best words to use in a literary analysis essay

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Step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay.

Writing a literary analysis essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Analyzing a piece of literature allows you to delve into the nuances of the text, uncovering hidden meanings and exploring the author’s intentions. To help you craft a compelling and insightful literary analysis essay, we’ve compiled some of the best tips and strategies below.

1. Choose a Strong Thesis: Your thesis statement is the foundation of your literary analysis essay. It should clearly articulate the main argument or interpretation you will be presenting in your essay. Make sure your thesis is specific, focused, and debatable, as it will guide the rest of your analysis.

2. Support Your Thesis with Evidence: In order to make a convincing argument, you need to support your thesis with evidence from the text. This can include direct quotes, examples, and passages that illustrate your points. Be sure to analyze and interpret the evidence you present, showing how it supports your overall argument.

3. Analyze Literary Devices: Pay close attention to the literary devices used in the text, such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and irony. These devices can provide insight into the author’s themes and intentions, so be sure to analyze how they contribute to the overall meaning of the text.

Tips for Crafting a Strong Literary Analysis Essay

1. Choose a specific and focused topic: When writing a literary analysis essay, it’s important to select a topic that is narrow and manageable. Avoid broad topics that are too general or vague.

2. Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate the main argument or interpretation you will be making in your essay. It should be specific, debatable, and concise.

3. Use textual evidence: To support your analysis, use direct quotations and examples from the text you are analyzing. Be sure to provide context for your quotations and explain how they support your thesis.

4. Analyze the text thoroughly: Take the time to closely read and analyze the text, paying attention to themes, characters, symbols, and literary devices. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the text.

5. Organize your essay effectively: Structure your essay in a clear and logical manner, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Make sure each paragraph is focused on a specific aspect of your analysis.

6. Revise and edit your essay: Before submitting your essay, carefully revise and edit it for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Check for grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and typos.

Identify the Theme

When crafting a literary analysis essay, one of the key elements to focus on is identifying the theme of the literary work. The theme is the central idea or message that the author conveys through the story, and it is essential to understand it to analyze the text effectively.

To identify the theme, pay attention to recurring motifs, symbols, and images throughout the story. Consider the characters’ actions, the setting, and the conflicts they face to determine the underlying message.

It’s crucial to look beyond the surface and delve deeper into the text to uncover the thematic elements that the author has woven into the narrative. Once you have identified the theme, you can analyze how it is developed and how it contributes to the overall meaning of the work.

Understanding the theme will not only enhance your analysis but also provide insight into the author’s intentions and the broader implications of the literary work.

Analyze the Characters

One of the key aspects of crafting a literary analysis essay is delving deep into the characters of the story. When analyzing the characters, pay attention to their motivations, interactions, development, and relationships with others in the story. Look for character traits, conflicts, and how they contribute to the overall theme of the work. Consider how the characters change or grow throughout the narrative, and how their actions shape the plot. By analyzing the characters, you can gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intentions and the effects they have on the story as a whole.

Discuss Symbolism and Motifs

When crafting a literary analysis essay, it is crucial to delve into the symbolism and motifs present in the text. Symbolism refers to the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, while motifs are recurring themes or elements that contribute to the overall meaning of the work.

Examine how the author uses symbols such as objects, characters, or events to convey deeper meanings. Consider the significance of these symbols within the context of the story and how they help to develop its themes.

Identify any recurring motifs in the text and analyze how they reinforce the central ideas or messages of the work. Pay attention to the patterns or repetitions of these motifs and discuss their implications for the narrative.

By exploring the symbolism and motifs in a literary work, you can gain a deeper understanding of its themes and appreciate the layers of meaning that the author has woven into the text.

Consider the Author’s Style

When crafting a literary analysis essay, it is crucial to consider the author’s writing style. Pay attention to the language, tone, and literary devices used by the author to convey their message. Analyzing the author’s style can provide valuable insights into the themes, characters, and overall meaning of the text.

Look for recurring motifs, symbolism, and imagery in the author’s writing. Consider how the author structures their sentences and paragraphs, as well as the overall flow of the narrative. Is the writing formal or informal? Does the author use complex or simple language?

By closely examining the author’s style, you can gain a deeper understanding of the text and its significance. This analysis can help you develop a stronger argument and interpretation in your literary analysis essay.

Write a Convincing Thesis Statement

One of the most important elements of a literary analysis essay is the thesis statement. This statement serves as the central argument or main idea that you will explore and support throughout your essay. A convincing thesis statement should be clear, specific, and debatable. It should also provide a roadmap for your reader to understand the focus of your analysis.

When crafting your thesis statement, make sure to take a stance on the literary work you are analyzing. Avoid vague statements or summaries of the plot. Instead, think about the key themes, symbols, or motifs in the text and formulate a statement that highlights your interpretation or analysis of these elements.

Additionally, your thesis statement should be supported by evidence from the text. Use quotes, examples, or references to specific passages to back up your claims and strengthen your argument. This will show that you have engaged with the text critically and can support your analysis with textual evidence.

In summary, a convincing thesis statement for a literary analysis essay should be clear, specific, debatable, and supported by evidence from the text. Take time to carefully craft this statement, as it will guide the direction of your essay and help you make a strong, persuasive argument about the literary work you are analyzing.

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How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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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.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

Who is telling the story?
How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

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best words to use in a literary analysis essay

The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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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 reader’s 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 Macbeth’s 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 Eliot’s ‘Gerontion’.
Analyze the theme of identity crisis in The Great Gatsby.
Analyze the writing style of Emily Dickinson.

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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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Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Students

Write a Perfect Literary Analysis Essay Outline

What is literature?

Before moving on to defining all the elements that describe and make a literary analysis what it is, the first step is to define literature.

Literature is any text or group of texts that convey meaning or an idea. Usually, literature is a text that is read for leisure. It acts as a window that opens the door to a world of imagination and creativity.

Literature is also seen as a voice that the author uses to express emotions or tell the world their story. It comes in many forms and sizes. It can be a long epic poem or a short story. Typically, the job is to unleash all the imaginative worlds that reside within the author onto a piece of paper.

A piece or form of literature is the basis of a literary analysis. When reading a novel or a poem, certain questions and ideas erupt in the mind of the reader. To explore and answer those questions you conduct an analysis.

What is a literary analysis?

Literary analysis is the process of reading, interpreting, and analyzing a piece of literature. The most common mistake people make is confusing literary analysis with summary writing.

To understand what it is, we need to break the term down.

The word ‘literary’ is extracted from literature itself. This insinuates the idea that the aspect explored is a piece of text. The text can be fiction, non-fiction, or even a poem. The term ‘analysis’ means intricately exploring all the nitty-gritty details of an idea. An analysis can be conducted on an image, a video, a new tech device, and yes, a piece of literature.

Combining them both, ‘literary analysis’ is the process of critically and intricately analyzing a literary text with hopes of exploring underlying meanings.

Importance and purpose of literary analysis

Now that a clear definition of literature and literary analysis is out of the way, let’s understand the why. Why is literary analysis important and what is its purpose.

When re-reading certain books you might find something new. An element or component that you did not see before. That enhances your perspective and adds another dimension to your understanding of the text. Here are things you might focus on.

Author’s choice

The author’s choice is extensively and carefully explored. To explore it meaningfully, you need to dive deep into the author’s choice of words, their chosen literary medium, what the background was, and what impact these have. There are also instances where some authors might hint at why they wrote the said piece. A literary analysis covers all that.

But why would you want to explore them? What is the purpose? The answer: To expand on ideas and add more layers of critical understanding.

Understanding style

Literary texts are read to pinpoint a change in style. For instance, various English literature eras have been explored and how each era differs from the other. We have had romantic poetry, gothic literature, Greek plays, and realism. What caused one style to be replaced by the other, is what literary analysis does.

Exploring new elements

The underlying elements that make the text what it is, presents themselves via analysis. A literary analysis also helps to explore new possibilities, providing a lens through which generalized ideas stand out.

Usually, under the layers of a literary text, are hidden meanings. A literary analysis takes and points them out while giving valuable insight into their usage. Lastly, a text usually reflects a specific era, and relating them together gives a general historical lesson on impact.

Benefits of Literary Analysis

There are innumerable benefits of writing a literary analysis. As we have already discussed and stated, it helps us to explore the untethered dimensions of a text. However, numerous benefits surround this analysis..

