literary theme analysis essay outline

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Literary Analysis Essay Writing

Literary Analysis Essay Outline

Literary Analysis Essay Outline - A Step By Step Guide

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

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Ideas

Have you ever felt stuck, looking at a blank page, wondering what a literary analysis essay is? You are not sure how to analyze a complicated book or story? 

Writing a literary analysis essay can be tough, even for people who really love books. The hard part is not only understanding the deeper meaning of the story but also organizing your thoughts and arguments in a clear way.

But don't worry!

In this easy-to-follow guide, we will talk about a key tool: The Literary Analysis Essay Outline. 

We'll provide you with the knowledge and tricks you need to structure your analysis the right way. In the end, you'll have the essential skills to understand and structure your literature analysis better.   So, let’s dive in!

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• 1. How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Outline?
• 2. Literary Analysis Essay Format 
• 3. Literary Analysis Essay Outline Example
• 4. Literary Analysis Essay Topics 

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.

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.

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Don't forget that you can also buy literature essays tailored to your specific requirements. Our qualified writers assist students by providing assistance at an affordable price. 

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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 .

On this Page

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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How to Write a Thematic Essay

A thematic essay explores a central message or theme that runs through a piece of literature, a historical event, or even a societal trend. It analyzes evidence like characters' actions, plot development, or real-world examples to explain how this matter is revealed and unpack its significance, showing a deeper understanding of the subject at hand.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what is a thematic essay :

• Analyzes a central message (theme) in a text.
• Explains how the text explores that theme.
• Uses evidence (quotes, details) to support your analysis.
• Shows how the evidence connects to the overall theme.

This article explains how to craft a thematic essay by analyzing a central theme in a text, using evidence like quotes and thematic essay examples to support analysis. It provides step-by-step guidance, from understanding the theme to structuring an essay effectively.

If you’re having trouble with this type of assignment, feel free to use our paper writing service and streamline the process.

Dissecting a text's central message and how it unfolds can be a rewarding challenge. Here's a step-by-step breakdown to conquer your next thematic essay:

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Thematic Essay Checklist

• State a focused main argument about the theme.
• Hook the reader and introduce the theme.
• Begin each with a clear topic sentence related to the theme.
• Use specific examples, quotes, or facts.
• Explain how the evidence supports the thesis.
• Link analysis back to the central theme throughout.
• Ensure paragraphs and ideas progress logically.
• Summarize key points and restate the thesis.
• Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
• Properly cite sources used.

How to Pick a Thematic Topic

A crucial aspect of writing a good thematic essay is choosing a theme. Follow the hints listed below to help you create a thematic topic:

Thematic Essay Topics

Picking the right theme for your essay can really shape how engaging and insightful it turns out. The topic you choose will guide your whole approach, letting you dive deep into meaningful ideas that connect with your readers. 

To help you get started, here are some thematic essay topics that offer plenty of room for exploration:

• Star-Crossed Fate: Destiny in "Romeo and Juliet"
• Gatsby's Illusion: The Mirage of the American Dream
• Thoreau's Call to Action: Civil Disobedience and Its Echoes
• Grit and Grind: Industrial Strife in "Hard Times"
• Monster or Man? Isolation in "Frankenstein"
• Voices of Change: The Civil Rights Movement Unveiled
• Big Brother's Watch: Propaganda in "1984"
• Silent Scars: The Aftermath of War in "All Quiet on the Western Front"
• Pride, Prejudice, and Power: Women in Austen's World
• Cultural Cracks: Colonialism in "Things Fall Apart"
• Echoes of Justice: Moral Struggles in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
• Surviving Hard Times: Life During the Great Depression
• Invisible Chains: Identity in "Invisible Man"
• Worlds Apart: Control and Conformity in "Brave New World"
• Chains of Oppression: Freedom in "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
• Hester's Burden: Sin and Redemption in "The Scarlet Letter"
• Wired Society: The Tech Revolution's Impact
• Vengeance and Virtue: The Journey in "The Count of Monte Cristo"
• Island Power Struggles: Leadership in "Lord of the Flies"
• Dreams of Freedom: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Enduring Impact
• Survival and Humanity: The Struggle in "The Road"
• The Power of Words: Propaganda in "Animal Farm"
• Isolation and Madness: The Descent in "The Yellow Wallpaper"
• Social Class and Ambition: The Divide in "Great Expectations"
• The Burden of Guilt: Consequences in "Crime and Punishment"
• The Quest for Freedom: Oppression in "The Handmaid’s Tale"
• Family Ties: Loyalty and Betrayal in "King Lear"
• The Corruption of Power: Greed in "The Lord of the Rings"
• The American Dream: Reality vs. Illusion in "Death of a Salesman"
• War and Its Aftermath: Trauma in "The Things They Carried"

