main plotlines that uncover deeper problems. The leading one is the pilot-narrator line, lined up with the metaphor of adult reality. The second line dwells on the adventures of the Little Prince. Two protagonists travel to different planets, get acquainted with various characters, both positive and negative.Â
Each planet introduces the readers to a different philosophical conundrum. Each item and being in the book bear unique symbolic meaning.Â
The Pilot impersonates the author in his adult years. Antoine de Saint-ExupĂŠry was, in fact, a pilot and survived a plane crash in the desert.
The sudden encounter of an adult and a child (both are metaphors for inner psychological states) occurs in the desert, symbolizing the disastrous inner state of the narrator. The story unravels during the repair of the plane. The maintenance itself is a metaphor for mending the inner traumas through direct dialogue with the inner child.
The Little Prince
The description of the Little Prince gives the readers a hint of its relation to the author in his childhood years. Antoine de Saint-Exupery came from an impoverished aristocratic family. Through the Little Prince, the author shows himself. He reveals his struggle to survive within the boring world of adults.Â
His visit to our planet is a symbol of birth. The return to the home planet occurs through physical death from the poison of a snake. Here, we can observe the impact of Christian religious thinking on the plotline. The physical death of the protagonist is a reference to the religious idea of an immortal soul. Thus, after receiving knowledge about life from the Fox and Pilot, Little Prince has to die to be reborn into a new state.
The line telling about the love of the Little Prince and Rose shows an allegorical depiction of love. It reveals the ironic unsimilarity of how men and women see and express this feeling.Â
Rose gets introduced to the readers as a proud and beautiful character who has power over the Little Prince and his feelings. Gentle, timid, dewy-eyed Little Prince suffers from the frivolity of Rose. Because of his naĂŻve perception, the protagonist struggled to see that it was necessary to love her for her essence â for the aroma and the joy she brought him.
When the protagonist sees that roses are abundant in the gardens on Earth, he feels disappointed. Later, he meets the Fox who serves as the guide to the little lost being. Fox explains to the protagonist some basic philosophical truths. He teaches the Little Prince to look with his heart, not his eyes, and be responsible for those we have tamed.
When Little Prince absorbs the knowledge imparted by his new friend, he becomes mortal. This transition symbolizes him growing up and shaking off idealistic world perception.
Planets And Their Inhabitants
The author shows his readers two sorts of evil. The first kind of evil reveals itself in the negative sides of separate people.Â
The inhabitants of different planets, visited by the protagonist, reveal the most dangerous human vices. It seems relevant to note that all of them are adults. Drunkards, politicians, and selfish people seem quite morally bankrupt.
The author exposes life devoid of meaning as a common vice. The only relatable person to the protagonist is a lamplighter. He differs because his craft is good for others.
Baobab Trees
Another element of evil in the book is macro-evil. Baobabs represent evil in general. This image is a metaphor for fascism. Saint-Exupery gently leads the readers to the idea that such evil endangers the world. It should be extinguished like undesirable plants.
The main idea of the used allegories is the presentation of true values. The author contrasts naive and rational ways of world perception, the individual, and the crowd. In the tale, the unraveling of the main themes is connected with compositional structure, metaphors, and similes used by the author.Â
The author dwells on deep philosophical issues through similes and symbols. He emphasizes such topics as true love, friendship, and loneliness.
Romantic traditions play a keynote role in the plot formation. Unraveling the deep problems of humanity in a form of the fairytale is the main sign of that. It comprises all typical elements of this genre: child protagonist, fairy-tale characters, and a fantastic journey. These symbolic characters and items introduce the depth to the plot. They make readers see deeper into the book and reconsider their perception of reality.
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Literary Analysis â Definition & Step-by-Step Guide
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Literary analysis involves the process of closely examining, interpreting, and critiquing various aspects of a literary work. It delves into themes, symbols, characters, settings, plot structures, and stylistic devices, among other elements, to reveal the deeper meanings and implications conveyed by the author. Furthermore, literary analysis enables us to bridge the gap between personal interpretation and a broader, shared understanding of literatureâs richness and diversity.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- 1 Literary Analysis â In a Nutshell
- 2 Definition: Literary analysis
- 3 How to write a literary analysis step-by-step
- 4 Literary analysis: Example
Literary Analysis â In a Nutshell
- A literary analysis evaluates and interprets literature to express the writerâs perspective.
- To create a literary analysis, the writer needs to read the text, develop a working thesis, make, and interpret an extended list of evidence, and interpret the evidence to write an academic essay .
- Avoid writing a plot summary and instead, use literary analysis.
Definition: Literary analysis
Literary analysis, sometimes referred to as literary criticism , is the argumentative analysis of academic writing is a method of critical examination where various elements of a literary work are closely studied and interpreted. Although a summary is needed within the argument, the objective is not to write a report on the text, but to discuss the writerâs examination of it. Ultimately, the aim of literary analysis is to illuminate the workâs intrinsic value, convey its societal and philosophical implications, and foster a profound understanding of the authorâs intentions and the broader cultural or historical context.
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How to write a literary analysis step-by-step
Below is an in-depth guide on how to write a literary analysis.
Step 1: Reading the text
The first step in conducting a literary analysis is to read the text carefully and take initial notes. As you read, focus on the ideas being presented.
Pay attention to the authorâs writing technique, the characterâs development , and the literary devices used.
Some of the literary devices a writer should consider when reading through the text for a literary analysis include:
Step 2: Creating a thesis
A literary analysis thesis is what substantiates the writerâs view and allows it to be debated.
While a thesis states the writerâs opinion, it should also allow any readers to come to their conclusions .
Pride and prejudice is a story about the efforts of Elizabeth Bennet in overcoming her pride and her bias towards Mr. Darcy, and how her family is affected by their preconceptions of the surrounding society.
Step 3: Title and introduction
The opening statements of the literary analysis should expose the reader to the intentions and context of the critique . A common structure for the introduction is to start with a general statement about the text and the author, and then finish with a brief indication of whatâs coming in the main body.
The title of a literary analysis usually contains the name of the text and the author you are analyzing. It should be as engaging as possible and clearly indicate what the analysis will focus on. A common method in coming up with a title is using a relevant quote from the text , then a colon followed by the rest of the title.
Approaching âthe edge of knowingâ: Anne Castonâs âAnatomy.â
Step 4: Body of the essay
Everything between the introduction and the conclusion in literary analysis is the body . Its main goal is to answer the writerâs questions about the work and the supporting textual evidence.
To keep your points focused, start each paragraph with a topic sentence that allows the reader to see what the paragraph is about quickly. A topic sentence can introduce a new argument or contrast it with the argument in the previous paragraph.
A main part of the body is giving textual evidence that backs up your arguments. You can do this using quotes from the text. If you use quotes, ensure you contextualize and explain why you are using them instead of treating them as self-explanatory.
Step 5: Conclusion
The conclusion of the literary analysis is about wrapping up the essay and should not introduce any new arguments or quotations. A good structure for the analysis would be to summarize the primary arguments, emphasize the conclusion theyâve led you to, and highlight the new perspective.
Literary analysis: Example
Below is an example of a literary analysis of Ernest Hemingwayâs novella, âThe Old Man and the Seaâ
The introduction starts with basic facts about the author and transitions into a concise and debatable thesis statement.
The writer transitions to the first paragraph in the body by introducing the first element of style that contributes to the discussion of the theme.
The conclusion emphasizes the thesis statement and summarizes the arguments.
Why is literary analysis important?
Examining and analyzing literature gives writers the opportunity to think critically about a text.
Not only does this help demonstrate the authorâs intentions, but it also enhances critical thinking skills that are useful in other disciplines.
What is a literary analysis thesis statement?
A literary analysis thesis statement summarizes the analytical argument the writer intends to make and prove in the paper.
What are the key features of literary analysis?
The analyzed elements of literary analysis include:
- Narrative voice
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12.14: Sample Student Literary Analysis Essays
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- Save as PDF
- Page ID 40514
- Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
- City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative
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The following examples are essays where student writers focused on close-reading a literary work.
While reading these examples, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is the essay's thesis statement, and how do you know it is the thesis statement?
- What is the main idea or topic sentence of each body paragraph, and how does it relate back to the thesis statement?
- Where and how does each essay use evidence (quotes or paraphrase from the literature)?
- What are some of the literary devices or structures the essays analyze or discuss?
- How does each author structure their conclusion, and how does their conclusion differ from their introduction?
Example 1: Poetry
Victoria Morillo
Instructor Heather Ringo
3 August 2022
How Nguyen’s Structure Solidifies the Impact of Sexual Violence in “The Study”
Stripped of innocence, your body taken from you. No matter how much you try to block out the instance in which these two things occurred, memories surface and come back to haunt you. How does a person, a young boy , cope with an event that forever changes his life? Hieu Minh Nguyen deconstructs this very way in which an act of sexual violence affects a survivor. In his poem, “The Study,” the poem's speaker recounts the year in which his molestation took place, describing how his memory filters in and out. Throughout the poem, Nguyen writes in free verse, permitting a structural liberation to become the foundation for his message to shine through. While he moves the readers with this poignant narrative, Nguyen effectively conveys the resulting internal struggles of feeling alone and unseen.
The speaker recalls his experience with such painful memory through the use of specific punctuation choices. Just by looking at the poem, we see that the first period doesn’t appear until line 14. It finally comes after the speaker reveals to his readers the possible, central purpose for writing this poem: the speaker's molestation. In the first half, the poem makes use of commas, em dashes, and colons, which lends itself to the idea of the speaker stringing along all of these details to make sense of this time in his life. If reading the poem following the conventions of punctuation, a sense of urgency is present here, as well. This is exemplified by the lack of periods to finalize a thought; and instead, Nguyen uses other punctuation marks to connect them. Serving as another connector of thoughts, the two em dashes give emphasis to the role memory plays when the speaker discusses how “no one [had] a face” during that time (Nguyen 9-11). He speaks in this urgent manner until the 14th line, and when he finally gets it off his chest, the pace of the poem changes, as does the more frequent use of the period. This stream-of-consciousness-like section when juxtaposed with the latter half of the poem, causes readers to slow down and pay attention to the details. It also splits the poem in two: a section that talks of the fogginess of memory then transitions into one that remembers it all.