Enhance critical thinking

When composing your analysis, you are expected to understand and extract all the ideas that the author may embed. It prompts the reader or writer to critically think.

You can uncover the notions that hide between the lines of the text. Analyzing a literary work means looking for more than just what is on the surface. This enhances critical thinking. By analyzing literature, you can connect the dots, look for converging points within the text, provide a more coherent and varied perspective, and reflect. All these elements are crucial for a critical thinker to have. You can solve problems and provide greater and more foolproof strategies while introducing a topic that everyone skimmed passed.

It does not matter whether or not you have a keen interest in literature. The mere act of raising questions and looking for ways to answer them is a sign that you are a critical thinker.

Helps to focus

Part of writing an analysis is focusing on the text. Sure, there are numerous distractions here and there. But at the time of analyzing and breaking down a text, you need to remain constantly vigilant.

Closely exploring a task or in this case, a piece of a literary text, asks for complete focus. All external forces are blocked and proper care is placed on the text. The reason that this focus remains consistent is because of the attention that this form of work requires.

In reality, you are taking apart and putting together a simple piece of text constantly. One little distraction can break it down. To remain consistent with your grounding, focusing on the task is the way to go.

Helps to form claims

It is pretty cool when someone starts quoting from Thomas Hardy’s book or Jane Austen enters the chat. You are in awe. Even when someone validates a point by quoting a line from Wuthering Heights, you are left amazed.

As cool as it sounds, it also becomes a great and monumental forum from where you can provide more insight. It is a great way to prove your point and sometimes gives you that edge.

Once you can back up your claim with, if not with quotes, but underlying ideas stated by the writer, your argument becomes sound.

Approaches to literary analysis

Literary analysis is a very broad term. There are many lenses from which the text can be looked at.It is not just a boring examination of the work but requires a plan.

These approaches help to specify the angle from which the analysis should be written. You can choose one of these lenses or even combine some of them. Either way, it will prove your point and add more credible value to it. These approaches are apparent once you start to conduct your research. For this, you need to open your mind to the endless dimensions of the text. It is imperative to back up the claim with a proper approach. You cannot use an approach just because you ‘feel like it.’ There are several different types of approaches to literary analysis. Each of them has its significance.

Historical approach

When carrying out your research or reading through the text, you might see elements that interlink the text with the context. When you focus on the text’s historical background, you employ a historical approach to conduct your analysis.

For instance, when analyzing Ernest Hemmingway’s “A Farewell to Arms”, you can focus on how it is a tale that surrounds the state of the First World War. The same is the case with Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22”, and its portrayal of World war II or Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” which highlights the brutality of slavery.

An analysis conducted from this approach helps to create a clearer and more accurate understanding of the text. Why the text was written the way it was and what caused it to reach this sort of height. You represent the external events that occurred when the text was written.

Thus, historical approaches clarify and further explains monumental events that took place in the past.

Cultural approach

Another approach that one can take when conducting an analysus is cultural. The cultural approach is when you focus on the cultural background that surrounds the text or is embedded within it.

For instance, “Beowulf” or “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer, narrate certain prominent cultural beliefs. Chaucer, in his poem, talks about certain members going on a pilgrimage and the values, beliefs, and laws that surrounded the cultural heritage at the time.

A cultural approach works to not just bring into light what culture is represented but also how the author displayed the culture.

Psychological approach

When reading a literary text, you see elements where the character’s or even the author’s psychological state is highlighted. The question ‘what was the author’s mental state?’ or ‘is the character suffering from a mental illness?’ becomes a defining factor.

When reading “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky or “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, you realize certain characteristics that pose the above question. A psychological approach helps to approach a text from the perspective of uncovering and understanding the character or text.

Many authors, poets, and playwrights employ this form of approach to showcase their personal feelings as well. An example is a play written by Sarah Kane, “4.48 Psychosis”, and Eugene O’Neil’s “Long Day’s Journey into the Night”.

These two plays not only show the mental state of the characters but also of the person who wrote them. Thus, this sort of approach can help to understand all the intricacies that remain unexplored.

Feminist approach

Some essays take the approach of studying the text through the lens of feminist theories. A feminist approach would look at a piece of literature and try to point out the tilted treatment of men and women.

Feminist literary analysis can focus on the characters of the text itself and even on the author. An analysis employing a feminist approach might state that the author has written against females. They point out the influence of the patriarchal society and the stereotypes that surround women. They may even focus on the idea that the character has some sort of malice against women.

For example, a feminist literary analysis of “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood can focus on how the setting within the novel is primarily focused on a regime set out to destroy women. The hysterical stereotype associated with women in the play “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams. Or how “The Hunger Games” by Suzzane Collins showcases a strong female lead.

All three examples look at how a text is analyzed from a feminist approach and how genders are treated within the text by other characters or the author.

New criticism approach

This sort of approach to an essay does not include external factors. Such as the background or historical context, when the play was written, and the cultural values of the society. The author’s life and background are also not the main concern. The only focus is just one aspect: the text.

A new criticism approach helps to understand how the text is impactful. It is valued and understood not because of external factors but internal factors.

What style is used, is it first-person or second, what is the plot, and what are the roles of the characters? All these questions are answered when conducting a literary analysis from a new criticism approach. Taking “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, you can analyze why it was written in the form of letters and not chapter-wise.

That is its impact. You study and analyze the text solely for its case.

Types of literary analysis

We have already learned possible ways of approaching a literary analysis. However, many other things need to be checked before moving forward: the types of analysis that exist. Literary analysis on its own is a very long project. It requires a lot of details. To go about assessing the aspects of the text you need help.

Just like the approaches that help you to specify the lens or lenses you want to use, these types help you to start your analysis altogether.

Let’s take a look at them with some examples of literary analysis.

Theoretical

Theoretical literary analysis is the process where a writer inspects the text through different theories. A writer lists down all the possible theories that support the main message of the text. After this, they use the theories to support their claim.

This adds an extra layer of proof and strengthens the claim of the writer. A theoretical framework is usually employed for this literary analysis. The theory chosen helps the writer to back up the analysis and convince the reader.

An example would be applying Sigmund Freud’s theory of hysteria to the character of Blanche from “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Comparative

A comparative literary analysis is much broader. The text, as the title suggests, is compared. You can write a literary analysis by comparing texts written by the same author, texts written in the same era, or even similar texts.

In this process, the writer wants to see how various themes, styles, or even topics are similar in an array of various texts. Comparing all of Jane Austen’s novels in terms of themes or converging ideas to depict the writer’s attempt at showcasing cultural beliefs is an example of comparative literary analysis.

A contextual literary analysis focuses on bringing all the external elements into the text. But only elements that emphasize your point. It is when you explore the time in which the text was written and how the background affected the text.

An example would be to study Alexander Pope’s “The Rape of the Lock” as a mock-epic that satirizes the trivial beliefs of society.

Close reading

Understand the text for what it is, that is close reading. Close reading is analyzing the piece of literature and looking at all minor elements. The language the author used, the words, the structure, and all the details that may seem unimportant comes out with close reading. The use of language to express Holden’s alienation in “The Catcher in the Rye” is an example of close reading.

Elements of literary analysis

Literary analysis is extensive. To make sure you write the perfect analysis essay, we have broken down and introduced certain elements of literary analysis.

Why are these elements important? Because they specify all the components present in a text. There are thousands of things that you can choose to work on when writing your essay. But you cannot focus on them all. These elements help you narrow down your research.

A broad study for an analysis is not helpful. So, what do we do? We find out what those elements are and how you can choose what to focus on.

Literature elements and their analysis

There are many different types of literary texts. They come in all shapes in sizes. Each text has its own set of elements that have their own literary analysis.

A poem is composed of several lines and an undefined structure. It can be as long as a novella or even a one-page poem. A poem usually follows a theme or the inner thoughts of the poet. A poem’s analysis may focus on literary devices, the meter, the rhythmic pattern, or the author’s background. It can also focus on the various structures and types of poems such as epic, sonnet, ballad, mock-epic, etc.

Novels/novellas and short stories

Novels are usually organized in the form of chapters or segments, unlike short stories. Both, however, have characters, a plot, and a storyline. They may also employ a specific genre. A novel and short story can be as long or as short depending on the author. An analysis of novels or short stories would focus on character development, the plot’s organization, and the main theme.