How to Start a Thematic Essay

Knowing how to start a thematic essay is key to setting the right tone for your entire paper. Every strong thematic essay begins with a captivating introduction that grabs the reader's attention right from the start:

• Hook the reader: Grab their attention with a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or an interesting anecdote related to the theme.
• Introduce the topic: Briefly mention the literary work you'll be analyzing.
• State the theme: Clearly identify the central theme you'll be exploring.
• Preview the analysis: Briefly hint at how the theme is developed in the work.

Here's an example of a thematic essay introduction:

“Have you ever wondered why some stories keep coming back to the idea of forgiveness? In Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird , the seemingly simple town of Maycomb grapples with racial injustice. However, beneath the surface lies a powerful exploration of the theme of forgiveness, where characters must confront their own prejudices and learn to let go of resentment. This essay will analyze how Lee uses character interactions, symbolism, and the trial of Tom Robinson to demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness.”

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Thematic Essay Outline

A thematic essay structure has several key components. Primarily, it should be five paragraphs or more, depending on the depth of the theme. Next, it should have a concrete thesis statement, which is the thematic statement that comes from the main subject.

The introduction presents the reader with the subject and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs each discuss one literary element or more to defend the validity of your thesis, all the while providing many supporting details from the text itself. 

Lastly, the thematic essay conclusion summarizes the main points presented and finishes off with a statement of significance.

Learn more: How to create a winning outline .

Introduction

When you sit down to write a thematic essay, it’s good to start by laying out the basics: What is a thematic essay? It’s an essay where you dig into a specific theme and explore it from different angles within a text. 

The thematic essay introduction presents the main subject of discussion captivatingly. The first sentence of the intro should be a hook statement that makes some intriguing claims about the subject of discussion. If done correctly, this will grab your reader's attention. 

As you start your essay, try to catch your reader’s attention with something that ties directly into your theme, like a quote. For instance, if you're focusing on the theme of identity in To Kill a Mockingbird , you might use a quote like, “You never really understand a person … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” 

This not only sets the tone but also smoothly leads into your thematic thesis statement. Keep things clear and straightforward so your readers know exactly what theme you’ll be diving into.

Then, provide any necessary background information from the literature to help the audience understand your claims later. Lastly, put together a well-thought-out thesis statement that reflects the novel's central theme.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs follow a thematic essay format. Since each body paragraph’s purpose should be to present a literary device as evidence, the topic sentence should introduce the claim and gateway into the evidence. Every topic sentence must mention a literary device and its relationship to the literature.

When you’re writing the body of your thematic essay, you’ve got some flexibility. You can use two, three, or even four paragraphs — whatever it takes to cover your theme without dragging things out. Just make sure everything you include is relevant and adds value to your argument.

Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that gets straight to the point. Stick to the facts and avoid slipping in personal opinions. For example, if you’re exploring the theme of justice in To Kill a Mockingbird , mention specific events like Tom Robinson’s trial, focusing on the key details and backing them up with evidence from the text.

Make sure to explain and analyze the points you bring up. Help your readers understand why these details matter. For instance, you could discuss how the trial scene highlights the deep-rooted racial inequalities of the time, making the theme of justice clear and powerful.

The key to a strong thematic essay structure is thoroughly evaluating your main points. This will help you build a strong case for your thesis.

Afterward, to validate your claim, use examples from the book that strengthen the reasoning of your statement. These can be actions from the plot or quotations parallel with the central theme. Explaining how the action/quote links back to your thesis statement is imperative, as it shows that you can support your logic.