In tandem with the fluctuating nature of memory, the utilization of line breaks and word choice help reflect the damage the molestation has had. Within the first couple of lines of the poem, the poem demands the readers’ attention when the line breaks from “floating” to “dead” as the speaker describes his memory of Little Billy (Nguyen 1-4). This line break averts the readers’ expectation of the direction of the narrative and immediately shifts the tone of the poem. The break also speaks to the effect his trauma has ingrained in him and how “[f]or the longest time,” his only memory of that year revolves around an image of a boy’s death. In a way, the speaker sees himself in Little Billy; or perhaps, he’s representative of the tragic death of his boyhood, how the speaker felt so “dead” after enduring such a traumatic experience, even referring to himself as a “ghost” that he tries to evict from his conscience (Nguyen 24). The feeling that a part of him has died is solidified at the very end of the poem when the speaker describes himself as a nine-year-old boy who’s been “fossilized,” forever changed by this act (Nguyen 29). By choosing words associated with permanence and death, the speaker tries to recreate the atmosphere (for which he felt trapped in) in order for readers to understand the loneliness that came as a result of his trauma. With the assistance of line breaks, more attention is drawn to the speaker's words, intensifying their importance, and demanding to be felt by the readers.
Most importantly, the speaker expresses eloquently, and so heartbreakingly, about the effect sexual violence has on a person. Perhaps what seems to be the most frustrating are the people who fail to believe survivors of these types of crimes. This is evident when he describes “how angry” the tenants were when they filled the pool with cement (Nguyen 4). They seem to represent how people in the speaker's life were dismissive of his assault and who viewed his tragedy as a nuisance of some sorts. This sentiment is bookended when he says, “They say, give us details , so I give them my body. / They say, give us proof , so I give them my body,” (Nguyen 25-26). The repetition of these two lines reinforces the feeling many feel in these scenarios, as they’re often left to deal with trying to make people believe them, or to even see them.
It’s important to recognize how the structure of this poem gives the speaker space to express the pain he’s had to carry for so long. As a characteristic of free verse, the poem doesn’t follow any structured rhyme scheme or meter; which in turn, allows him to not have any constraints in telling his story the way he wants to. The speaker has the freedom to display his experience in a way that evades predictability and engenders authenticity of a story very personal to him. As readers, we abandon anticipating the next rhyme, and instead focus our attention to the other ways, like his punctuation or word choice, in which he effectively tells his story. The speaker recognizes that some part of him no longer belongs to himself, but by writing “The Study,” he shows other survivors that they’re not alone and encourages hope that eventually, they will be freed from the shackles of sexual violence.
Works Cited
Nguyen, Hieu Minh. “The Study” Poets.Org. Academy of American Poets, Coffee House Press, 2018, https://poets.org/poem/study-0 .
Example 2: Fiction
Todd Goodwin
Professor Stan Matyshak
Advanced Expository Writing
Sept. 17, 20—
Poe’s “Usher”: A Mirror of the Fall of the House of Humanity
Right from the outset of the grim story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Edgar Allan Poe enmeshes us in a dark, gloomy, hopeless world, alienating his characters and the reader from any sort of physical or psychological norm where such values as hope and happiness could possibly exist. He fatalistically tells the story of how a man (the narrator) comes from the outside world of hope, religion, and everyday society and tries to bring some kind of redeeming happiness to his boyhood friend, Roderick Usher, who not only has physically and psychologically wasted away but is entrapped in a dilapidated house of ever-looming terror with an emaciated and deranged twin sister. Roderick Usher embodies the wasting away of what once was vibrant and alive, and his house of “insufferable gloom” (273), which contains his morbid sister, seems to mirror or reflect this fear of death and annihilation that he most horribly endures. A close reading of the story reveals that Poe uses mirror images, or reflections, to contribute to the fatalistic theme of “Usher”: each reflection serves to intensify an already prevalent tone of hopelessness, darkness, and fatalism.
It could be argued that the house of Roderick Usher is a “house of mirrors,” whose unpleasant and grim reflections create a dark and hopeless setting. For example, the narrator first approaches “the melancholy house of Usher on a dark and soundless day,” and finds a building which causes him a “sense of insufferable gloom,” which “pervades his spirit and causes an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart, an undiscerned dreariness of thought” (273). The narrator then optimistically states: “I reflected that a mere different arrangement of the scene, of the details of the picture, would be sufficient to modify, or perhaps annihilate its capacity for sorrowful impression” (274). But the narrator then sees the reflection of the house in the tarn and experiences a “shudder even more thrilling than before” (274). Thus the reader begins to realize that the narrator cannot change or stop the impending doom that will befall the house of Usher, and maybe humanity. The story cleverly plays with the word reflection : the narrator sees a physical reflection that leads him to a mental reflection about Usher’s surroundings.
The narrator’s disillusionment by such grim reflection continues in the story. For example, he describes Roderick Usher’s face as distinct with signs of old strength but lost vigor: the remains of what used to be. He describes the house as a once happy and vibrant place, which, like Roderick, lost its vitality. Also, the narrator describes Usher’s hair as growing wild on his rather obtrusive head, which directly mirrors the eerie moss and straw covering the outside of the house. The narrator continually longs to see these bleak reflections as a dream, for he states: “Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building” (276). He does not want to face the reality that Usher and his home are doomed to fall, regardless of what he does.
Although there are almost countless examples of these mirror images, two others stand out as important. First, Roderick and his sister, Madeline, are twins. The narrator aptly states just as he and Roderick are entombing Madeline that there is “a striking similitude between brother and sister” (288). Indeed, they are mirror images of each other. Madeline is fading away psychologically and physically, and Roderick is not too far behind! The reflection of “doom” that these two share helps intensify and symbolize the hopelessness of the entire situation; thus, they further develop the fatalistic theme. Second, in the climactic scene where Madeline has been mistakenly entombed alive, there is a pairing of images and sounds as the narrator tries to calm Roderick by reading him a romance story. Events in the story simultaneously unfold with events of the sister escaping her tomb. In the story, the hero breaks out of the coffin. Then, in the story, the dragon’s shriek as he is slain parallels Madeline’s shriek. Finally, the story tells of the clangor of a shield, matched by the sister’s clanging along a metal passageway. As the suspense reaches its climax, Roderick shrieks his last words to his “friend,” the narrator: “Madman! I tell you that she now stands without the door” (296).
Roderick, who slowly falls into insanity, ironically calls the narrator the “Madman.” We are left to reflect on what Poe means by this ironic twist. Poe’s bleak and dark imagery, and his use of mirror reflections, seem only to intensify the hopelessness of “Usher.” We can plausibly conclude that, indeed, the narrator is the “Madman,” for he comes from everyday society, which is a place where hope and faith exist. Poe would probably argue that such a place is opposite to the world of Usher because a world where death is inevitable could not possibly hold such positive values. Therefore, just as Roderick mirrors his sister, the reflection in the tarn mirrors the dilapidation of the house, and the story mirrors the final actions before the death of Usher. “The Fall of the House of Usher” reflects Poe’s view that humanity is hopelessly doomed.
Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Fall of the House of Usher.” 1839. Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library . 1995. Web. 1 July 2012. < http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/PoeFall.html >.
Example 3: Poetry
Amy Chisnell
Professor Laura Neary
Writing and Literature
April 17, 20—
Don’t Listen to the Egg!: A Close Reading of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”
“You seem very clever at explaining words, Sir,” said Alice. “Would you kindly tell me the meaning of the poem called ‘Jabberwocky’?”
“Let’s hear it,” said Humpty Dumpty. “I can explain all the poems that ever were invented—and a good many that haven’t been invented just yet.” (Carroll 164)
In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass , Humpty Dumpty confidently translates (to a not so confident Alice) the complicated language of the poem “Jabberwocky.” The words of the poem, though nonsense, aptly tell the story of the slaying of the Jabberwock. Upon finding “Jabberwocky” on a table in the looking-glass room, Alice is confused by the strange words. She is quite certain that “ somebody killed something ,” but she does not understand much more than that. When later she encounters Humpty Dumpty, she seizes the opportunity at having the knowledgeable egg interpret—or translate—the poem. Since Humpty Dumpty professes to be able to “make a word work” for him, he is quick to agree. Thus he acts like a New Critic who interprets the poem by performing a close reading of it. Through Humpty’s interpretation of the first stanza, however, we see the poem’s deeper comment concerning the practice of interpreting poetry and literature in general—that strict analytical translation destroys the beauty of a poem. In fact, Humpty Dumpty commits the “heresy of paraphrase,” for he fails to understand that meaning cannot be separated from the form or structure of the literary work.
Of the 71 words found in “Jabberwocky,” 43 have no known meaning. They are simply nonsense. Yet through this nonsensical language, the poem manages not only to tell a story but also gives the reader a sense of setting and characterization. One feels, rather than concretely knows, that the setting is dark, wooded, and frightening. The characters, such as the Jubjub bird, the Bandersnatch, and the doomed Jabberwock, also appear in the reader’s head, even though they will not be found in the local zoo. Even though most of the words are not real, the reader is able to understand what goes on because he or she is given free license to imagine what the words denote and connote. Simply, the poem’s nonsense words are the meaning.
Therefore, when Humpty interprets “Jabberwocky” for Alice, he is not doing her any favors, for he actually misreads the poem. Although the poem in its original is constructed from nonsense words, by the time Humpty is done interpreting it, it truly does not make any sense. The first stanza of the original poem is as follows:
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogroves,
An the mome raths outgrabe. (Carroll 164)
If we replace, however, the nonsense words of “Jabberwocky” with Humpty’s translated words, the effect would be something like this:
’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon, and the lithe and slimy badger-lizard-corkscrew creatures
Did go round and round and make holes in the grass-plot round the sun-dial:
All flimsy and miserable were the shabby-looking birds
with mop feathers,
And the lost green pigs bellowed-sneezed-whistled.