A drama is a form of literature that is intended to be performed on stage. It has a specific setting, plot, and characters that reenact through dialogues. The setting on the stage is changed depending on the context of the text. An analysis on a drama could focus on the character’s language, their settings, and who it represents in an era. It may also focus on the plot and the devices the playwright employed to make a connection between the audience and the text.

Character and character development

Every form of literature contains characters. These characters carry the plot and make the theme of the novel, short story, or drama stand out. Even poems have characters, like T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land.

Character development focuses on how the character of focus has changed. This can be a negative or positive development. A character’s development can be correlated with the plot.

There are four types of characters present in most literary works:

Protagonist
Side characters
Anti-heroes

Plot and plot development

Novels, short stories, and dramas are forms of literature that have a plot. Plot development is the pace at which the story moves forward. A plot is made of the following components:

Rising Action
Falling Action

In every plot, these elements focus on the plot’s overall structure. They determine the starting point, the climax, and the resolution. As an effect, people understand what significance these elements play.

Literary devices

Literary devices are present in all sorts of literary texts. These devices make the text interesting to read. Literary devices determine how the author evokes a sense of empathy, helps the reader visualize, or creates a rhythmic tone.

A literary analysis mainly relies on these literary devices. This is because they communicate basic information that makes the text what it is. There are many different types of literary devices, too many to count. Here are some of the most frequently used literary devices:

Onomatopoeia
Personification
Alliteration
Foreshadowing

Writing style

Different writers use different forms of writing styles. These writing styles play a crucial part in the formation of the text. A literary analysis may focus on how the writing style affects the reader, the impact it creates, and the environment it evokes.

There are three different perspectives from which the author might write:

First-person perspective: The author acts as the character.
Second-person perspective: The author addresses the reader.
Third-person perspective: The author narrates the story of the main character.
Third-person omniscient perspective: The author narrates the story from the perspective of various characters.

The writer may also choose to use either one or jump between times when writing in the present, past, or future. These voyages through time help the audience to gain a basic idea of what is happening and when it is happening.

Literary analysis outline

Now that we have covered the basic elements, approaches, and types of literary analysis, let us get on with writing one. It is primarily made of four crucial parts:

Introduction

Body paragraphs.

Let’s explore them one by one.

A title is the first and most crucial part of any literary analysis. It states the main theme and captures the attention of the reader. A title relays the basic idea of what it is that you are exploring in your analysis.

A catchy title will contain the author’s name and the work that you plan on analyzing. You can start the title with a quote relevant or from the piece of literature you plan on analyzing. Either way, the title should capture the attention of the reader and push them to read it.

Every literary analysis should have a proper introduction. An introduction not only carries the main theme of your analysis forward but also captures the audience’s attention. An introduction informs the reader of what your argument is based on.

An introduction should always include a thesis statement which will be discussed further.

An introduction needs a hook sentence. And as the name suggests, it should hook the reader and capture their attention. For an introduction to attract the reader, it needs to have a general statement that relays information about the literary text and the author who wrote it. You can also give a simple and clear overview of what you plan on exploring in the text and how you plan to carry the analysis forward.

An introduction provides context and informs the reader of all the details that are vital to the analysis. In your introduction, you need to address the question, why? Why is this literary analysis important, how can it benefit the literary world, and what new ideas are explored?

You need to convince the reader through your introduction that the topic you have chosen is worth reading and exploring. You need to emphasize the importance of the literary text and the impact it has had on the world. At the end of your introduction, after you have narrated the significance of the study, you need to present your thesis statement.

The introduction you write should be complete and easy to understand. It should aid the reader and help them understand what the literary analysis essay talks about. Avoid writing vague and incomplete statements.

A literary analysis is made up of several body paragraphs that relay ideas regarding your topic. It is the main part of the whole analysis. It provides plausible information that makes your argument compelling.

You address the question and the idea posed in the thesis statement. To convey your idea, body paragraphs tend to have relevant quotations from the literary text. Each body paragraph should end in a way that would prove your point. Typically, there are three to five body paragraphs, and each paragraph addresses a component in the analysis. Each body paragraph also starts with a topic sentence which we will talk about in what to include in a literary analysis.

All the information that asserts your argument is added within the body paragraph. It is important to add relevant quotes and information rather than narrating a tale. Each body paragraph should talk of a specific point and not mesh with the others. You can end a body paragraph with a transition sentence. A literary analysis is made up of body paragraphs that convey the underlying idea behind your study. In these sections, you need to convince the reader and provide enough data to support your thesis statement.

If the reader is not convinced, you need to do more work.

Literary analysis conclusion

A conclusion in a literary essay is when you summarize all your arguments. These closing remarks leave a huge impact on the reader as they reiterate what is said in the body paragraph and the introduction.

However, you mustn’t introduce a new topic, a discovery, or add a new perspective to the literary analysis. The thesis statement and the questions answered in the body paragraphs are addressed in the conclusion.

A conclusion should be precise and should not contain extensive sentences or paragraphs. The conclusion is the easiest thing to write in a literary analysis essay as it talks about your thesis statement, major findings, and how they are interlinked.

What should a literary analysis include

Every literary analysis is made up of a title, introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. But you cannot simply start writing them without a proper plan or structure. Many other components make your literary analysis outline more coherent.

Thesis statement

A thesis statement is added within the introduction of your analysis. It is a one or two-sentence-long statement. A good thesis statement will not be vague or complex but simply pose a question within the readers’ minds. You would also inform the reader how you plan on answering that query. A thesis statement for a piece of literature mentions shreds of evidence that can back up your essay. Not only does the thesis statement help your reader to understand what you want to explore but also keeps you on track. You remain consistent with the main idea of the analysis.

Topic sentence

Each body paragraph of your essay starts with a topic sentence. A topic sentence, as the name suggests, summarizes the topic you will address in the following paragraph. It acts as a preview of what is explored in the paragraph. A topic sentence might also follow up on the previous paragraph and add another dimension to it. It can start with a transition sentence such as, ‘furthermore’, ‘however’, ‘moreover’, etc.

Evidence from the text

You cannot prove your point or add value to its meaning without evidence. To prove your stance you need to quote relevant instances from the text. The quote you plan to use should fit into the argument and should be explained. You can paraphrase the quote and link the instance with the argument that you are building.

How to write a literary analysis

Many fear that writing a literary analysis requires a lot of extra work. It is fairly simple when you know the whats and hows. It is not as complicated as it sounds. We have already discussed the important components present in literary analysis; title, introduction, thesis statement, body paragraph, topic sentence, and conclusion.

Here are the tips you need to answer the question: how to write a literary analysis?

Before you start writing your analysis, you need to conduct research. You need to know what you are writing for, what is the purpose, and if any other work has been carried out on the topic. The research will help you to bring in data and comments made by other researchers and critics. You can use these comments to build up your analysis. This is a long and hefty process but it helps you to choose a topic and implement changes.

Your literary analysis should be an argument and assessment of the topic you have chosen. You need to develop a good, complete, and easy-to-understand argument. You can create your argument and fully present it when you have carried out your research on the topic. Researching will help you narrow down your approach, the type of literary analysis you want to choose, and the argument as well. To determine what your argument should focus on, the best thing to do is to narrow down your research. The more broad your argument is, the vaguer it is. Your argument is hinted at in your title and then elaborated on on in your introduction. You present it clearly so that the audience may understand what your goal is.

Every piece of literature is made up of various literary devices. A literary device beautifies the text, making it more interesting. When you write an analysis, you need to be aware of the multiple literary devices present in the text. These literary devices strengthen your essay and make it more interesting. You use these devices to explain your point and add to your argument. To do that, you need to know what the literary device is, what impact it has, and how the author uses it.

Whichever approach you choose for your analysis, you need to closely read the text to conclude. Close reading is a literary analysis technique that helps to pinpoint and extract all the necessary data which can support your topic. Close reading is crucially important to conduct before even starting the analysis. This is because it creates a clear and coherent idea as well as provides necessary evidence.

Brainstorm titles and organization

Now that you have carried out the basic steps, you need to brainstorm for titles and the structure of your analysis. Your topic, the argument, and the literary devices are all done. You should brainstorm for a title that would capture the attention of the reader as well as convey the topic of your analysis.