Remember : Each claim must use a literary device. It can not just be a random moment or inference. Thematic essays are all about proving thesis statements through critical literary devices.

The thematic essay conclusion has three main objectives before wrapping up the paper. It should not present any new information or facts but summarize the information already given. First of all, restate your thesis statement in a new way. 

Then, summarize the central claims you made within the body of your paper and their influence on the thesis statement. To finish off the entire work, present an overall concluding statement with a global analysis of the subject. Leave your reader with another hook, making him/her interested in digging deeper into the topic.

Proofreading and Taking Advice

Once you’ve wrapped up writing your thematic essays, it’s time to give them a good review. 

Start by going through your essay carefully, checking it against the rubric your professor gave you. For example, if your essay is on the theme of power in 1984 , make sure every point you’ve made is backed by solid evidence from the text and that it fits what the rubric asks for.

Next, get a second opinion. Ask a friend or classmate to read your essay. They might catch something you missed, like a theme that needs more explanation or an example that doesn’t quite hit the mark. 

Don’t be shy about asking your teacher for feedback, too. They can offer valuable advice, especially if they know the theme well. This step is all about crafting your essay as strong and clear as possible. It’s easier to cut down extra details later, so don’t be afraid to add more substance where needed.

Learn more: Poetry analysis essay . 

Try also read an article on poetry analysis essay , it could be useful and can give you new insights.

Thematic Essay Example: How to Write Guide

The best way to familiarize yourself with this type of writing is to learn from thematic essay examples. In this section, we’re going to walk you through how to craft an essay using a real example. By breaking down the steps and showing you exactly how it’s done, this thematic essay example will give you a clear idea of how to approach your own essay.

Thematic Essay Introduction

When figuring out how to write a thematic essay, starting with a solid introduction is crucial. A solid thematic essay introduction should introduce the theme, give some background, and present your thesis in a way that’s easy to follow.

Let’s say you’re writing about Athens and Sparta. 

• You’d want to kick things off by briefly mentioning that these two ancient Greek cities, though close in distance, were worlds apart in terms of culture, lifestyle, and politics. This sets the scene and lets your readers know what to expect.
• Next, you’ll want to give a bit of background to help your readers understand why this comparison is significant. You might explain how the differences between Athens and Sparta shaped their citizens' lives and left a lasting mark on Western civilization. This gives context to the discussion that will follow in the body of your essay.
• Finally, wrap up your introduction with your thesis statement—the main point you’ll be arguing throughout the essay. For the Athens vs. Sparta example, your thesis could focus on how their differing values and political systems influenced their historical legacy.

Thematic Essay Main Body

The main body of your essay is where you really get into the heart of your argument. This is the part where you present the evidence that supports your thesis, using facts, examples, and analysis to make your points clear and convincing. 

Let’s break down how to structure this section with the Athens vs. Sparta example, while following a strong thematic essay format.

• Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that connects directly to your thesis. For instance, if you’re focusing on the different political systems in Athens and Sparta, you might begin with something like, “One of the key differences between Athens and Sparta was how they governed their citizens.”
• After setting up the main idea of the paragraph, back it up with specific evidence. You could explain how Athens operated under a democratic system, where citizens had a voice in government decisions. In contrast, Sparta was more oligarchic, with two kings holding power. 
• Once you’ve laid out the evidence, take a moment to analyze it. Show how these differences in governance reflected the broader values of each city-state and contributed to their unique identities. This is where you connect the dots and demonstrate how the details support your overall thesis.

Thematic Essay Conclusion

Wrapping up your thematic essay is about bringing your ideas full circle and reinforcing the points you've made throughout the paper. A good thematic essay conclusion should tie everything together, restate your thesis with the insights gained, and leave your reader with a strong final thought.