By translating the poem in such a way, Humpty removes the charm or essence—and the beauty, grace, and rhythm—from the poem. The poetry is sacrificed for meaning. Humpty Dumpty commits the heresy of paraphrase. As Cleanth Brooks argues, “The structure of a poem resembles that of a ballet or musical composition. It is a pattern of resolutions and balances and harmonizations” (203). When the poem is left as nonsense, the reader can easily imagine what a “slithy tove” might be, but when Humpty tells us what it is, he takes that imaginative license away from the reader. The beauty (if that is the proper word) of “Jabberwocky” is in not knowing what the words mean, and yet understanding. By translating the poem, Humpty takes that privilege from the reader. In addition, Humpty fails to recognize that meaning cannot be separated from the structure itself: the nonsense poem reflects this literally—it means “nothing” and achieves this meaning by using “nonsense” words.
Furthermore, the nonsense words Carroll chooses to use in “Jabberwocky” have a magical effect upon the reader; the shadowy sound of the words create the atmosphere, which may be described as a trance-like mood. When Alice first reads the poem, she says it seems to fill her head “with ideas.” The strange-sounding words in the original poem do give one ideas. Why is this? Even though the reader has never heard these words before, he or she is instantly aware of the murky, mysterious mood they set. In other words, diction operates not on the denotative level (the dictionary meaning) but on the connotative level (the emotion(s) they evoke). Thus “Jabberwocky” creates a shadowy mood, and the nonsense words are instrumental in creating this mood. Carroll could not have simply used any nonsense words.
For example, let us change the “dark,” “ominous” words of the first stanza to “lighter,” more “comic” words:
’Twas mearly, and the churly pells
Did bimble and ringle in the tink;
All timpy were the brimbledimps,
And the bip plips outlink.
Shifting the sounds of the words from dark to light merely takes a shift in thought. To create a specific mood using nonsense words, one must create new words from old words that convey the desired mood. In “Jabberwocky,” Carroll mixes “slimy,” a grim idea, “lithe,” a pliable image, to get a new adjective: “slithy” (a portmanteau word). In this translation, brighter words were used to get a lighter effect. “Mearly” is a combination of “morning” and “early,” and “ringle” is a blend of “ring” and "dingle.” The point is that “Jabberwocky’s” nonsense words are created specifically to convey this shadowy or mysterious mood and are integral to the “meaning.”
Consequently, Humpty’s rendering of the poem leaves the reader with a completely different feeling than does the original poem, which provided us with a sense of ethereal mystery, of a dark and foreign land with exotic creatures and fantastic settings. The mysteriousness is destroyed by Humpty’s literal paraphrase of the creatures and the setting; by doing so, he has taken the beauty away from the poem in his attempt to understand it. He has committed the heresy of paraphrase: “If we allow ourselves to be misled by it [this heresy], we distort the relation of the poem to its ‘truth’… we split the poem between its ‘form’ and its ‘content’” (Brooks 201). Humpty Dumpty’s ultimate demise might be seen to symbolize the heretical split between form and content: as a literary creation, Humpty Dumpty is an egg, a well-wrought urn of nonsense. His fall from the wall cracks him and separates the contents from the container, and not even all the King’s men can put the scrambled egg back together again!
Through the odd characters of a little girl and a foolish egg, “Jabberwocky” suggests a bit of sage advice about reading poetry, advice that the New Critics built their theories on. The importance lies not solely within strict analytical translation or interpretation, but in the overall effect of the imagery and word choice that evokes a meaning inseparable from those literary devices. As Archibald MacLeish so aptly writes: “A poem should not mean / But be.” Sometimes it takes a little nonsense to show us the sense in something.
Brooks, Cleanth. The Well-Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry . 1942. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1956. Print.
Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking-Glass. Alice in Wonderland . 2nd ed. Ed. Donald J. Gray. New York: Norton, 1992. Print.
MacLeish, Archibald. “Ars Poetica.” The Oxford Book of American Poetry . Ed. David Lehman. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2006. 385–86. Print.
Attribution
- Sample Essay 1 received permission from Victoria Morillo to publish, licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International ( CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 )
- Sample Essays 2 and 3 adapted from Cordell, Ryan and John Pennington. "2.5: Student Sample Papers" from Creating Literary Analysis. 2012. Licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported ( CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 )
Content Writing What is a Literary Analysis and How to Write it Correctly?
- 1.1) Definition of Literary Analysis:
- 2) What is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay?
- 3.1) Read the work of literature:
- 3.2) Develop a thesis statement:
- 3.3) Conduct research:
- 3.4) Create an outline:
- 3.5) Write the introduction:
- 3.6) Write the body paragraphs:
- 3.7) Write the conclusion:
- 3.8) Edit and revise:
- 3.9) Useful Tips to Polish your Literary Analysis Paper
- 4.1) Summarizing the plot:
- 4.2) Overgeneralizing:
- 4.3) Ignoring literary devices and techniques:
- 4.4) Focusing only on one aspect:
- 4.5) Not revising or proofreading:
- 4.6) Plagiarism:
- 4.7) Over-Relying on AI or Automated Tools
- 4.8) Being too general or vague:
- 4.9) Forgetting the thesis statement:
- 5) General Literary Analysis Template
- 6.1) Brainstorming ideas:
- 6.2) Providing context:
- 6.3) Organizing thoughts:
- 6.4) Check and Fix Grammar and syntax:
- 6.5) Suggesting examples:
- 6.6) Final Thoughts
Literary analysis is a critical tool used by students, scholars, and avid readers alike to uncover the deeper meanings and themes within a piece of literature. But what is a literary analysis, and how can you write literary analysis correctly? In this blog, weâll explore the ins and outs of literary analysis, from the definition and purpose to the step-by-step process of crafting a well-written analysis. So grab your favorite book and letâs dive in!
What is a Literary Analysis?
A literary analysis is an essay or written work that examines a piece of literature, such as a novel, poem, play, or short story. The purpose of a literary analysis is to analyze the literary elements, themes, and devices used by the author to convey their message and meaning. This type of analysis involves examining the structure, language, characters, symbols, and other literary techniques used in the work. The goal of a literary analysis is to gain a deeper understanding of the work and its significance, as well as to provide insights and interpretations that can help readers appreciate the work more fully.
Definition of Literary Analysis:
The process of breaking down a work of literature into its various components, such as plot, characterization, symbolism, imagery, and theme, in order to better understand and interpret the work. A literary analysis essay involves focusing on examining and interpreting a specific work of literature, such as a novel, poem , play, or short story . [1]
What is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay?
Literary analysis essay is often referred to as a literary analysis paper.
Literary analysis involves: Analyzing the structure, language, characters, symbols, and other literary techniques used in the work to gain a deeper understanding of the work and its significance. The purpose of a literary analysis essay is:
- To provide a detailed examination and interpretation of a work of literature
- To analyze the various literary elements, devices, and techniques used by the author
- To gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the work
- To uncover insights and meanings that may not be immediately apparent
- To explore the complexities and nuances of the work
- To provide a deeper understanding of its significance and relevance
- To develop critical thinking and analytical skills through the analysis of literature
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay?
Here is a step by side on how to write a literary analysis essay:
Read the work of literature:
Start by reading the work of literature carefully, taking note of important literary elements such as plot, characterization, symbolism, imagery, and theme.
Develop a thesis statement:
Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise statement that summarizes your main argument or interpretation of the work. It should be specific, debatable, and supported by evidence from the text.
Conduct research:
Depending on the requirements of your assignment, you may need to conduct additional research to support your analysis. This could include reading critical essays or other scholarly works related to the text.
Create an outline:
Organize your thoughts and arguments into a clear and logical outline . This will help you stay focused and ensure that your essay flows smoothly.
Write the introduction:
The introduction should provide some background information on the work of literature, and should end with your thesis statement.
Write the body paragraphs:
The body paragraphs should each focus on a specific literary element or technique, and should include evidence from the text to support your analysis. Use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph, and make sure to transition smoothly between paragraphs.
Write the conclusion:
The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. It should also provide some final thoughts or insights into the work of literature.
Also Read: How to Write a Strong Conclusion â Tips & Examples
Edit and revise:
Once you have completed your first draft, take some time to edit and revise your essay. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and effectively.
Useful Tips to Polish your Literary Analysis Paper
Here are some more useful tips on how to polish your literary essay to perfection:
- Use quotes from the text to support your analysis.
- Avoid summarizing the plot or retelling the story. Instead, focus on analyzing the literary elements and techniques used by the author.
- Make sure your analysis is focused and specific. Donât try to cover too much ground in one essay.
- Add transition words and catchy opening sentences
- Use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms.
- Remember to cite your sources properly, whether you are using quotes from the text or outside sources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Literary Analysis Paper
Avoid these common mistakes when writing a literary analysis:
Summarizing the plot:
One of the most common mistakes students make is summarizing the plot of the work of literature instead of analyzing it. Remember, the purpose of a literary essay is to provide an interpretation of the work, not a summary of what happens.
Overgeneralizing:
Avoid making broad, sweeping statements about the work of literature without providing specific evidence to support your claims. Your analysis should be grounded in the text and supported by evidence.
Ignoring literary devices and techniques:
Make sure you are analyzing the various literary devices and techniques used by the author, such as symbolism, imagery, and metaphor . These elements are often key to understanding the work as a whole.
Focusing only on one aspect:
While itâs important to focus on specific literary elements or techniques, donât ignore the work as a whole. Make sure your analysis is balanced and covers all aspects of the work.
Not revising or proofreading:
A literary essay should be well-written and free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Make sure to revise and proofread your essay carefully before submitting it.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is a serious offense and can result in a failing grade or other consequences. Make sure to cite any sources you use in your essay properly, and avoid copying and pasting text from outside sources without attribution. Furthermore, to ensure that there is no accidental plagiarism in your essay, you should check plagiarism using online tools as well.
Over-Relying on AI or Automated Tools
While AI and automated tools can be helpful in identifying basic literary elements and providing some analysis, over-relying on them can be a mistake. These tools lack the ability to provide nuanced analysis and understand the cultural and historical context in which the work was written. Itâs important to use your own critical thinking skills and analysis to supplement any information provided by AI or automated tools, and to make sure your analysis is grounded in your own understanding of the work
Being too general or vague:
Your analysis should be specific and focused, and should avoid vague or general statements that donât provide any real insight into the work. Make sure you are providing specific evidence to support your claims.