Your title is plastered on the front page of the essay. It needs to be catchy. Two things every literary analysis title has are: the author’s name and the text’s name. You can add a quote that is the crux of your topic as well. You also need to organize your analysis. We know the typical format and it has been stated above. But you also need to organize which argument or which body paragraph should come first. This adds proper coherency to your essay. You cannot jumble the arguments but need to keep them properly intact.

Now we start writing our analysis. We are aware of what needs to be added to ananalysis essay. Let’s quickly go through them

Your introduction explains your topic and title. It contains two very important things:

Hook sentence
Thesis sentence

A hook sentence in the introduction helps to grab the reader’s attention. It is exciting and relevant to the topic. Your introduction should contain details about the author and a small overview of the text. A thesis statement is presented at the end of the introduction. It further elaborates your title and becomes the foundation of your body paragraphs.

Your body paragraph explains your argument and adds value to your analysis. It is where you explain and build up your thesis statement. It starts with a topic sentence and ends with a transition sentence. Each body paragraph should cover and explains a different topic.

A conclusion wraps up all the arguments and summarizes the entire essay under one single heading. No new information or topic is presented in this section. It gives the reader closure and adds finality to the whole essay.

Proofread and submit

Once you have written your literary analysis, you must proofread it thoroughly. Check for any grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, and spelling mistakes. Do not proofread the text once. You need to read it at least thrice.

Pro tip: read forward to detect any grammar or punctuation mistakes and backward for spelling mistakes.

Mistakes to avoid when writing a literary analysis

If you are writing your first literary analysis, you need to beware of making these mistakes.

Do not summarize: A literary analysis is not a summary. You should only give a brief overview of the text in your introduction. Other than that, refrain from summarizing.
Do not plagiarize: Your work should be original and should not be copied from any other writer or critic. Plagiarism discredits your entire argument.
Do not use contractions: Never use contractions like ‘isn’t’, ‘can’t’, ‘don’t’, etc in your literary essay. An analysis should always be formal and adding contractions detracts from the topic.
Do not address the reader: Do not directly or indirectly address the reader in your literary analysis.
Unclear thesis statement: Make sure your thesis statement is clear and coherent. A vague thesis statement will confuse you and the reader.
Adding unnecessary information: Adding unnecessary quotes and information within your analysis drags the essay.
Not to add new information in the conclusion: your conclusion should not introduce a new topic. You need to conclude, not add.

Tips to help you write your literary analysis

Here are some more tips and tricks that can help you write an amazing literary analysis. These easy tips are some of the basic know-how that we usually miss.

The tips are to:

Always write in the present tense
Use third-person narration
Remember to analyze not summarize
Write a proper hook sentence and thesis statement
Know all the literary terms
Not use confusing and complex words
Extract relevant quotes and evidence from the text
Quote other critices
Cite sources

Literary analysis helps you to understand the depth of the literary text from various perspectives. When it comes to how to write a literary analysis, many confuse it with summaries. Your essay should add new information. For a good essay, you need to research, choose a topic, thesis statement, and organize it perfectly. If you keep all these tips and tricks in mind, you are for sure going to write an amazing analysis.

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Introduction

You’ve been assigned a literary analysis paper—what 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 critic’s 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 about—what jumped out as you read, what are you genuinely interested in? The next step is to focus your topic, developing it into an argument—why 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 analysis—sometimes called an interpretation or a literary analysis or a critical reading or a critical analysis—of 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 “sight poem or story” 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 theory—feminist, Marxist, reader-response, psychoanalytic, new historicist, for example—to 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 play’s main theme. At a minimum, your account of the work’s 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 work’s 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 don’t tell it. They rarely say, at the end of the story, words to this effect: “and the moral of my story is…” They tell their story, develop their characters, provide some kind of conflict—and 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 work’s other literary elements.Here is a good example of an introductory paragraph from Ben’s analysis of William Butler Yeats’ poem, “Among School Children.”

“Among School Children” was published in Yeats’ 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 “sixty-year old, smiling public man” (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 writer’s use of figurative language—any 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 analyzed—the longer the work, the longer the analysis—though 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 Amelia’s analysis of “Araby” by James Joyce.

Within the story’s first few paragraphs occur several religious references which will accumulate as the story progresses. The narrator is a student at the Christian Brothers’ 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 story’s second paragraph the narrator describes a “central apple tree” in the garden, under which is “the late tenant’s rusty bicycle pump.” 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 Joyce’s 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 Mangan’s 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 “confused adoration,” but he does not know if he will ever have the chance. Joyce’s description of the pleasant tension consuming the narrator is conveyed in a striking simile, which continues to develop the narrator’s character, while echoing the religious imagery, so important to the story’s theme: “But my body was like a harp, and her words and gestures were like fingers, running along the wires.”

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-Ming’s analysis of Oscar Wilde’s 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 family’s 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-Ming’s 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 literature—plot, character, form, diction, setting, point of view—to support the theme.

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 “close reading,” 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 Donne’s Holy Sonnet 14, where the speaker invites God’s “force” “to break, blow, burn and make [him] new.” Here, the stressed monosyllables of the verbs “break,” “blow” and “burn” 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 speaker’s 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 detail–such as a repeated image–can 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 don’t 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 course’s 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 novel’s 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 Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale,” 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 Kristeva’s theory of abjection to analyze mother-daughter relations in Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved. Critical theories provide focus for your analysis; if “abjection” 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 also—more significantly—how 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 Ariel’s song from The Tempest in T. S. Eliot’s poem, The Waste Land. Insofar as this analysis is interested in the afterlife of Ariel’s song in a later poem, you would likely allot more space to analyzing allusions to Ariel’s song in The Waste Land (after initially establishing the song’s significance in Shakespeare’s 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 text—to 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.

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40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .

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Literary Analysis Essay Writing

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

Literary Analysis Essay Outline - A Step By Step Guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Outline?

An outline is a structure that you decide to give to your writing to make the audience understand your viewpoint clearly. When a writer gathers information on a topic, it needs to be organized to make sense.

When writing a literary analysis essay, its outline is as important as any part of it. For the text’s clarity and readability, an outline is drafted in the essay’s planning phase.

According to the basic essay outline, the following are the elements included in drafting an outline for the essay:

Introduction
Thesis statement
Body paragraphs

A detailed description of the literary analysis outline is provided in the following section.

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction

An introduction section is the first part of the essay. The introductory paragraph or paragraphs provide an insight into the topic and prepares the readers about the literary work.

A literary analysis essay introduction is based on three major elements:

Hook Statement: A hook statement is the opening sentence of the introduction. This statement is used to grab people’s attention. A catchy hook will make the introductory paragraph interesting for the readers, encouraging them to read the entire essay.

For example, in a literary analysis essay, “ Island Of Fear,” the writer used the following hook statement:

“As humans, we all fear something, and we deal with those fears in ways that match our personalities.”

Background Information: Providing background information about the chosen literature work in the introduction is essential. Present information related to the author, title, and theme discussed in the original text.

Moreover, include other elements to discuss, such as characters, setting, and the plot. For example:

“ In Lord of the Flies, William Golding shows the fears of Jack, Ralph, and Piggy and chooses specific ways for each to deal with his fears.”

Thesis Statement: A thesis statement is the writer’s main claim over the chosen piece of literature.

A thesis statement allows your reader to expect the purpose of your writing. The main objective of writing a thesis statement is to provide your subject and opinion on the essay.

For example, the thesis statement in the “Island of Fear” is:

“...Therefore, each of the three boys reacts to fear in his own unique way.”

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Literary Analysis Essay Body Paragraphs

In body paragraphs, you dig deep into the text, show your insights, and build your argument.

In this section, we'll break down how to structure and write these paragraphs effectively:

Topic sentence: A topic sentence is an opening sentence of the paragraph. The points that will support the main thesis statement are individually presented in each section.

For example:

“The first boy, Jack, believes that a beast truly does exist…”

Evidence: To support the claim made in the topic sentence, evidence is provided. The evidence is taken from the selected piece of work to make the reasoning strong and logical.

“...He is afraid and admits it; however, he deals with his fear of aggressive violence. He chooses to hunt for the beast, arms himself with a spear, and practice killing it: “We’re strong—we hunt! If there’s a beast, we’ll hunt it down! We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat—!”(91).”

Analysis: A literary essay is a kind of essay that requires a writer to provide his analysis as well.

The purpose of providing the writer’s analysis is to tell the readers about the meaning of the evidence.