• Start by briefly going over the main points you made in your essay. Think of this as a quick reminder for the reader about what you’ve covered. For example, if your essay compared Athens and Sparta, you’d mention how their different political systems and values shaped their cultures and identities.
• Next, take your original theme thesis and rephrase it to reflect what you’ve discussed. Don’t just repeat your thesis word-for-word but show how your essay has proven it. For example, you might say, “The unique political and cultural systems of Athens and Sparta not only defined their societies but also left a lasting mark on Western civilization.”
• End with a closing thought that ties everything together. It could be a reflection on why these themes are still relevant today or just a simple statement that emphasizes the importance of what you’ve discussed.

Wrap Things Up

Thematic essays are a powerful tool for students. They unlock deeper meaning in texts, sharpen critical thinking and analytical skills, and build strong writing foundations.

Writing thematic essays doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by choosing a theme that resonates with you, then structure your essay with a clear introduction, detailed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. Use evidence from your text to support your thesis and make sure to review your work for clarity and flow. Finally, don’t forget to check your citations and formatting.

Before submitting your thematic essay, cross off all these items from the to-do list.

Learn more: Jem Finch character traits .

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What Is a Thematic Essay?

How to write a thematic essay, what is the main point of a thematic essay.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated writing steps.
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• https://www.wboro.org/cms/lib/NY01914047/Centricity/Domain/1006/Thematic%20Essays%20Helpful%20Hints.pdf
• Thematic Essay - Regents Exam Rubric  | New Visions - Social Studies. (n.d.). New Visions - Social Studies. https://curriculum.newvisions.org/social-studies/resources/resource/thematic-essay-regents-exam-rubric/
• How to Structure Your Essay Introduction | Essay Writing Part 2. (2023, October 31). Matrix Education. https://www.matrix.edu.au/essay-writing-guide/how-to-structure-your-essay-introduction/  

Writing A Literary Analysis Essay

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• What is an Literary Analysis?
• Literary Devices & Terms
• Creating a Thesis Statement This link opens in a new window
• Using quotes or evidence in your essay
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Video Links

Elements of a short story, Part 1

YouTube video

Elements of a short story, Part 2

online tools

Collaborative Mind Mapping  – collaborative brainstorming site

Sample Literary Analysis Essay Outline 

Paper Format and Structure

Analyzing Literature and writing a Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis are written in the third person point of view in present tense. Do not use the words I or you in the essay. Your instructor may have you choose from a list of literary works read in class or you can choose your own. Follow the required formatting and instructions of your instructor.

Writing & Analyzing process

First step: Choose a literary work or text. Read & Re-Read the text or short story. Determine the key point or purpose of the literature

Step two: Analyze key elements of the literary work. Determine how they fit in with the author's purpose.

Step three: Put all information together. Determine how all elements fit together towards the main theme of the literary work.

Step four: Brainstorm a list of potential topics. Create a thesis statement based on your analysis of the literary work. 

Step five: search through the text or short story to find textual evidence to support your thesis. Gather information from different but relevant sources both  from the text itself and other  secondary  sources to help to prove your point. All evidence found will be quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to help explain your argument to the reader. 

Step six: Create and outline and begin the rough draft of your essay. 

Step seven: revise and proofread. Write the final draft of essay

Step eight: include a reference or works cited page at the end of the essay and include in-text citations.

When analyzing a literary work pay close attention to the following:

Characters:  A  character  is a person, animal, being, creature, or thing in a story. 

• Protagonist : The main character of the story
• Antagonist : The villain of the story
• Love interest : the protagonist’s object of desire.
• Confidant : This type of character is the best friend or sidekick of the protagonist
• Foil  – A foil is a character that has opposite character traits from another character and are meant to help highlight or bring out another’s positive or negative side.
• Flat  – A flat character has one or two main traits, usually only all positive or negative.
• Dynamic character : A dynamic character is one who changes over the course of the story.
• Round character : These characters have many different traits, good and bad, making them more interesting.
• Static character : A static character does not noticeably change over the course of a story.
• Symbolic character : A symbolic character represents a concept or theme larger than themselves.
• Stock character : A stock character is an ordinary character with a fixed set of personality traits.

Setting:  The  setting  is the period of time and geographic location in which a  story  takes place.

Plot:   a literary term used to describe the events that make up a story

Theme:   a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. 

Dialogue:  any communication between two characters

Imagery:  a literary device that refers to the use of figurative language to evoke a sensory experience or create a picture with words for a reader.