Forgetting the thesis statement:
Your thesis statement should be the guiding principle of your essay, and should be referenced throughout your analysis. Make sure you are staying focused on your thesis and using it to guide your analysis.
General Literary Analysis Template
Hereâs a general literary analysis template that you can use:
I. Introduction
- Introduce the work of literature you will be analyzing
- Provide some background information on the work
- Provide your thesis statement
II. Analysis of Literary Elements
- Identify and analyze the literary elements and techniques used by the author, such as plot, characterization, symbolism, imagery, and theme
- Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis
III. Analysis of Writing Style
- Analyze the authorâs writing style, such as their use of tone, diction, and syntax
- Explain how the authorâs writing style contributes to the overall meaning of the work
IV. Analysis of Historical and Cultural Context
- Analyze the historical and cultural context of the work, and explain how it influenced the author and their writing
- Explain how the work reflects the values and beliefs of its time
V. Conclusion
- Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new way
- Provide some final thoughts or insights into the work of literature
- Remember, this is just a general template and can be adjusted to fit the specific requirements of your assignment or the particular work of literature you are analyzing.
How can an AI Writing Assistant help You in Writing a Literary Analysis?
An AI Writer can save the writer time and effort in the writing process, and help them create a more coherent and well-structured literary analysis.
An AI Writing Assistant can be helpful in several ways when writing a literary analysis:
Brainstorming ideas:
An AI Writing Assistant can help generate ideas and prompts for literary analysis. It can suggest themes, motifs, and symbols that are present in the text and can help the writer identify the main ideas to be discussed in the analysis.
Providing context:
An AI Writing Assistant can provide context for the literary work being analyzed. It can provide historical, cultural, or biographical information about the author, the time period, or the literary movement that the work belongs to.
Organizing thoughts:
An AI Writing Assistant can help organize the writerâs thoughts and ideas. It can suggest a structure for the analysis, such as an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Check and Fix Grammar and syntax:
An AI Writing Assistant can help with grammar and syntax. It can suggest corrections for spelling and grammar errors and suggest improvements in sentence structure and clarity.
Suggesting examples:
An AI Writing Assistant can provide examples from the literary work to support the writerâs analysis. It can help the writer identify quotes, passages, or scenes that illustrate the main ideas being discussed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, literary analysis is a valuable skill for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature. By examining a text through a critical lens, readers can uncover hidden meanings, explore themes, and gain a more nuanced perspective on the work. When writing a literary analysis, itâs essential to follow a clear and structured approach, including identifying the thesis, analyzing the text, and using evidence to support your claims. Remember to stay focused, use clear language, and support your arguments with evidence from the text. With these tips in mind, youâll be well on your way to crafting a thoughtful and insightful literary analysis. So go forth and analyze, and enjoy the new insights and understanding that await!
References: [1] Literary Analysis â StudySmarter
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Literature analysis is the cornerstone of many college classes, in subjects ranging from English literature to history. Literature analysis papers as you to consider how and why a literary text was written and conveys some kind of message. The ability to take apart a text and break it down into its separate parts enables you to judge how effective an authorâs argument is, what symbols or motifs are important throughout the novel, poem or other text, and ultimately, to understand the text in a more holistic way. Â Therefore, knowing how to craft a good argument and defend it well using textual evidence is an important skill to learn in preparing for your college career.
The most important things to consider when writing a literary analysis paper are: what is your argument? Are you expressing it correctly via a well-placed thesis statement ? Do you support your argument well throughout your essay? Support for an argument typically involves using lots of evidence from the text in the form of quotations from a close reading of a passage (for more on how to successfully use quotations, see our âIntegrating Quotationsâ support guide). Often this also involves reading, analyzing, and using outside research to support what you are arguing. Learning the basic structure of literary analysis will be helpful for writing many different kinds of essays.
Helpful Links
Here are a few links to get you started on writing your literature analysis paper:
What is literature analysis (including a glossary of literary terms)?
- Purdue Owl: What Makes a Good Literature Paper?
- Roan State: The Elements of Literature
Tips on writing effective literature analysis essays.
- How to Write a Literature Analysis Essay Handout (from Bucks County Community College)
- Writing a Paper on Fiction in 9 Steps (from UNC Chapel Hill)
How do I support my argument?
- Using Evidence (from UNC Chapel Hill)
- How to do a Close Reading (from Carson-Newman University)
- Free Essays
- Essay Typer
- Grammar Checker
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Literary Analysis Essay
Literary Analysis Essay - An Ultimate Writing Guide
Published on: Nov 19, 2019
Last updated on: Jan 20, 2023
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Are you having difficulty writing a literary essay? Hold onto your seats; you are at the right place.
The endless pursuit of knowledge is what every student desires. The world has so many amazing stories to tell, and it's up to you to explore them. But where do you start?
It can be quite daunting when faced with the prospect of writing a literary analysis essay for school. Don't worry, though!
This blog post will teach you everything you need to know about how these essays work. It includes the benefits of analyzing literature!
Stop being worried and learn to write a flawless essay from this guide.
What is a Literary Analysis Essay?
A literary essay carefully examines and analyzes a piece of literature to make it easy to understand. It breaks the subject into parts and analyzes each part separately.
According to a literary analysis essay definition:
âIt is a type of essay that carefully evaluates a work of literature to understand it better.â
This essay closely studies a piece of text, interprets its meaning, and explores why the writer has made certain choices. The analysis could be of a movie, book, short story, novel, poem, play, or any other form of literature.
Fundamental Characteristics of a Literary Analysis Essay
There are four fundamental characteristics of a literary analysis essay.
1. The Elements
There are four main elements of a literary essay:
Plot: It is the pattern of events that make up a story.
Character: They are the people that play a role in the story.
Conflict: It is a dispute between two parties.
Setting: It is where the actions take place.
A literary analysis essay should include these elements because they make up the whole essay. Therefore, no element should be missing from the essay.
2. The Focus
The focus of this essay is on the literary devices, symbols, and metaphors of the literary work. It closely analyzes the symbols and metaphors of a literary work to interpret their meaning.
3. Literary Analysis Essay Structure
The basic structure of a literary essay is similar to other kinds of essays. It consists of an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
4. Literary Analysis Essay Format
The essay format tells how the parts of the work are assembled. Usually, the MLA format is followed to write a good literary essay.
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Literary Analysis Essay Rubric
Literary Analysis Essay Outline
The outline helps in organizing the information in a proper structure. The outline structure for a literary analysis essay is as follow:
- Hook statement: Grab the readerâs attention with a strong hook statement.
- Background: Educate the reader about the topic.
- Thesis statement: Set the tone of the essay and tell your reader what they should expect.
- Topic sentence: Introduce a line of argument.
- Supporting evidence: Support the argument with facts and evidence.
- Transition statement: Move to the next argument.
- Revision: Restate the thesis statement.
- Summary: Summarize the whole analysis.
- Comment: Make a relevant comment about the literary work
How to Start a Literary Analysis Essay?
The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to analyze a literary work. Therefore, when you start writing a literary analysis essay, follow these prewriting steps to do a good analysis.
Choosing the Text to Analyze
The first and foremost thing is to choose the text that you want to analyze. It could be a book, novel, short story, movie, or any other literary text.
Reading the Text
Carefully read the text and try to understand what the reader wants to convey through the text. Pay attention to every little detail and make initial notes. Look for the surprising and confusing things in the writing; these are the things that you can dig into your analysis.
Identifying Literary Devices
The objective of a literary essay is not just simply explain but to examine the text on a deeper level. Therefore, identify the literary devices that the writer has used to convey his message and create effects.
- Coming Up With a Good Title To get started with the analysis, you need to select a suitable topic for your essay. This essay prompt could be simple, or you can be creative with it. For example, âHow effective is the role of Shams in the forty rules of love?â
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay?
When you write a literary essay, you need to remember that you are not writing a report or a summary. Instead, you are doing an argumentative analysis where you have to examine every perspective of the text.
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Here is the writing process of a literary analysis essay:
Literary Analysis Essay Introduction
The introduction tells the reader what your essay is all about. It provides a quick overview of the main argument. Here, you are supposed to introduce the text that you are going to analyze.
Start the introduction with a strong hook statement that grabs the readerâs attention immediately. Give a general idea about the author and the text and lead to the thesis statement.
Write a good thesis statement that indicates to the reader whatâs coming up in the body section. A literary analysis essay thesis is a precisely worded declarative statement that tells the purpose of the essay.
Literary Analysis Essay Body
The body section is used for the development of the central idea of the essay. Usually, it consists of three paragraphs that support the thesis statement. It contains the explanation of the ideas and evidence from the text that support those ideas.
While writing the body, begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that presents a specific idea about the text. Support the topic sentence with facts, evidence, and logic that helps the reader understand the text. Each body paragraphâs substance includes summaries, explanations, quotations, and specific details that you need to support the topic sentence.
Literary Analysis Essay Conclusion
The conclusion paragraph should give a sense of completeness and let the reader know that he has come to an end. Donât introduce any new ideas here; just wrap up the whole discussion.
Restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points of the essay. Finally, make a relevant comment about the work that you have analyzed.
Literary Analysis Essay Examples
Now you have a complete guide for writing a literary essay, check out the following example to get a clearer idea. These sample essays give you a deeper understanding of the essay structure.
Literary Analysis Essay Sample
Sample Literary Analysis Essay for Middle School
Sample Literary Analysis Essay for High School
Literary Analysis Essay Example for College
A Rose for Emily Literary Analysis Essay
The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay
To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Analysis Essay
The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay
Literary Analysis Essay Topics
Here are some amazing literary analysis essay prompts for your help:
- Analyze â10 minutes and 38 seconds in this strange worldâ main character
- Analyze the historical context of âWar and Peace.â
- Analyze âA tale of two citiesâ main ideas
- Fate and love in âRomeo and Julietâ
- Women and misogyny in âHamlet.â
- Analyze âInto the Wildâ themes
- What message does Elie Wiesel convey in âNight.â
- Analyze the evidence provided in âThe History of the Decline: And Fall of the Roman Empire.â
- Analyze the narrative presented by J. M. Coetzee in âWaiting for the Barbariansâ
- Evaluate the mood of âHeart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
A good way to approach this essay is to summarize the textâs main argument and stress the conclusion. If you find any difficulty in doing the analysis, hire an expert essay writer .