“...He also uses the fear of the beast to control and manipulate the other children. Because they fear the beast, they are more likely to listen to Jack and follow his orders...”

Transition words: Transition or connecting words are used to link ideas and points together to maintain a logical flow. Transition words that are often used in a literary analysis essay are:

Furthermore
Later in the story
In contrast, etc.

“...Furthermore, Jack fears Ralph’s power over the group and Piggy’s rational thought. This is because he knows that both directly conflict with his thirst for absolute power...”

Concluding sentence: The last sentence of the body that gives a final statement on the topic sentence is the concluding sentence. It sums up the entire discussion held in that specific paragraph.

Here is a literary analysis paragraph example for you:

Literary Essay Example Pdf

Literary Analysis Essay Conclusion

The last section of the essay is the conclusion part where the writer ties all loose ends of the essay together. To write appropriate and correct concluding paragraphs, add the following information:

State how your topic is related to the theme of the chosen work
State how successfully the author delivered the message
According to your perspective, provide a statement on the topic
If required, present predictions
Connect your conclusion to your introduction by restating the thesis statement.
In the end, provide an opinion about the significance of the work.

For example,

“ In conclusion, William Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies exposes the reader to three characters with different personalities and fears: Jack, Ralph, and Piggy. Each of the boys tries to conquer his fear in a different way. Fear is a natural emotion encountered by everyone, but each person deals with it in a way that best fits his/her individual personality.”

Literary Analysis Essay Format

A literary analysis essay delves into the examination and interpretation of a literary work, exploring themes, characters, and literary devices.

Below is a guide outlining the format for a structured and effective literary analysis essay.

or attention-grabbing opening statement. about the author and the literary work. that presents the main argument or purpose of your analysis.

Introduction to the literary work and its context. Analysis of the work's major themes and motifs. Examination of the author's writing style and literary techniques. In-depth analysis of specific literary devices used in the work. Discussion of character development, relationships, and character arcs. Exploration of the plot structure, conflicts, and resolutions. Analysis of the setting and its role in the narrative. Examination of the work's cultural, historical, or societal context. Evaluation of the work's impact on readers or its relevance today.

and summarize the key points of your analysis. or reflections on the work's significance and relevance. new ideas in the conclusion.

the literary work using the appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). or references page listing all sources used.

Formatting Guidelines

Use a legible font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) and set the font size to 12 points.
Double-space your essay, including the title, headings, and quotations.
Set one-inch margins on all sides of the page.
Indent paragraphs by 1/2 inch or use the tab key.
Page numbers, if required, should be in the header or footer and follow the specified formatting style.

Literary Analysis Essay Outline Example

To fully understand a concept in a writing world, literary analysis outline examples are important. This is to learn how a perfectly structured writing piece is drafted and how ideas are shaped to convey a message.

The following are the best literary analysis essay examples to help you draft a perfect essay.

AP Literary Analysis Essay Outline

Literary Analysis Essay Outline Middle School

High School Literary Analysis Essay Outline

Literary Analysis Essay Outline College (PDF)

Literary Analysis Essay Rubric (PDF)

Literary Analysis Essay Example Romeo & Juliet (PDF)

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Are you seeking inspiration for your next literary analysis essay? Here is a list of literary analysis essay topics for you:

The Theme of Alienation in "The Catcher in the Rye"
The Motif of Darkness in Shakespeare's Tragedies
The Psychological Complexity of Hamlet's Character
Analyzing the Narrator's Unreliable Perspective in "The Tell-Tale Heart"
The Role of Nature in William Wordsworth's Romantic Poetry
The Representation of Social Class in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
The Use of Irony in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn"
The Impact of Holden's Red Hunting Hat in the Novel
The Power of Setting in Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude"
The Symbolism of the Conch Shell in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"

Need more topics? Read our literary analysis essay topics blog!

All in all, writing a literary analysis essay can be tricky if it is your first attempt. Apart from analyzing the work, other elements like a topic and an accurate interpretation must draft this type of essay.

If you are in doubt about drafting a perfect essay, get professional assistance from our essay service.

Say ' just do my essay ', and MyPerfectWords.com will deliver a custom, well-written essay that meets your needs.

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Keep reading

A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis

Use the guidelines below to learn about the practice of close reading.

When your teachers or professors ask you to analyze a literary text, they often look for something frequently called close reading. Close reading is deep analysis of how a literary text works; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper, though in a refined form.

Fiction writers and poets build texts out of many central components, including subject, form, and specific word choices. Literary analysis involves examining these components, which allows us to find in small parts of the text clues to help us understand the whole. For example, if an author writes a novel in the form of a personal journal about a character’s daily life, but that journal reads like a series of lab reports, what do we learn about that character? What is the effect of picking a word like “tome” instead of “book”? In effect, you are putting the author’s choices under a microscope.

The process of close reading should produce a lot of questions. It is when you begin to answer these questions that you are ready to participate thoughtfully in class discussion or write a literary analysis paper that makes the most of your close reading work.

Close reading sometimes feels like over-analyzing, but don’t worry. Close reading is a process of finding as much information as you can in order to form as many questions as you can. When it is time to write your paper and formalize your close reading, you will sort through your work to figure out what is most convincing and helpful to the argument you hope to make and, conversely, what seems like a stretch. This guide imagines you are sitting down to read a text for the first time on your way to developing an argument about a text and writing a paper. To give one example of how to do this, we will read the poem “Design” by famous American poet Robert Frost and attend to four major components of literary texts: subject, form, word choice (diction), and theme.

If you want even more information about approaching poems specifically, take a look at our guide: How to Read a Poem .

As our guide to reading poetry suggests, have a pencil out when you read a text. Make notes in the margins, underline important words, place question marks where you are confused by something. Of course, if you are reading in a library book, you should keep all your notes on a separate piece of paper. If you are not making marks directly on, in, and beside the text, be sure to note line numbers or even quote portions of the text so you have enough context to remember what you found interesting.

Design I found a dimpled spider, fat and white, On a white heal-all, holding up a moth Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth— Assorted characters of death and blight Mixed ready to begin the morning right, Like the ingredients of a witches’ broth— A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth, And dead wings carried like a paper kite. What had that flower to do with being white, The wayside blue and innocent heal-all? What brought the kindred spider to that height, Then steered the white moth thither in the night? What but design of darkness to appall?— If design govern in a thing so small.

The subject of a literary text is simply what the text is about. What is its plot? What is its most important topic? What image does it describe? It’s easy to think of novels and stories as having plots, but sometimes it helps to think of poetry as having a kind of plot as well. When you examine the subject of a text, you want to develop some preliminary ideas about the text and make sure you understand its major concerns before you dig deeper.

Observations

In “Design,” the speaker describes a scene: a white spider holding a moth on a white flower. The flower is a heal-all, the blooms of which are usually violet-blue. This heal-all is unusual. The speaker then poses a series of questions, asking why this heal-all is white instead of blue and how the spider and moth found this particular flower. How did this situation arise?

The speaker’s questions seem simple, but they are actually fairly nuanced. We can use them as a guide for our own as we go forward with our close reading.

Furthering the speaker’s simple “how did this happen,” we might ask, is the scene in this poem a manufactured situation?
The white moth and white spider each use the atypical white flower as camouflage in search of sanctuary and supper respectively. Did these flora and fauna come together for a purpose?
Does the speaker have a stance about whether there is a purpose behind the scene? If so, what is it?
How will other elements of the text relate to the unpleasantness and uncertainty in our first look at the poem’s subject?

After thinking about local questions, we have to zoom out. Ultimately, what is this text about?

Form is how a text is put together. When you look at a text, observe how the author has arranged it. If it is a novel, is it written in the first person? How is the novel divided? If it is a short story, why did the author choose to write short-form fiction instead of a novel or novella? Examining the form of a text can help you develop a starting set of questions in your reading, which then may guide further questions stemming from even closer attention to the specific words the author chooses. A little background research on form and what different forms can mean makes it easier to figure out why and how the author’s choices are important.

Most poems follow rules or principles of form; even free verse poems are marked by the author’s choices in line breaks, rhythm, and rhyme—even if none of these exists, which is a notable choice in itself. Here’s an example of thinking through these elements in “Design.”

