A Literary analysis essay delves deeper into a work of literature; examining and evaluating the
various plot twists, character traits, events and setting to gain a better insight into the message
the author intended to deliver.
The goal of the literary analysis is not to create a synopsis of the whole work or offer an opinion
on it, but rather to discuss relevant elements within the text to figure out how the piece of
literature works.
Introduction:
Choose a thesis to base your essay around. This should be an interpretation of the text based
on a close textual reading and analysis.
Your introduction should include your thesis and explain to the reader how you plan to prove
your thesis through your analysis. Your thesis should be clear and succinct.
Body of the essay:
This should be divided into paragraphs which build an argument using evidence from the text.
Evaluate the text to see how it validates your thesis.
Explain how the themes, characters, plot and structure provide evidence for your thesis.
Your thesis must be supported by plenty of quotes and evidence from the text.
Each paragraph in the body of the essay should include a point of analysis, a quote to support
your point and then an explanation of how the quote supports your point.
Make sure to introduce the quotes and fully explain their significance.
Conclusion:
Demonstrate the discussion of several analytical points in the essay and how they have related
back to the thesis.
Summarize the key points in the essay.
Highlight how the thesis has been addressed through the analysis within the essay.
** Choose any two stories that you have read that both focus on the same theme.