We at FreeEssayWriter.net work 24/7 to help you with all types of academic writing assignments. Check out the free essays given on our website and get some inspiration to take help from us. Our writers are highly professional and experts at their work.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a literary analysis essay include.
A good literary analysis essay should include an explanation of your idea and evidence from the text that supports it. Textual evidence is when you talk about what happened in the story, summarize it, or give specific details. You can also quote the author.
What should be the tone of the literary analysis essay?
The tone of an essay is the attitude of the writer. In a literary analysis essay, a writer can be direct by stating his opinion, or indirect, by using words that have a certain feeling.
How many types of literary analysis are there?
There are six types of literary analysis, which are:
- Cultural Analysis
- Feminist Analysis
- Historical Analysis
- New Criticism Analysis
- Psychological Analysis
- Reader Response Analysis
What are the seven literary standards?
Literary standards are very important to determine whether the work done is literary or not. Following are the seven essential standards:
- Suggestiveness
- intellectual value
- spiritual value
- Universality
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How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Step by Step
Some students find writing literary analysis papers rather daunting. Yet, an English class cannot go without this kind of work. By the way, writing literary analysis essays is not that complicated as it seems at a glance. On the contrary, this work may be fascinating, and you have a chance to study your favorite works of literature more in-depth.
Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!
Literary analysis implies that you read a certain piece of literature in a particular way. You need to break it into parts and see how each of these parts work . How to do this exactly? How to start a literary analysis essay? Continue reading this article by Custom-writing experts, and soon youâll become an expert too!
â What Is a Literary Analysis Essay?
đ literary analysis outline.
- đŁ Step-by-Step Writing Guide
đ References
It is one of the types of an argumentative essay in which you carry out an in-depth investigation of a novel, story, poem, play, or any other literary creation. The purpose is to explore the reasons for certain technical and artistic choices of the author and interpret their meaning.
What Is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay?
This academic assignment aims to examine and evaluate a literary work or its aspect. The definition of a literary analysis essay presupposes the study of literary devices, choice of language, perspective, imagery, and structure of the text. These techniques are examined to understand the ideas the author intended to convey.
Feel free to use the following literary analysis outline . It will make your work much easier!
Writing an Introduction to a Literary Analysis Essay
Writing body paragraphs for a literary analysis essay, writing a conclusion for a literary analysis essay.
Find more details and a step-by-step guide on writing your literary analysis in the next section.
Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour
đŁ How to Write a Literary Analysis Step by Step
Step 1. read critically.
If you wonder how to start the literary analysis, the answer is careful reading. At this stage, you need to find out the main themes of the novel. Make a list of them and note the pages where you can find evidence of the main ideas later. This method can be applied for all the references, as an academic paper requires you to indicate pages in the text for any quotations and paraphrases.
At this stage, the text’s events are important since they convey the main theme or the principal idea. You should rather focus on literary devices, choice of language, structure, and narrative voice. These are the elements of the text that create visual and emotional effects and convey the meaning.
- Literary techniques (allusion, allegory, exposition, anthropomorphism, foil, foreshadowing, repetition, and parallelism)
- Figurative language (metaphor, onomatopoeia, understatement, symbolism, personification, simile, pun, cliche, analogy, proverb, hyperbole, alliteration, idiom, assonance, irony, and oxymoron)
- Literary elements (plot, theme, setting, imagery, mood, tone, point of view, protagonists, antagonists, conflict, climax, characterization, diction, motifs, and narrator)
- Language . Here you should analyze the length of sentences, the complexity of grammatical structures, use of poetic or high-flown language, recurring to vulgar words, etc.
- Structure . Does the structure impact the flow of the story, novel, or poem? What are the structural elements used by the author (chapters, stanzas, lines, acts)? This aspect is essential in the analysis of poetry. Rhyme pattern, punctuation, pauses, and meter shape the readerâs perception of verses and convey the authorâs thoughts and feelings, just as the words do. Some of the items mentioned in the literary devices can be discussed as well in terms of structure. Foreshadowing and repetition can create suspense or generate dramatic irony. Climax can be located in the middle or at the end of the narration. The plot timeline influences action development, accelerating, and slowing down the in-text time. You donât need to discuss all these factors, but if something strikes your eye while reading, note it.
- Person vs. person
- Person vs. nature
- Person vs. self
- Person vs. supernatural forces, fate, or God
- Person vs. society
- Person vs. technology
- Narrative voice . In the course of reading, the narrator becomes the readerâs friend. What kind of person are they? Are they omnipresent and omniscient as a supernatural force, or are they in the same situation as the other protagonists? The narration can be first-person (fully involved in the plot and subjective) or third-person (distanced and objective). The tone of the narratorâs voice defines your perception of the text. Is it comic, realistic, or tragic? Is the narratorâs figure reliable, and do their words sound plausible?
Step 2. Formulate the Thesis
World classics and modern professional literature are valuable because of their multifaceted conflicts, well-thought structure, and abundant literary devices. Even the long research thesis cannot comprise all of them. Choose an aspect that stroke you the most in the course of critical reading. Formulate the intention of your analysis in one sentence. Make it succinct and to the point. The thesis tells your readers what you will tell them, but it also implies what you are not going to discuss.
A thesis statement should clearly describe the topic scope and the writerâs approach to it. It is a claim about the text that will be proved in the essay. A thesis can be argumentative, analytical, or explanatory. The samples given below will make the difference clear.
Your thesis statement requires sufficient textual evidence. In the previous step, you gathered much information, so now, it will be easier to find passages and quotations that refer to the subject. You may not use everything you have discovered in your writing, but having enough material at hand will help to structure the arguments.
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Step 3. Write Your Essay
- Write the title. It should be an abridged version of the thesis. This is the best place to be creative, witty, and brief. If you donât know how to start the title, begin with a short quote followed by a colon, and then explain how it relates to your thesis. For example, âHeâs more myself than I amâ: the Destructive Nature of an Ego Blurred by Love in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. This is the easiest and the most compelling way to entitle an essay.
- Write the literary analysis introduction . In brief, it consists of background information about the author and the book, leading to the thesis. You can refer to popular opinion on the subject and state your thesis as a contradiction to it. Alternatively, you can limit out the literary devices or a theme you are going to analyze. The introduction paragraph can be concluded with an indication of what is going to be discussed in the essay. However, in a five-paragraph essay, this summary should be condensed into a single sentence.
- Start with a topic sentence stating what the paragraph is about. Avoid long phrases with complex grammar in the first sentence. It gives the reader a glance at the section and helps to orient in your text. Transition words can smooth the transition from one idea to another.
- Continue with evidence and substantiation . Using quotes is reasonable when the quote is one sentence long, not more than 30 words. Otherwise, paraphrase or summarize the quote, leaving only the essential information. Never use quotes or paraphrases without providing a proper explanation.
- Finish each paragraph with a one-sentence conclusion of the discussed idea.
Step 5. Prepare the Conclusion
Wrap up the essay without introducing any new ideas and avoiding direct quotations. Summarize everything you have mentioned above in different words. Then stress the thesis once again, highlighting the new perspective the essay has opened.
Literary Analysis Essay Topics
- Thematic analysis of The Black Cat by Edgar Alan Poe.
- Analyze the literature techniques used by W. Shakespeare in his tragedy Hamlet, Prince of Denmark .
- Discuss the central theme of the play Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey .
- Describe the conflict of Tennessee Williamsâ play A Streetcar Named Desire .
- The topic of illegal immigration in Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe .
- Explore how Steven E Ambrose describes the building of transcontinental railroad in Nothing Like It in the World .
- Analyze the literary devices in The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich .
- Analyze the plot of Arthur Millerâs Death of a Salesman .
- Examine the symbols used by William Wymark Jacobs in his horror story The Monkeyâs Paw .
- The importance of integral human sentiments in The Road by Cormac McCarthy .
- Discuss how McDonald described the conditions that lead to degradation and loss of humanity in his autobiography All Souls .
- Analyze Kafkaâs short story A Hunger Artist .
- Interpret the use of stylistic devices in The Ministerâs Black Veil by Nathaniel Hawthorne .
- Explore Hemingwayâs ideas about life in his story A Clean, Well-Lighted Place .
- The symbolism in Joseph Conradâs Heart of Darkness .
- Study the core motif of the Sophoclesâ Oedipus the King .
- Analyse the topics of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson.
- Examine the literary elements used by Lisa Ko in The Leavers .
- Allegory in Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been by Joyce Carol Oates.
- Interpret the idea behind Herman Melvilleâs Bartleby, the Scrivener .
- Discuss how Alice Munro describes issues in marriage and relationships in How I Met My Husband .
- Analyze the main themes of Jack Londonâs To Build a Fire .
- The central topic of Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
- The connection between past and future in Virginia Woolfâs Mrs. Dalloway .
- Describe the rhetoric means used by August Wilson in the play Fences .
- Discuss the idea behind Jon Krakauerâs novel Into the Wild .
- Interpretation of Why I Live at the P.O. Eudora Welty .
- Compare the topic of womenâs rebellion in Ibsenâs A Dollhouse and Glaspellâs Trifles .
- Analyze the rhetoric used by Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart .
- Gender biases and marginalization in Girl by Jamaica Kincaid.
- Analyze the main character in A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner .
- Examine the theme of tragic fate in Homerâs Iliad .
- Discuss the message to society in Margaret Atwoodâs The Handmaidâs Tale .
- Analyze the stylistic devices used by Tennessee Williams in The Glass Menagerie .
- Interpret the theme of George Orwellâs The Hanging .
- Jealousy and lasting love in Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe .
- Analyzing the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelly.
- Describe the rhetoric techniques used by Jesmyn Ward in Sing, Unburied, Sing .
- Examine the symbolism of John Updikeâs A&P .
- Literary elements used by James Joyce in Ulysses .
- Discuss the themes of appearance and reality in Much Ado About Nothing by Shakespeare .
- Examine the characters of Jane Austenâs Pride and Prejudice .
- Literary analysis of the poem The Man He Killed by T. Hardy .
- Analyze the central theme of Matsuo Bashoâs The Narrow Road to the Interior .