Figures of Speech:  A word or phrase that is used in a non-literal way to create an effect. 

Tone: A literary device that reflects the writer's attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work.

rhyme or rhythm:  Rhyme is a literary device, featured particularly in poetry, in which identical or similar concluding syllables in different words are repeated. Rhythm can be described as the beat and pace of a poem

Point of view:  the narrative voice through which a story is told.

• Limited –  the narrator sees only what’s in front of him/her, a spectator of events as they unfold and unable to read any other character’s mind.
• Omniscient –  narrator sees all. He or she sees what each character is doing and can see into each character’s mind. 
• Limited Omniscient – narrator can only see into one character’s mind. He/she might see other events happening, but only knows the reasons of one character’s actions in the story.
• First person: You see events based on the character telling the story
• Second person: The narrator is speaking to you as the audience

Symbolism:   a literary device in which a writer uses one thing—usually a physical object or phenomenon—to represent something else.

Irony:  a literary device in which contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true.

Ask some of the following questions when analyzing literary work:

• Which literary devices were used by the author?
• How are the characters developed in the content?
• How does the setting fit in with the mood of the literary work?
• Does a change in the setting affect the mood, characters, or conflict?
• What point of view is the literary work written in and how does it effect the plot, characters, setting, and over all theme of the work?
• What is the over all tone of the literary work? How does the tone impact the author’s message?
• How are figures of speech such as similes, metaphors, and hyperboles used throughout the text?
• When was the text written? how does the text fit in with the time period?

Creating an Outline

A literary analysis essay outline is written in standard format: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. An outline will provide a definite structure for your essay.

I. Introduction: Title

A. a hook statement or sentence to draw in readers

B. Introduce your topic for the literary analysis. 

• Include some background information that is relevant to the piece of literature you are aiming to analyze.

C. Thesis statement: what is your argument or claim for the literary work.

II. Body paragraph

A. first point for your analysis or evidence from thesis

B.  textual evidence   with explanation of how it proves your point

III. second evidence from thesis

A. textual evidence   with explanation of how it proves your point  

IV. third evidence from thesis

V. Conclusion

A. wrap up the essay

B. restate the argument and why its important

C. Don't add any new ideas or arguments

VI: Bibliography: Reference or works cited page

End each body paragraph in the essay with a transitional sentence. 

Links & Resources

Literary Analysis Guide

Discusses how to analyze a passage of text to strengthen your discussion of the literature.

The Writing Center @ UNC-Chapel Hill

Excellent handouts and videos around key writing concepts. Entire section on Writing for Specific Fields, including Drama, Literature (Fiction), and more. Licensed under CC BY NC ND (Creative Commons - Attribution - NonCommercial - No Derivatives).

Creating Literary Analysis (Cordell and Pennington, 2012) – LibreTexts

Resources for Literary Analysis Writing 

Some free resources on this site but some are subscription only

Students Teaching English Paper Strategies 

The Internet Public Library: Literary Criticism

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Literary Analysis–How To

Written by Ali Pineo

What is a Literary Analysis?

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, structure—just to name a few elements) and then zoom out to illuminate how those elements contribute to the “big picture,” whether that be a central idea, theme, or social commentary.

Central to the literary analysis is the “why.” You should not aim to merely explain, describe, or interpret—you must do all three in addition to answering bigger questions like, “Why does this interpretation matter?” and “How is this perspective significant?” These questions are at the heart of analysis, which aims to examine complex ideas by studying their individual parts, characteristics, and features. 

Your job, then, is to put on your detective cap, search for major ideas, and identify patterns in how those ideas connect. In doing so, you’ll work to bring the implicit to the surface and develop (and evolve!) your questions and interpretations to explore the text. Cultivating this detective state of mind will allow you to conquer your next major task: writing the literary analysis. 

Table of Contents:

How to Find Your Topic

Writing Your Intro

Moving beyond the 5 paragraph structure, the importance of transitions, writing your conclusion, 3 ways to find a topic, notice what catches your attention.