In “Design,” Frost chooses an Italian (or Petrarchan) sonnet form: fourteen lines in iambic pentameter consisting of an octave (a stanza of eight lines) and a sestet (a stanza of six lines). We will focus on rhyme scheme and stanza structure rather than meter for the purposes of this guide. A typical Italian sonnet has a specific rhyme scheme for the octave:

a b b a a b b a

There’s more variation in the sestet rhymes, but one of the more common schemes is

c d e c d e

Conventionally, the octave introduces a problem or question which the sestet then resolves. The point at which the sonnet goes from the problem/question to the resolution is called the volta, or turn. (Note that we are speaking only in generalities here; there is a great deal of variation.)

Frost uses the usual octave scheme with “-ite”/”-ight” (a) and “oth” (b) sounds: “white,” “moth,” “cloth,” “blight,” “right,” “broth,” “froth,” “kite.” However, his sestet follows an unusual scheme with “-ite”/”-ight” and “all” sounds:

a c a a c c

Now, we have a few questions with which we can start:

Why use an Italian sonnet?
Why use an unusual scheme in the sestet?
What problem/question and resolution (if any) does Frost offer?
What is the volta in this poem?
In other words, what is the point?

Italian sonnets have a long tradition; many careful readers recognize the form and know what to expect from his octave, volta, and sestet. Frost seems to do something fairly standard in the octave in presenting a situation; however, the turn Frost makes is not to resolution, but to questions and uncertainty. A white spider sitting on a white flower has killed a white moth.

How did these elements come together?
Was the moth’s death random or by design?
Is one worse than the other?

We can guess right away that Frost’s disruption of the usual purpose of the sestet has something to do with his disruption of its rhyme scheme. Looking even more closely at the text will help us refine our observations and guesses.

Word Choice, or Diction

Looking at the word choice of a text helps us “dig in” ever more deeply. If you are reading something longer, are there certain words that come up again and again? Are there words that stand out? While you are going through this process, it is best for you to assume that every word is important—again, you can decide whether something is really important later.

Even when you read prose, our guide for reading poetry offers good advice: read with a pencil and make notes. Mark the words that stand out, and perhaps write the questions you have in the margins or on a separate piece of paper. If you have ideas that may possibly answer your questions, write those down, too.

Let’s take a look at the first line of “Design”:

I found a dimpled spider, fat and white

The poem starts with something unpleasant: a spider. Then, as we look more closely at the adjectives describing the spider, we may see connotations of something that sounds unhealthy or unnatural. When we imagine spiders, we do not generally picture them dimpled and white; it is an uncommon and decidedly creepy image. There is dissonance between the spider and its descriptors, i.e., what is wrong with this picture? Already we have a question: what is going on with this spider?

We should look for additional clues further on in the text. The next two lines develop the image of the unusual, unpleasant-sounding spider:

On a white heal-all, holding up a moth Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth—

Now we have a white flower (a heal-all, which usually has a violet-blue flower) and a white moth in addition to our white spider. Heal-alls have medicinal properties, as their name suggests, but this one seems to have a genetic mutation—perhaps like the spider? Does the mutation that changes the heal-all’s color also change its beneficial properties—could it be poisonous rather than curative? A white moth doesn’t seem remarkable, but it is “Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth,” or like manmade fabric that is artificially “rigid” rather than smooth and flowing like we imagine satin to be. We might think for a moment of a shroud or the lining of a coffin, but even that is awry, for neither should be stiff with death.

The first three lines of the poem’s octave introduce unpleasant natural images “of death and blight” (as the speaker puts it in line four). The flower and moth disrupt expectations: the heal-all is white instead of “blue and innocent,” and the moth is reduced to “rigid satin cloth” or “dead wings carried like a paper kite.” We might expect a spider to be unpleasant and deadly; the poem’s spider also has an unusual and unhealthy appearance.

The focus on whiteness in these lines has more to do with death than purity—can we understand that whiteness as being corpse-like rather than virtuous?

Well before the volta, Frost makes a “turn” away from nature as a retreat and haven; instead, he unearths its inherent dangers, making nature menacing. From three lines alone, we have a number of questions:

Will whiteness play a role in the rest of the poem?
How does “design”—an arrangement of these circumstances—fit with a scene of death?
What other juxtapositions might we encounter?

These disruptions and dissonances recollect Frost’s alteration to the standard Italian sonnet form: finding the ways and places in which form and word choice go together will help us begin to unravel some larger concepts the poem itself addresses.

Put simply, themes are major ideas in a text. Many texts, especially longer forms like novels and plays, have multiple themes. That’s good news when you are close reading because it means there are many different ways you can think through the questions you develop.

So far in our reading of “Design,” our questions revolve around disruption: disruption of form, disruption of expectations in the description of certain images. Discovering a concept or idea that links multiple questions or observations you have made is the beginning of a discovery of theme.

What is happening with disruption in “Design”? What point is Frost making? Observations about other elements in the text help you address the idea of disruption in more depth. Here is where we look back at the work we have already done: What is the text about? What is notable about the form, and how does it support or undermine what the words say? Does the specific language of the text highlight, or redirect, certain ideas?

In this example, we are looking to determine what kind(s) of disruption the poem contains or describes. Rather than “disruption,” we want to see what kind of disruption, or whether indeed Frost uses disruptions in form and language to communicate something opposite: design.

Sample Analysis

After you make notes, formulate questions, and set tentative hypotheses, you must analyze the subject of your close reading. Literary analysis is another process of reading (and writing!) that allows you to make a claim about the text. It is also the point at which you turn a critical eye to your earlier questions and observations to find the most compelling points, discarding the ones that are a “stretch.” By “stretch,” we mean that we must discard points that are fascinating but have no clear connection to the text as a whole. (We recommend a separate document for recording the brilliant ideas that don’t quite fit this time around.)

Here follows an excerpt from a brief analysis of “Design” based on the close reading above. This example focuses on some lines in great detail in order to unpack the meaning and significance of the poem’s language. By commenting on the different elements of close reading we have discussed, it takes the results of our close reading to offer one particular way into the text. (In case you were thinking about using this sample as your own, be warned: it has no thesis and it is easily discoverable on the web. Plus it doesn’t have a title.)

Frost’s speaker brews unlikely associations in the first stanza of the poem. The “Assorted characters of death and blight / Mixed ready to begin the morning right” make of the grotesque scene an equally grotesque mockery of a breakfast cereal (4–5). These lines are almost singsong in meter and it is easy to imagine them set to a radio jingle. A pun on “right”/”rite” slides the “characters of death and blight” into their expected concoction: a “witches’ broth” (6). These juxtapositions—a healthy breakfast that is also a potion for dark magic—are borne out when our “fat and white” spider becomes “a snow-drop”—an early spring flower associated with renewal—and the moth as “dead wings carried like a paper kite” (1, 7, 8). Like the mutant heal-all that hosts the moth’s death, the spider becomes a deadly flower; the harmless moth becomes a child’s toy, but as “dead wings,” more like a puppet made of a skull. The volta offers no resolution for our unsettled expectations. Having observed the scene and detailed its elements in all their unpleasantness, the speaker turns to questions rather than answers. How did “The wayside blue and innocent heal-all” end up white and bleached like a bone (10)? How did its “kindred spider” find the white flower, which was its perfect hiding place (11)? Was the moth, then, also searching for camouflage, only to meet its end? Using another question as a disguise, the speaker offers a hypothesis: “What but design of darkness to appall?” (13). This question sounds rhetorical, as though the only reason for such an unlikely combination of flora and fauna is some “design of darkness.” Some force, the speaker suggests, assembled the white spider, flower, and moth to snuff out the moth’s life. Such a design appalls, or horrifies. We might also consider the speaker asking what other force but dark design could use something as simple as appalling in its other sense (making pale or white) to effect death. However, the poem does not close with a question, but with a statement. The speaker’s “If design govern in a thing so small” establishes a condition for the octave’s questions after the fact (14). There is no point in considering the dark design that brought together “assorted characters of death and blight” if such an event is too minor, too physically small to be the work of some force unknown. Ending on an “if” clause has the effect of rendering the poem still more uncertain in its conclusions: not only are we faced with unanswered questions, we are now not even sure those questions are valid in the first place. Behind the speaker and the disturbing scene, we have Frost and his defiance of our expectations for a Petrarchan sonnet. Like whatever designer may have altered the flower and attracted the spider to kill the moth, the poet built his poem “wrong” with a purpose in mind. Design surely governs in a poem, however small; does Frost also have a dark design? Can we compare a scene in nature to a carefully constructed sonnet?