- The role of an individual in the protection of the environment in The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono.
- Describe Hemingwayâs rhetoric in Hills Like White Elephants .
- Discuss the role of allegory in Beloved by Toni Morrison .
- Analyze the elements of Charles Brockden Brownâs gothic novel Wieland .
- The significant features of Summer by David Updike .
- Examine the depiction of the contemporary societyâs issues in Franz Kafkaâs The Metamorphosis .
Good luck with your assignment! Note that the information that you will find in articles about a literary criticism essay and Lady Macbeth essay can also also be useful.
âď¸ Literary Analysis FAQ
Here is a possible definition: a description of some peculiarities of a literary text in a structured and cohesive way. It should include some elements of a research report. There are countless examples of such essays available online and in books.
It is always a good idea to create an essay outline first. Write a minimum of 3-4 key ideas for the body part. Then, exemplify those points (you may cite the text). Then, add an appropriate introduction and a corresponding conclusion.
If you need to write a literary analysis, begin with an outline. It will help you proceed step by step without losing the structure. Think about the peculiar features of the literary text you analyze. Brush up the principles of analytical writing, too.
A book analysis essay summarizes literary research and includes examples, review elements, etc. The purpose of such a paper is to help readers understand the book better. Just like any other essay, it should be appropriately structured: an appropriate introduction, several body paragraphs, a logical conclusion.
- A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis – UW Madison Writing Center
- Writing a Literary Analysis Presentation // Purdue Writing Lab
- Types of Literary Analysis – UVM Writing Center
- Literary Analysis | Writing Center – Leeward Community College
- Suggested Structure of Your Literary Analysis Essay (Hawaii.edu)
- Writing Critical Analysis Papers – Washington University
- Literature â The Writing Center ⢠University of North Carolina
- Stanford Literary Lab
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Writing All About Me paragraph is probably one of the most usual assignments. For example, students might write it when entering an academic institution. Such work gives an opportunity to introduce yourself, your skills, and goals. However, it is not the only possible situation.
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Literary Analysis Essay: 4 Easy Steps for Writing a Paper
- Icon Calendar 15 May 2024
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A literary analysis essay is a document that allows a student to read a novel, poem, short story, or other text to examine how the author utilizes some knowledge, such as literary devices, and interpret its significance to society. Principally, this article is a guideline on how to write a literary analysis essay because it offers valid insights, including possible topics, a sample outline, and step-by-step technical details, which one should observe to produce high-quality work.
General Aspects for Writing an Outstanding Literary Analysis Essay
The academic activity of writing provides students with the intellectual capacity to produce various documents to meet the requirements of educational institutions, including high schools, colleges, and universities. As such, gaining insights into how to write all types of essays is critical to their academic success. Practically, different papers have unique essay structure, essay outline, and content, explaining why individuals must embrace a culture of reading guidelines on how to write various academic texts. Reading this article is essential because it equips learners, scholars, researchers, and anyone who uses writing to communicate ideas and concepts about how to write a literary analysis essay.
Definition of What Is a Literary Analysis Essay
A literary analysis essay is a scholarly document that analyzes a text to explore the authorâs writing approach and interpret the meaning of their work. In this case, students must understand that a literary analysis essay is different from other types of papers, including an analytical essay and a cause and effect essay, because it explores a written text to interpret its implications to society. Typically, individuals may not see a direct connection between poems, novels, and plays and what happens in real life in their communities. Therefore, a literary analysis essay helps students to analyze the information that authors put across in such texts to draw a connection between their content and real-life scenarios like immorality.
The Focus of a Good Literary Analysis Essay
Students should focus on how the author utilizes literary devices to emphasize the plot, themes, and protagonistsâ attitudes and behavior when writing literary analysis essays. The primary devices include allegory, metaphor, simile, symbolism, flashbacks, foreshadowing, hyperbole, imagery, personification, and motif. Because each device makes a poem or short story relevant in exploring a societal issue, focusing on each helps to shape a literary analysis essay. Ideally, students writing such papers must educate readers about rhetorical devices and how they empower the author to contextualize an issue in contemporary society.
Top 10 Literary Devices for Writing Analysis Essays
1ď¸âŁ allegory.
Authors utilize allegory to incorporate a deeper meaning, concept, or idea. As such, readers may fail to grasp its application in the text if they do not analyze the work from a literary perspective. An example of an allegory is George Orwellâs depiction of animals fighting for equality in his novel âAnimal Farm.â A casual reading may result in a different interpretation of this text from the authorâs intention of depicting the Russian Revolution. Therefore, when writing a literary analysis paper, students should highlight how the text they are analyzing uses this device to hide the deeper meaning of an idea or concept.
2ď¸âŁ Metaphor
Metaphor is standard in short stories and other texts because authors use it as a figure of speech to describe an object or action in a manner that defies literal understanding of nature or the world. An example of a metaphor is, âI could observe a white blanket of snow running into the horizon along the streets of New York.â While it is true that snow can cover entire streets, it is a lie to conclude that the snow is a blanket. Therefore, when writing a literary analysis essay, students must address how the author of the text uses metaphors to express ideas better. They should discuss how this device gives readers a striking image that arouses their intellectual curiosity.
When reading a specific text for analysis, students must notice how the writer utilizes similes as figures of speech that compare two things by emphasizing their similarities. One can identify this device by assessing contexts where the text uses the terms âlikeâ or âasâ to establish a relationship. An example of a simile is when a paper includes: âHe ran as fast as a cheetah.â In this case, the author compares the individualâs ability to run with a cheetah, which humanity considers the fastest animal on Earth. When conducting a literary analysis of a document, individuals should explain how the author uses the characteristics of one object to compare it with another.
4ď¸âŁ Symbolism
Symbolism depicts authors’ traditions of using symbols to emphasize deeper meanings and qualities within their texts. When writing a text for a literal analysis essay, students should focus on how the writer uses words to depict hidden ideas and concepts. An example of symbolism is an authorâs statement, “Tears of joy flowed freely in the faces of everyone who witnessed the wedding.” While people associate tears with sadness, this statement depicts them as evidence of happiness in a multitude. From this perspective, students performing a literary analysis of a novel should emphasize how the author uses words to symbolize deeper meanings.
5ď¸âŁ Flashback
Flashback allows authors to emphasize the significance of past events or experiences to the present. An example of this device is when a writer of a novel claims, âShe stood on the podium, reflecting on how her childhood experience with domestic violence had shaped her illustrious career as an activist.â In this statement, the author introduces the activistâs past as essential in understanding why they chose their career path. In this respect, individuals conducting a literary analysis essay should explain how the author uses past events to convey to the audience important information that helps one to understand a character’s background and how it shaped their present reality.
6ď¸âŁ Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a writing technique that allows authors to inform the audience about an event yet to happen in the story. An example of a flashback in a novel is when the author states, âAs the boys retreated to their respective rooms, the vocal one vowed to revenge the abuse visited upon them by the school bully.â This statement prepares readers for a later event where one person acts to punish another individual who occasionally bullies students. Therefore, when writing a literary analysis essay, learners should highlight how the author speaks of events that will unfold later in the story.
7ď¸âŁ Hyperbole
When writing stories, authors often use hyperboles to exaggerate or stretch the truth to express a feeling or emphasize an idea or concept. However, what they put across is literary impossible. An example of this writing technique is when a novelist claims, âStudents were dying of thirst.â While the writer intends to emphasize the deep thirst that students had, probably because of going for long without drinking anything, the literal meaning of the text is that students were dying because of thirst, which is not valid. As such, when undertaking a literary analysis of a novel, writers should explain how the novelist uses words to exaggerate ideas or concepts, defying literal understanding of the scenario.
8ď¸âŁ Imagery
Imagery is a writing technique where authors use powerful sensory language to evoke the readerâs imagination or emotions. An example of imagery is when a poet states, âThe odor from his sweaty shirt was a sufficient repulsive agent.â Upon reading this line, one imagines a shirt stinking because of sweat to the point of making someone avoid it. So, when writing a literary analysis essay, students should emphasize how the writer uses words that compel the audience to visualize an imaginary world and feel part of the story.
9ď¸âŁ Personification
Authors use the literary device of personification when they want to give an object, animal, or something nonhuman human-like qualities. An example of personification in a sentence is when an author of a short story writes, âThe flowers in the decorated pots were begging for water.â This sentence equates flowers with human beings by describing them using the human-like quality of begging. Naturally, plants do not beg because they cannot speak or gesture. Therefore, when writing a literary analysis essay, people should describe how the author utilizes personification by identifying sentences describing objects, animals, and other things using qualities that nature assigns to humans.
Novelists utilize motifs when they incorporate a recurring pattern, such as an idea, throughout the story to reinforce their plot or a particular theme. An example of a motif is when the author of Harry Potter highlights Harryâs scar several times throughout the text. In this respect, readers get the idea that the scar is central to understanding the story, specifically the role of Harry and his experiences. Therefore, when students are literary analyzing a short story, they should explain how the author utilizes motifs in the story to reinforce an idea, a theme, or the plot.
Examples of Top 6 Conflicts for Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
Conflict is a theme that novelists, poets, and authors of short stories or poems often use to make their literary work relevant to the audience. In a simple definition, conflict is a literary device that writers use to depict a struggle between opposing forces. Moreover, its purpose is to create contrast in the story. From this view, conflict in literature includes privilege versus lack, nature versus humanity, protagonist versus society, human versus technology, hero versus fate, and person versus self.
1ď¸âŁ Privilege Versus Lack
In most short stories, authors contrast people from a wealthy background who appear privileged and those from a poor background who suffer from lack. Typically, this contrast happens when writers emphasize the significance of material things in the story, such as a car and a house, or social status, like a good education and a secure neighborhood.
2ď¸âŁ Nature Versus Humanity
When writing a short story, authors may create a scenario where nature conflicts with humanity, such as when natural events, like floods and earthquakes, cause irreversible damage to communities. Essentially, this contrast emphasizes the danger of human encroachment into natural habitats, including forests through deforestation and oceans through offshore oil drilling.