Is it a symbol that continues to reappear? Is it the power struggle between two characters? Is it a nagging question you can’t shake? Investigating something that stands out to you is a good starting place. You may not end up writing on that particular topic, but it could lead you to a compelling idea worthy of unpacking.

Don’t take class for granted

check your notes! Your professors often leave a really clear trail of themes and ideas you can explore in your essay. If you think this will preclude you from having a novel or unique idea, think again. There are many ways to approach previously made arguments. Picking up on your professor’s bread crumbs is precisely why you go to class—to learn from an expert and to practice your analytical skills under their guidance. Following their lead can often guide you toward the richest ideas to explore and unpack. 

Talk to a friend and have them keep track of the words and themes that keep popping up for you

Do you continue circling back to the theme of power? Or perhaps you keep repeating the same three words—like “education, socio-economic status, and success” (you might then ask yourself how those three things are connected). Saying your ideas out loud and having them repeated back to you can help you to develop clarity and understanding of your potential topic(s). 

Once you’ve chosen a topic, you’re ready to explore significant quotes, passages, and themes that will make up your evidence. Rereading key sections of the text will help you to elevate your understanding of the ideas and evidence you are considering and aid in the tedious narrowing of your topic. This prep work is crucial to constructing your main argument, A.K.A. your thesis, which consists of a narrowed topic + the “so what.” When you’re ready, head over to this guide on How to Write a Strong Argument to build an outstanding thesis statement for your essay. 

Your introduction is like a map—it should orient your reader to the main argument (your thesis). Your map should be inviting, clear, and useful, as well as capture your reader’s attention. If your map had a shape, it would be an upside down triangle, starting general and narrowing to its most specific point—your thesis. 

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Pro tip: Although the intro comes first in the essay, that doesn’t mean you actually have to write it first. It’s hard to introduce something that doesn't exist yet! Instead, you could start by writing a simple place-holder introduction and come back to revise and refine it after you’ve finished drafting the body paragraphs. (This is how many of your professors write.)

Top of the funnel: Start with a hook (remember, enticing)

An interesting rhetorical question like “Is Heathcliff worthy of sympathy?” or a bold statement(s) (think newspaper headlines) like “He tortured his newphew and son. He abused women. He crafted a master plan to seek revenge on his enemies'' will catch your reader’s attention.

Middle of the funnel: Contextualize your argument 

At first, writing an intro can feel like navigating murky waters? “Put the stuff a reader needs to know to understand your paper in the intro” is the advice often given to students. But how do you know exactly what to include and what to leave out? The easiest way to construct your intro is to reverse engineer it from your thesis statement and/or topic sentences.

3 Ways to Reverse Engineer:  

Divide your thesis into parts and provide context that sequentially elaborates on those individual parts. 

Think about your thesis statement as a set of key terms—define those terms so the reader is able to understand the specifics of your argument. 

After you’re done writing the essay, compile every first and last sentence of your body paragraphs. Paraphrase those sentences into an introduction.

BOTTOM OF THE FUNNEL: end with your thesis statement

In high school, you were likely taught the 5 paragraph structure for an essay: intro, 3 body paragraphs, conclusion. While the 5-paragraph structure can be a helpful beginner’s tool for understanding argumentation and organizing your ideas, it can be constraining in certain situations. It’s highly likely you’ll want to move beyond the 5-paragraph essay, for example, when your ideas or argument demand it, as is often the case for a literary analysis (and probably most if not all of your college essays). 

One pitfall I often see in literary analyses that attempt to adhere to the five-paragraph structure is the tendency to prove the same point, “my thesis is true,” for every body paragraph. Your analysis should add up to more than proving that your thesis is true or valid—it should also question, complicate, and most importantly, evolve your main argument. One way to do this is through David Rosenwasser’s “10-1” method, which aims to cultivate freedom of thought and hopefully, deeper analysis.

The 10-1 Method (in a nutshell)

Your first job is to find the best representative example to use as your evidence for a point you’ll want to make in your analysis (that stands for the “1”). You can do this by collecting quotes that support or illustrate the same idea and then selecting the quote that most overtly represents your claim. 

