A Literary analysis
essay delves deeper into a work of literature; examining and evaluating the
various plot twists, character traits, events and setting in in order 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 builds 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.