3ď¸âŁ Protagonist Versus Society
Authors of various texts, particularly novels and short stories, depict a struggle between the protagonist and society. In this conflict, the main character challenges acceptable societal norms, practices, or values, although they are against humanityâs progress. As such, an example is where a protagonist fights against corruption in public service or immorality in society despite everyone else being comfortable with the status quo.
4ď¸âŁ Human Versus Technology
In todayâs age of technology, writers produce texts that highlight a conflict between humans and various systems. An example is where the author emphasizes the drawbacks of social media by emphasizing their negative impact on adolescentsâ academic performance and sociability. While some authors may hail technology as critical to human progress, they pinpoint its harmful impacts on individualsâ physical, mental, or social well-being.
5ď¸âŁ Hero Versus Fate
Most novels and short stories have a hero who defies nature or the status quo and suffers a painful fate at the end, such as death. This scenario depicts conflict because society expects heroes to survive anything that comes their way, including battles and disease. Therefore, by showing heroes as subject to fate, authors emphasize that humans are limited and no one can defy nature.
6ď¸âŁ Person Versus Self
When writing fiction, authors tend to depict individualsâ struggles with some aspects of their personality, such as greed for material wealth or hunger for power. This conflict helps readers to understand human frailty and its implications on individuals, their families, and society. In most instances, people utilize this writing approach to emphasize a moral lesson to readers.
Upraising a Literary Text
After reading novels or short stories, students can upraise the authorâs literary work by evaluating their effectiveness in communicating a central idea, the relevance of plot twists, the choice of characters, and the relevance of their texts to contemporary society. In essence, upraising a literary work involves judging it across various dimensions to show whether the writer produced a text of good quality and relevance.
Communicating a Central Idea
Authors make their literary work relevant and impactful when effectively communicating a central idea, such as the value of sacrifice. Notably, effective communication entails many things, including using the correct language, incorporating examples, establishing a background, and making the audience feel part of the story.
Relevance of Plot Twist When Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
The plot of a story is the guideline that directs the audience’s intellectual engagement with the literary work. Simply put, the plot is what the story is all about. However, authors often introduce a plot twist in their work for various reasons, including intensifying the audience’s emotions. While such twists are essential to make the story captivating, they should be relevant to avoid disrupting the logical flow of the text or having logical fallacies. For example, a plot twist where the protagonist develops a severe sickness should not end with their death because it would disrupt the entire story. However, such a twist can enrich the story by depicting the main character as resilient.
The Choice of Characters
Characters make any literary text, like a novel or short story, riveting because they are action figures. Authors assign different characters various roles, although some of them take on multiple roles. When writing a literary analysis essay, students should explain whether the author has assigned every role to the character it deserves. It would be frustrating for the audience to encounter a scenario where a particular hero in a story is cowardly and naĂŻve. In such a scenario, people should judge the choice of characters as inappropriate.
Relevance of the Text
Although fiction depicts unreal situations, it aims to stimulate the readersâ intellect by allowing them to draw certain conclusions. Essentially, this outcome involves drawing a connection between some ideas in the text and what happens in real life. Hence, a novel or short story that does not allow readers to make such connections fails to stimulate the intellect because it is irrelevant to the real world.
10 Most Common Types of Literary Analysis Essays
When reading a text for literary analysis, students should decide what type of paper they want to produce. Generally, students focus on two outcomes when writing a literary analysis essay: interpreting or evaluating the text. The focus that students choose determines the type of analysis they will conduct. The following literary analyses are the most common because they focus on the text (the first four) and its relevance to society (the last six).
- Character analysis
- Theme analysis
- Structure analysis
- Style analysis
- Discourse analysis
- Cultural analysis
- Psychological analysis
- Reader response analysis
- Feminist analysis
- New criticism
Examples of Literary Analysis Essay Topics
When writing a literary analysis essay, students should choose a topic relevant to the work they seek to analyze. Doing so requires them to read the text and determine what theme most likely fits their purpose of writing an analysis. While it is common for students to pick a theme that the author of the work highlights in the title, one can choose literary analysis essay topics. The following topics are appropriate for a good literary analysis essay because they suggest the concept of investigation, evaluation, or interpretation.
- Exploring Symbolism and Other Themes in F. Scott Fitzgeraldâs âThe Great Gatsbyâ
- Narrative Techniques in âLord of the Fliesâ by William Golding
- Modern Interpretations of Shakespeareâs Female Characters
- The American Dream Through the Lens of âThe Great Gatsbyâ
- The Significance of Gender in William Shakespeareâs Play âMacbethâ
- Imagery in William Shakespeareâs play âHamletâ
- The Structural Features of the Poem âThe Road Not Takenâ by Robert Frost
- How William Shakespeare Uses Language in âRomeo and Julietâ
- Betrayal in Mary Shelleyâs Novel âFrankensteinâ
A Sample Outline for Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
I. Essay introduction
- A short summary of the text
- Thesis statement
II. First body paragraph
- Topic sentence 1: A sentence that emphasizes an idea in the thesis statement that the writer supports or defends in the rest of the paragraph.
- Evidence 1: A quote from the text.
- Analysis 1: Explaining who says the quote and the context of their words.
- Concluding sentence 1 with a transition to the next paragraph.
III. Second body paragraph
- Topic sentence 2: A sentence that emphasizes an idea in the thesis statement that the writer supports or defends in the rest of the paragraph.
- Evidence 2: A quote from the text.
- Analysis 2: Explaining who says the quote and the context of their words.
- Concluding sentence 2 with a transition to the next paragraph.
IV. Third body paragraph
- Topic sentence 3: A sentence that emphasizes an idea in the thesis statement that the writer supports or defends in the rest of the paragraph.
- Evidence 3: A quote from the text.
- Analysis 3: Explaining who says the quote and the context of their words.
- Concluding sentence 3 with a transition to the next paragraph.
Note: Repeat the above pattern for the first, second, and third body paragraphs and add other paragraphs depending on the college essay length of a literary analysis.
V. Conclusion
- Restate the thesis
- Summarize the main points presented in body paragraphs
- Show why the text is important by relating its ideas to society.
Example of a Literary Analysis Essay
Topic: Fear as a Central Theme in William Goldingâs âLord of the Fliesâ
I. Sample Introduction
Fear is a strong emotion that helps humans to avoid danger. As such, it is an eloquent characteristic of most people’s personalities, meaning it is a foundation for personal weaknesses or strengths. In âLord of the Flies,â William Golding makes fear a central theme by depicting the main characters, Jack, Ralph, and Piggy, as individuals living in a constant unease state.
II. Example of Body Paragraph 1
Jack is uneasy throughout the story because he believes a beast lives amongst them. For example, he confirms his fear by saying, “We’ll close in and beat and beat and beatâ!” While this statement depicts someone ready to face a beast, reading through the text reveals that Jack spoke the words out of fear. In this case, he uses his fear of the beast to control and manipulate his peers. Arguably, he exploits others’ fear to conceal his own.
III. Example of Body Paragraph 2
Although Ralph is also fearful, the cause of his fear is different. While his peers fear the beast, what makes him uneasy is the fear of never being rescued after the boys failed to keep the rescue fire burning. For instance, he exclaims, “I’m chief⌠There’s no signal showing. There may be a ship out there. Are you all off your rockers?” Basically, he is visibly angry at his peers for failing to realize the importance of fire to their well-being. In essence, Ralph’s attempt to see the fire as a savior is based on his fear of the beast.
IV. Example of Body Paragraph 3
On his part, Piggy is more afraid of Jack than the beast. For example, he says about Jack, “I’m scared of himâŚbut if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. And that’s me.” His avoidance of Jack is a convenient way of dealing with his uneasiness. To a greater extent, Piggy’s fear of Jack creates another fear: his friends shunning him. Hence, fear is a powerful emotion that shapes Piggy’s experiences in the story.
V. Sample Conclusion
Golding’s novel depicts fear as a powerful influence on the behavior and experiences of the three main characters. Many people can relate the story to their individual lives by seeing how each boy deals with his fear. Ultimately, the novel is relevant to society because it depicts fear as a powerful influence on people’s personalities.
4 Easy Steps for Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
Writing a perfect literary analysis essay is a technical process that requires writers to observe certain procedures. Most importantly, this writing approach helps students to avoid mistakes that may affect the quality or relevance of literary analysis essays. Some of the silent rules that people should observe include preparing oneself for the literary work, setting up the stage for writing a literary analysis essay, starting the writing process, and wrapping up the paper to perfect it.
Step 1: Preparation
At this stage, students prepare to write a literary analysis essay by defining their essay topics. The most important thing that they should consider is the title of the literary work they seek to analyze and its purpose or significance to society. The next action is to prepare ideas for their papers, which requires them to understand their intentions. Typically, ideas come from reading the text one seeks to evaluate or interpret. Furthermore, students should proceed to consider their audience by focusing on their level of education and other characteristics that make them critique the literary work. As a result, this step aims to give students the proper mindset before writing a literary analysis essay.
Step 2: Stage Set Up
In the second step of writing a literary analysis essay, students are ready to begin writing. At this stage, people know their missions and need to make the right arrangements. The first task is to read the text they seek to analyze critically. They should not only reread the text but also make notes of the concepts, ideas, and themes they find useful or relevant to their literary analysis essays. The next task is to create a clear and well-organized outline to guide their writing. In turn, people can improve their literary analysis essays by incorporating research into this stage, which is vital in producing an annotated bibliography to ensure all evidence and quotes taken from credible sources are cited properly to avoid plagiarism.
Step 3: The Writing Process
Writing the first draft of a literary analysis essay is the third step in this journey. In this case, students can write the first draft prone to countless mistakes. The idea of this initial document is to allow writers to capture all the ideas they believe will make their papers impactful. At this stage, students add or delete information and alter the paperâs outline to fit their work. People should ensure the introduction sets the paperâs background and defines its purpose through a strong thesis statement. Then, the body should critically analyze the text by addressing the central themes, characters, and literary devices. In turn, the conclusion should restate the thesis and interpret the literary work by relating its ideas to contemporary society.