A Note on Organization

Your goal in a paper about literature is to communicate your best and most interesting ideas to your reader. Depending on the type of paper you have been assigned, your ideas may need to be organized in service of a thesis to which everything should link back. It is best to ask your instructor about the expectations for your paper.

Knowing how to organize these papers can be tricky, in part because there is no single right answer—only more and less effective answers. You may decide to organize your paper thematically, or by tackling each idea sequentially; you may choose to order your ideas by their importance to your argument or to the poem. If you are comparing and contrasting two texts, you might work thematically or by addressing first one text and then the other. One way to approach a text may be to start with the beginning of the novel, story, play, or poem, and work your way toward its end. For example, here is the rough structure of the example above: The author of the sample decided to use the poem itself as an organizational guide, at least for this part of the analysis.

A paragraph about the octave.
A paragraph about the volta.
A paragraph about the penultimate line (13).
A paragraph about the final line (14).
A paragraph addressing form that suggests a transition to the next section of the paper.

You will have to decide for yourself the best way to communicate your ideas to your reader. Is it easier to follow your points when you write about each part of the text in detail before moving on? Or is your work clearer when you work through each big idea—the significance of whiteness, the effect of an altered sonnet form, and so on—sequentially?

We suggest you write your paper however is easiest for you then move things around during revision if you need to.

Academic and Professional Writing

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Analysis Papers

Reading Poetry

Using Literary Quotations

Play Reviews

Writing a Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

Incorporating Interview Data

Grant Proposals

Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics

Additional Resources for Grants and Proposal Writing

Job Materials and Application Essays

Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs

Before you begin: useful tips for writing your essay
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Resume Writing Tips

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Cover Letters

Business Letters

Proposals and Dissertations

Resources for Proposal Writers

Resources for Dissertators

Research Papers

Planning and Writing Research Papers

Quoting and Paraphrasing

Writing Annotated Bibliographies

Creating Poster Presentations

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Thank-You Notes

Advice for Students Writing Thank-You Notes to Donors

Reading for a Review

Critical Reviews

Writing a Review of Literature

Scientific Reports

Scientific Report Format

Sample Lab Assignment

Writing for the Web

Writing an Effective Blog Post

Writing for Social Media: A Guide for Academics

50 Verbs of Analysis for English Academic Essays

Note: this list is for advanced English learners (CEFR level B2 or above). All definitions are from the Cambridge Dictionary online .

Definition: to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something.

Example: Experts agree that coffee affects the body in ways we have not yet studied.

Definition: to increase the size or effect of something.

Example: It has been shown that this drug amplifies the side effects that were experienced by patients in previous trials.

Definition: to say that something is certainly true .

Example: Smith asserts that his findings are valid, despite criticism by colleagues.

Characterizes

Definition: Something that characterizes another thing is typical of it.

Example: His early paintings are characterized by a distinctive pattern of blue and yellow.

Definition: to say that something is true or is a fact , although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it.

Example: Smith claims that the study is the first of its kind, and very different from the 2015 study he conducted.

Definition: to make something clear or easier to understand by giving more details or a simpler explanation .

Example: The professor clarified her statement with a later, more detailed, statement.

Definition: t o collect information from different places and arrange it in a book , report , or list .

Example: After compiling the data, the scientists authored a ten-page paper on their study and its findings.

Definition: to judge or decide something after thinking carefully about it.

Example: Doctor Jensen concluded that the drug wasn’t working, so he switched his patient to a new medicine.

Definition: to prove that a belief or an opinion that was previously not completely certain is true .

Example: This new data confirms the hypothesis many researchers had.

Definition: to join or be joined with something else .

Example: By including the criticisms of two researchers, Smith connects two seemingly different theories and illustrates a trend with writers of the Romanticism period.

Differentiates

Definition: to show or find the difference between things that are compared .

Example: Smith differentiates between the two theories in paragraph 4 of the second part of the study.

Definition: to reduce or be reduced in s i ze or importance .

Example: The new findings do not diminish the findings of previous research; rather, it builds on it to present a more complicated theory about the effects of global warming.

Definition: to cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person .

Example: The details about the improper research done by the institution discredits the institution’s newest research.

Definition: to show.

Example: Smith’s findings display the effects of global warming that have not yet been considered by other scientists.

Definition: to prove that something is not true .

Example: Scientists hope that this new research will disprove the myth that vaccines are harmful to children.

Distinguishes

Definition: to notice or understand the difference between two things, or to make one person or thing seem different from another.

Example: Our study seems similar to another one by Duke University: how can we distinguish ourselves and our research from this study?

Definition: to add more information to or explain something that you have said.

Example: In this new paper, Smith elaborates on theories she discussed in her 2012 book.

Definition: to represent a quality or an idea exactly .

Example: Shakespeare embodies English theater, but few can understand the antiquated (old) form of English that is used in the plays.

Definition: to copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have.

Example: Although the study emulates some of the scientific methods used in previous research, it also offers some inventive new research methods.

Definition: to improve the quality , amount , or strength of something.

Example: The pharmaceutical company is looking for ways to enhance the effectiveness of its current drug for depression.

Definition: to make something necessary , or to involve something.

Example: The scientist’s study entails several different stages, which are detailed in the report.

Definition: to consider one thing to be the same as or equal to another thing.

Example: Findings from both studies equate; therefore, we can conclude that they are both accurate.

Establishes

Definition: to discover or get proof of something.

Example: The award establishes the main causes of global warming.

Definition: to make someone remember something or feel an emotion .

Example: The artist’s painting evokes the work of some of the painters from the early 1800s.

Definition: to show something.

Example: Some of the research study participants exhibit similar symptoms while taking the medicine.

Facilitates

Definition: to make something possible or easier .

Example: The equipment that facilitates the study is expensive and of high-quality.

Definition: the main or central point of something, especially of attention or interest .

Example: The author focuses on World War II, which is an era she hasn’t written about before.

Foreshadows

Definition: to act as a warning or sign of a future event .

Example: The sick bird at the beginning of the novel foreshadows the illness the main character develops later in the book.

Definition: to develop all the details of a plan for doing something.

Example: Two teams of scientists formulated the research methods for the study.

Definition: to cause something to exist .

Example: The study’s findings have generated many questions about this new species of frog in South America.

Definition: to attract attention to or emphasize something important .

Example: The author, Dr. Smith, highlights the need for further studies on the possible causes of cancer among farm workers.

Definition: to recognize a problem , need, fact , etc. and to show that it exists .

Example: Through this study, scientists were able to identify three of the main factors causing global warming.

Illustrates

Definition: to show the meaning or truth of something more clearly , especially by giving examples .

Example: Dr. Robin’s study illustrates the need for more research on the effects of this experimental drug.

Definition: to communicate an idea or feeling without saying it directly .

Example: The study implies that there are many outside factors (other than diet and exercise) which determine a person’s tendency to gain weight.

Incorporates

Definition: to include something as part of something larger .

Example: Dr. Smith incorporates research findings from 15 other studies in her well-researched paper.

Definition: to show, point , or make clear in another way.

Example: Overall, the study indicates that there is no real danger (other than a lack of sleep) to drinking three cups of coffee per day.

Definition: to form an opinion or guess that something is true because of the information that you have.

Example: From this study about a new medicine, we can infer that it will work similarly to other drugs that are currently being sold.

Definition: to tell someone about parti c ular facts .

Example: Dr. Smith informs the reader that there are some issues with this study: the oddly rainy weather in 2017 made it difficult for them to record the movements of the birds they were studying.

Definition: to suggest , without being direct , that something unpleasant is true .

Example: In addition to the reported conclusions, the study insinuates that there are many hidden dangers to driving while texting.

Definition: to combine two or more things in order to become more effective .

Example: The study about the popularity of social media integrates Facebook and Instagram hashtag use.

Definition: to not have or not have enough of something that is needed or wanted .

Example: What the study lacks, I believe, is a clear outline of the future research that is needed.

Legitimizes

Definition: to make something legal or acceptable .

Example: Although the study legitimizes the existence of global warming, some will continue to think it is a hoax.

Definition: to make a problem bigger or more important .

Example: In conclusion, the scientists determined that the new pharmaceutical actually magnifies some of the symptoms of anxiety.

Definition: something that a copy can be based on because it is an extremely good example of its type .

