Literary Analysis

It is conventional for students to engage in writing literary analysis essays because it’s an intrinsic part of the learning process. Schools encourage this type of essay to understand how their students can express themselves on paper regarding any piece of literature.

Meaning of a Literary Analysis Essay

The term, “literary analysis,” connotes an essay type which involves the analysis of literature text in an argumentative manner. Certain details like the plot, characters, tone, ideology, and style are analyzed objectively. One gets to suggest questions such as: What was the inspiration behind the novel's publication? What writing style did the author use?

Essential Contents for Literary Analysis Essays

The contents of your essay doesn’t always follow the same content information as it relies on the essay's requirements, writing field, and type of literature piece. However, there are common list points you should include when writing a literary analysis essay:

•         Genre (type) of literature piece
•         Characters' analysis
•         Analysis of plot and main idea
•         Theme review
•         Symbolism of literature piece
•         Structure and style of writing

How to Write?

Just like common essays, you have to organize your thoughts and information to attain a good writing piece. Use some of the points below to help you get started and finish an excellent work.

Topic Focus: You need to thoroughly read through the literature piece to understand what the author's main idea, plot, and characters are all about. Ask yourself specific questions such as: Which were the noteworthy parts of the text? Why did the writer use certain literary devices? Do the characters develop well?

Collective evidence: This has to do with collecting relevant facts, expressions, and other evidence to conclude your analysis. You want to make your work persuasive enough, so you would need such materials for that. Interpret them vividly.

Create an outline: Since an outline is like a rough draft of your work, it ultimately affects the outcome of your essay. Writing a well-developed outline helps you organize your ideas and present them accordingly.

Construct a thesis statement: You must create a thesis statement to show your readers where you stand exactly in your argument. It explains the essence of your argument and should connect to the writer’s ideas and thoughts.

Writing process and revision: It is advisable that you separate your analyses in paragraphs, presenting one idea for each. You should also ensure to do a complete revision once you’re done with the entire essay. It helps you read your work freshly and correct possible errors.

Essay Outline

As mentioned earlier, your outline provides the source of ideas, thoughts, and opinions you pour into your essay. It helps you write with a good flow while reducing the chances of straying from your point of view. It usually contains:

-       The introduction: This is where you state your position and thesis statement.

-       The body: You expound on your main ideas with supporting evidence.

-       Conclusion: Here, restate your thesis statement and summarize your main ideas.

Structuring the Essay

Similarly to the outline, your essay should be structured to have a beginning, middle and ending. The introduction takes the first paragraph wherein you begin with a creative hook to draw your readers' attention. Use one or two sentences to attain this by writing something you feel will want to make people keep reading. That is, presenting your idea in a vivid and interesting manner.

The body paragraphs follow after the introduction. Use these paragraphs (one for each) to elaborate on your ideas about the literature piece in relation to your thesis. Include supporting examples, facts, and other evidence.

When writing the conclusion, make sure you use clear statements as you briefly express how your literary analysis connects to the book. Does it reflect the author’s ideas and plot, properly?