How to Construct a Thesis for a Literary Analysis Essay
The purpose of a good literary analysis thesis statement is to give the audience the writerâs agenda: what they seek to accomplish in the text, such as defend an argument, challenge a concept, or critique the text by focusing on the structure or any other quality. Notably, students can choose from different types of theses depending on the type of analysis they seek to undertake. The first type is an argumentative thesis, which applies to an argumentative essay or a persuasive essay with controversial research topics or ideas. The second is an analytical thesis applicable in an analytical essay where learners seek to analyze a concept or idea, such as characters. The third is an explanatory thesis, which is used in an explanatory essay where writers explain a phenomenon, such as technologyâs influence on healthcare.
Step 4: Wrapping-Up
This step is the last stage when writing a literary analysis essay, where students focus on perfecting their work. As such, the first task is to read and reread the document to identify mistakes and inconsistencies. They should revise a literary analysis essay to correct such errors, which includes editing and ensuring all essential components are addressed: topic sentences, concluding sentences, transitions, proper style (APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) formatting, and proper citations. Simply put, students should ensure their final documents are perfect by eliminating grammatical and formatting mistakes and logical inconsistencies.
Summing Up on How to Write a Perfect Literary Analysis Essay
An excellent literary analysis essay evaluates other works to provide a new perspective on their significance. As a rule, a good literary analysis should have an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Moreover, body paragraphs should have evidence to support the central concept under investigation. Finally, by considering the conclusion examples, it should summarize the ideas presented in the paper.
- Based on the information above, students require valid knowledge to write a high-quality literary analysis essay.
- The first task is to choose a good topic.
- The second aspect is to read the text under analysis to understand the plot, central themes, characters, and other essential information, including plot twists, literary devices, and climax.
- Narrow the topic by focusing on one or two elements, such as plots, characters, themes, structures, or concepts.
- Perfect a literary analysis essay by eliminating all mistakes: grammar, formatting, and illogical flow of ideas and thought.
- Proofread the final paper before presenting it to readers.
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Definition of Essay
Essay is derived from the French word essayer , which means â to attempt ,â or â to try .â An essay is a short form of literary composition based on a single subject matter, and often gives the personal opinion of the author. A famous English essayist, Aldous Huxley defines essays as, âa literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything. â The Oxford Dictionary describes it as â a short piece of writing on a particular subject. â In simple words, we can define it as a scholarly work in writing that provides the authorâs personal argument .
- Types of Essay
There are two forms of essay: literary and non-literary. Literary essays are of four types:
- Expository Essay â In an expository essay , the writer gives an explanation of an idea, theme , or issue to the audience by giving his personal opinions. This essay is presented through examples, definitions, comparisons, and contrast .
- Descriptive Essay â As it sounds, this type of essay gives a description about a particular topic, or describes the traits and characteristics of something or a person in detail. It allows artistic freedom, and creates images in the minds of readers through the use of the five senses.
- Narrative Essay â Narrative essay is non- fiction , but describes a story with sensory descriptions. The writer not only tells a story, but also makes a point by giving reasons.
- Persuasive Essay â In this type of essay, the writer tries to convince his readers to adopt his position or point of view on an issue, after he provides them solid reasoning in this connection. It requires a lot of research to claim and defend an idea. It is also called an argumentative essay .
Non-literary essays could also be of the same types but they could be written in any format.
Examples of Essay in Literature
Example #1: the sacred grove of oshogbo (by jeffrey tayler).
âAs I passed through the gates I heard a squeaky voice . A diminutive middle-aged man came out from behind the trees â the caretaker. He worked a toothbrush-sized stick around in his mouth, digging into the crevices between algaeâd stubs of teeth. He was barefoot; he wore a blue batik shirt known as a buba, baggy purple trousers, and an embroidered skullcap. I asked him if he would show me around the shrine. Motioning me to follow, he spat out the results of his stick work and set off down the trail.â
This is an example of a descriptive essay , as the author has used descriptive language to paint a dramatic picture for his readers of an encounter with a stranger.
Example #2: Of Love (By Francis Bacon)
âIt is impossible to love, and be wise ⌠Love is a child of folly. ⌠Love is ever rewarded either with the reciprocal, or with an inward and secret contempt. You may observe that amongst all the great and worthy personsâŚthere is not one that hath been transported to the mad degree of love: which shows that great spirits and great business do keep out this weak passionâŚThat he had preferred Helena, quitted the gifts of Juno and Pallas. For whosoever esteemeth too much of amorous affection quitted both riches and wisdom.â
In this excerpt, Bacon attempts to persuade readers that people who want to be successful in this world must never fall in love. By giving an example of famous people like Paris, who chose Helen as his beloved but lost his wealth and wisdom, the author attempts to convince the audience that they can lose their mental balance by falling in love.
Example #3: The Autobiography of a Kettle (By John Russell)
â I am afraid I do not attract attention, and yet there is not a single home in which I could done without. I am only a small, black kettle but I have much to interest me, for something new happens to me every day. The kitchen is not always a cheerful place in which to live, but still I find plenty of excitement there, and I am quite happy and contented with my lot âŚâ
In this example, the author is telling an autobiography of a kettle, and describes the whole story in chronological order. The author has described the kettle as a human being, and allows readers to feel, as he has felt.
Function of Essay
The function of an essay depends upon the subject matter, whether the writer wants to inform, persuade, explain, or entertain. In fact, the essay increases the analytical and intellectual abilities of the writer as well as readers. It evaluates and tests the writing skills of a writer, and organizes his or her thinking to respond personally or critically to an issue. Through an essay, a writer presents his argument in a more sophisticated manner. In addition, it encourages students to develop concepts and skills, such as analysis, comparison and contrast, clarity, exposition , conciseness, and persuasion .
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- Analytical Essay
- Argumentative Essay
- Cause and Effect Essay
- Critical Essay
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Table of contents. Step 1: Reading the text and identifying literary devices. Step 2: Coming up with a thesis. Step 3: Writing a title and introduction. Step 4: Writing the body of the essay. Step 5: Writing a conclusion. Other interesting articles.
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According to a literary analysis essay definition, it is a written examination and interpretation of a literary work, typically dissecting its elements such as plot, characters, themes, and symbolism. Going beyond summarization, this type of essay delves into the intricacies of a text, aiming to uncover deeper meanings, explore the author's ...
Here are the steps to follow when writing a body paragraph for a literary analysis essay: Start with a topic sentence: The topic sentence should introduce the main point or argument you will be making in the paragraph. It should be clear and concise and should indicate what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence:
A literary analysis essay asks you to make an original argument about a poem, play, or work of fiction and support that argument with research and evidence from your careful reading of the text. It can take many forms, such as a close reading of a text, critiquing the text through a particular literary theory, comparing one text to another, or ...
A literary analysis essay is an important kind of essay that focuses on the detailed analysis of the work of literature. The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to explain why the author has used a specific theme for his work. Or examine the characters, themes, literary devices, figurative language, and settings in the story.
Literary analysis essay definition. A literary analysis essay involves studying the text, evaluating the plot, analyzing characters, and determining devices used by the author to engage and influence readers. A novel, tale, poem, play, or another piece of literature can become the object of your research. When composing a literary analysis ...
Concentrating on the literary elements of the text, write a short essay in which you analyze the significance of specific literary elements with evidence from the text itself and from outside sources. Key Features of a Literary Analysis: Key Grading Considerations. All information is clear, appropriate, and correct.
Firstly to understand what a literary analysis essay means, it's a way to determine and understand the work of an author, even if it is a single work or an entire body of work. ... The most comprehensive literary analysis definition goes as follows. It is a text that objectively analyzes the weak and strong points of another text. One author ...
Definition: Literary analysis. Literary analysis, sometimes referred to as literary criticism, is the argumentative analysis of academic writing is a method of critical examination where various elements of a literary work are closely studied and interpreted. Although a summary is needed within the argument, the objective is not to write a report on the text, but to discuss the writer's ...
What is Literary Analysis? "Magnifier 1" by Dave Edens is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 In the first chapter of the introduction, we defined Literature as "written work valued for superior or lasting artistic merit" ("literature 3b").As an adjective, then, literary is defined as "[o]f or relating to the writing, study, or content of literature, esp. of the kind valued for quality of form; of ...
Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap. City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative. Table of contents. Example 1: Poetry. Example 2: Fiction. Example 3: Poetry. Attribution. The following examples are essays where student writers focused on close-reading a literary work.
A literary analysis is an essay or written work that examines a piece of literature, such as a novel, poem, play, or short story. The purpose of a literary analysis is to analyze the literary elements, themes, and devices used by the author to convey their message and meaning. This type of analysis involves examining the structure, language ...
Literature analysis is the cornerstone of many college classes, in subjects ranging from English literature to history. Literature analysis papers as you to consider how and why a literary text was written and conveys some kind of message. The ability to take apart a text and break it down into its separate parts enables you to judge how effective an author's argument is, what symbols or ...
According to a literary analysis essay definition: "It is a type of essay that carefully evaluates a work of literature to understand it better.". This essay closely studies a piece of text, interprets its meaning, and explores why the writer has made certain choices. The analysis could be of a movie, book, short story, novel, poem, play ...
An analytical essay is just an analysis of a literary text. By contrast, a critical essay involves, not only an analysis of the text in question, but also dissection of the literary terms and devices used by the author to make his meanings clear. The critical essay also explains the functions of the literary terms used, and evaluates their usage, and whether they have achieved the intended ...
The definition of a literary analysis essay presupposes the study of literary devices, choice of language, perspective, imagery, and structure of the text. These techniques are examined to understand the ideas the author intended to convey. đ Literary Analysis Outline. Feel free to use the following literary analysis outline. It will make ...
A literary analysis essay is a document that allows a student to read a novel, poem, short story, or other text to examine how the author utilizes some knowledge, such as literary devices, and interpret its significance to society. Principally, this article is a guideline on how to write a literary analysis essay because it offers valid ...
Definition of Essay. Essay is derived from the French word essayer, which means "to attempt," or "to try."An essay is a short form of literary composition based on a single subject matter, and often gives the personal opinion of the author. A famous English essayist, Aldous Huxley defines essays as, "a literary device for saying almost everything about almost anything.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Assessment (LCCA) are essential tools for environmental and economic assessment and decision-making in an evolving world with continuous climate change. In the same conditions, one of the most used and assessed solutions for facing climate change is using pervious pavements, with many papers proving its benefits. However, the literature has shown ...