Example: The study models a similar one from 1973, which needed to be redone with modern equipment.

Definition: to cause something to have no effect .

Example: This negates previous findings that say that sulphur in wine gives people headaches.

Definition: to not give enough c a re or attention to people or things that are your responsibility .

Example: The study neglects to mention another study in 2015 that had very different findings.

Definition: to make something difficult to discover and understand .

Example: The problems with the equipment obscures the study.

Definition: a description of the main facts about something.

Example: Before describing the research methods, the researchers outline the need for a study on the effects of anti-anxiety medication on children.

Definition: to fail to notice or consider something or someone.

Example: I personally feel that the study overlooks something very important: the participants might have answered some of the questions incorrectly.

Definition: to happen at the same time as something else , or be similar or equal to something else .

Example: Although the study parallels the procedures of a 2010 study, it has very different findings.

Converse International School of Languages offers an English for Academic Purposes course for students interested in improving their academic English skills. Students may take this course, which is offered in the afternoon for 12 weeks, at both CISL San Diego and CISL San Francisco . EAP course graduates can go on to CISL’s Aca demic Year Abroad program, where students attend one semester at a California Community College. Through CISL’s University Pathway program, EAP graduates may also attend college or university at one of CISL’s Pathway Partners. See the list of 25+ partners on the CISL website . Contact CISL for more information.

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Hey guys, I'm working on a literary analysis essay for my English class, and I'm struggling with incorporating smooth transitions between my points. Can someone recommend some great transition words or phrases specifically for literary analysis essays?

Hey there! Transition words can really help your essay flow smoothly and cohesively. Here are some transition words and phrases that work well in literary analysis essays:

1. To show similarity or addition:

- Similarly

- In the same vein

2. To show contrast or opposition:

- On the contrary

- Conversely

- In contrast

3. To illustrate or emphasize a point:

- For instance

- For example

- In particular

4. To show sequence or development:

- Subsequently

- Following this

- As a result

- Consequently

5. To indicate a shift in focus or topic:

- On the other hand

- Meanwhile

- Alternatively

6. To summarize or draw conclusions:

- In summary

- In conclusion

- To wrap up

- Ultimately

Remember, it's important to use these words and phrases in moderation and adjust them according to the context of your essay. It can be helpful to first write your essay and then go back and insert transition words and phrases where needed to ensure seamless connections between your points. Good luck with your literary analysis essay!

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COMMENTS

Best Tips for Crafting a Literary Analysis Essay
2. Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate the main argument or interpretation you will be making in your essay. It should be specific, debatable, and concise. 3. Use textual evidence: To support your analysis, use direct quotations and examples from the text you are analyzing.
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These 4 steps will help prepare you to write an in-depth literary analysis that offers new insight to both old and modern classics. 1. Read the text and identify literary devices. As you conduct your literary analysis, you should first read through the text, keeping an eye on key elements that could serve as clues to larger, underlying themes.
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The Body of the Essay and the Importance of Topic Sentences The term regularly used for the development of the central idea of a literary analysis essay is the body. In this section you present the paragraphs (at least 3 paragraphs for a 500-750 word essay) that support your thesis statement. Good literary analysis
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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.
How To Write A Literary Analysis? The Ins And Outs Of A Great Literary
Now that you have carried out the basic steps, you need to brainstorm for titles and the structure of your analysis. Your topic, the argument, and the literary devices are all done. You should brainstorm for a title that would capture the attention of the reader as well as convey the topic of your analysis.
Literary Analysis-How To
A literary analysis is a common assignment in first-year writing and English courses. Despite how ubiquitous they are, literary analyses can sometimes feel confusing or maybe even a little intimidating. This type of analytical essay requires you to zoom into a text to unpack and wrestle with deeper meaning (through exploring diction, syntax ...
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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 ...
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4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
Beginner's Guide to 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.
Literary Analysis: Sample Essay
Literary Analysis: Sample Essay. We turn once more to Joanna Wolfe's and Laura Wilder's Digging into Literature: Strategies for Reading, Writing, and Analysis (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2016) in order to show you their example of a strong student essay that has a strong central claim elucidated by multiple surface/depth arguments ...
Example of an Insightful Literary Analysis Essay
Get a sense of what to do right with this literary analysis essay example that will offer inspiration for your own assignment. Dictionary Thesaurus Sentences Grammar Vocabulary Usage Reading & Writing Articles Vocabulary; Usage ...
How To Write A Literary Analysis Essay Outline With Examples
Paragraph 1: Introduction to the literary work and its context. Paragraph 2: Analysis of the work's major themes and motifs. Paragraph 3: Examination of the author's writing style and literary techniques. Paragraph 4: In-depth analysis of specific literary devices used in the work.
PDF Conventions for Writing a Literary Analysis Paper
Step 1: Choose a topic, e.g., the poem "Theme for English B" by Langston Hughes. Step 2: Focus the topic, e.g., biographical influences in "Theme for English B," especially the poet's race, and how literary critics assess such influences on this poem. Step 3: Narrow the topic further by posing it as a question.
A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis
Close reading is deep analysis of how a literary text works; it is both a reading process and something you include in a literary analysis paper, though in a refined form. Fiction writers and poets build texts out of many central components, including subject, form, and specific word choices. Literary analysis involves examining these ...
50 Verbs of Analysis for English Academic Essays
Definition: to happen at the same time as something else, or be similar or equal to something else. Example: Although the study parallels the procedures of a 2010 study, it has very different findings. Converse International School of Languages offers an English for Academic Purposes course for students interested in improving their academic ...
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Learn how to write a literary essay in a few simple steps. Literary essays are part of any English curriculum, and knowing how to write them is vital for any...
15 Literary Terms You Need to Know to Write Better Essays
If you need some examples of how others have written about these literary terms, check out the following essays: The Use of Allegory in Macbeth. The Use of Metaphors in Emily Dickinson's Poems. The Wise Old Man Archetype. An Analysis of the Use of Imagery in John Gardner's Grendel.
8.6: Comparing and Contrasting Literature
Compare and Contrast Essay Basics. The Compare and Contrast Essay is a literary analysis essay, but, instead of examining one work, it examines two or more works. These works must be united by a common theme or thesis statement. For example, while a literary analysis essay might explore the significance of ghosts in William Shakespeare's Hamlet ...
Best transition words for literary analysis?
Hey there! Transition words can really help your essay flow smoothly and cohesively. Here are some transition words and phrases that work well in literary analysis essays: 1. To show similarity or addition: - Likewise - Similarly - In the same vein - Just as 2. To show contrast or opposition: - However - On the contrary - Conversely - In contrast 3.
How to Write a Hook for an Essay
One possible approach to this hook is the classic: "if you can't beat'em, join'em.". For example, you could always begin your literary analysis with a quote from the literature in question. You then follow this up with interesting commentary that helps to contextualize the rest of your intro.

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Tips for Crafting a Strong Literary Analysis Essay

Identify the Theme

Analyze the Characters

Discuss Symbolism and Motifs

Consider the Author’s Style

Write a Convincing Thesis Statement

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Table of contents

Language choices

Narrative voice

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Essay question example

Thesis statement example

Finding textual evidence

The introduction

Paragraph structure

Topic sentences

Using textual evidence

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Literary Analysis Essay - Ultimate Guide By Professionals

What is a Literary Analysis Essay?

How To Write A Literary Analysis Essay

Introduction

Types of Literary Analysis Essay

Examples of Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 components of literary analysis?

How do you start a literary analysis essay?

How do you do a literary analysis?

Why is literary analysis important?

What is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay?

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What is literature?

What is a literary analysis?

Importance and purpose of literary analysis

Author’s choice

Understanding style

Exploring new elements

Benefits of Literary Analysis

Enhance critical thinking

Helps to focus

Helps to form claims

Approaches to literary analysis

Historical approach

Cultural approach

Psychological approach

Feminist approach

New criticism approach

Types of literary analysis

Theoretical

Comparative

Close reading

Elements of literary analysis

Literature elements and their analysis

Novels/novellas and short stories

Character and character development

Plot and plot development

Literary devices

Writing style

Literary analysis outline

Introduction

Literary analysis conclusion

What should a literary analysis include

Thesis statement

Topic sentence

Evidence from the text

How to write a literary analysis

Brainstorm titles and organization

Proofread and submit

Mistakes to avoid when writing a literary analysis

Tips to help you write your literary analysis

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