Next, you’ll want to unpack 10 points of analysis for each piece of evidence. This will likely feel difficult—but that’s the point! You can dig into the details, identify patterns, wrestle with meaning, highlight implications, point out significance, and more. By doing so, you’ll stretch your thinking and make connections you might have otherwise overlooked. This part of the exercise will also help you generate ideas and content for your body paragraphs, which you can use when outlining or drafting. You don’t have to necessarily use all 10 points you generate—you can narrow them down to the points that best support that paragraph’s claim. What will result is deeper analysis and a more nuanced argument.

As you continue to formulate your body paragraphs, you can repeat the first two steps with new evidence that further extends and qualifies your argument. This will help you to avoid a static argument and help your main argument gain complexity and relevancy. 

The 10-1 method will help to free up your thinking through the selection of strong, representative evidence and the unfolding of insightful, detailed analysis. When you shift from outline to draft, you’ll have ensured that your arguments have movement to them, reminiscent of a visual spectacle—evolving and changing shape from beginning to end. 

Transitions may seem like an accessory, a nice embellishment. But imagine you’re following that map we discussed earlier, and it leads you through scenic waterfalls and mountains by way of an extremely bumpy road. You’ll probably miss the view because you’re focusing so hard on keeping the steering wheel straight! Similarly, your transitions allow for a smooth ride, taking your reader from idea to idea without ejecting them from their seat. More importantly, good transitions will allow for your arguments and ideas to shine. 

In your essay, you will utilize two main types of transitions:  

Transitions between different ideas in your argument (sentence level)

Transitions between arguments (paragraph/section level)

Whether you are transitioning from one idea to the next or introducing a totally new argument, you want to show how the thing you’re saying connects and leads to the next thing you’d like to say, or how something links back to a piece you spent time exploring earlier. 

So, how do you do that?  

On a sentence level: start your sentences by referring back to the main idea or subject of the sentence before it, and end your sentences with the new information. This way, you create a smooth ramp into your next idea. 

On a paragraph level: start by either summarizing or referring back to the “so what” of the paragraph before it and use a strong transition word or phrase to connect it to your next argument. 

Examples of great transition words

As a result

Accordingly

In contrast

First, second, third, next, finally

Additionally/in addition

Furthermore

For greater detail and further examples, check out this guide to transitions from the University of Melbourne .

To evaluate your transitions, ask yourself:

Are there smooth transitions and/or topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph? Underlining or circling those transitions will help you to visually map whether you're providing adequate anchors and links for your readers. 

Can I define or explain the relationship a transition is trying to convey between each new idea (e.g. are they similar? do they contrast? are they chronological?). If you’re struggling to answer that question, you probably a) don’t have a transition yet or b) need a stronger, more specific transition. 

Feel free to check out this guide on How to Edit a College Essay for more tips on how to up-level the focus, clarity, and style of your essay with strong transitions. 

Let’s begin with what the conclusion is not: it is not strictly a summary of your main points and thesis. While the conclusion frequently does start with a look back at previously made arguments, the majority of the conclusion should be forward looking. It should focus on the “so what” and aim for a feeling of resolution with an openness to possibilities. 

Here’s one way to think about it: In your essay, we don’t mean “conclusion” as in “to end”; we mean it more along the lines of “to draw conclusions,” as in “to make judgements, often about the greater meaning or importance of a thing.”

So, how do you achieve this?

Introduce your evolved thesis by circling back to reevaluate and establish connections between previously made arguments. Using keywords to guide this “summary” will help you to avoid redundancy while still communicating the important evolution of your ideas throughout the essay.  

Connect to Implications and/or Larger Themes 

Broaden your focus to larger issues or themes brought forth by the text. A few different moves you can make include: 

stating the author’s implied warning to the reader

identifying and connecting the significance of your thesis to a larger theme

commenting on the cultural currency of your argument

Example conclusion from a comparative analysis of Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage and Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo by Ntozake Shange:

Female protagonists Esther and Indigo were ahead of their time in their ability to exemplify powerful, independent women. They used their creativity to retain their sense of self and make unique contributions to the world around them. As a result, they did not need to rely on men or societal acceptance to formulate strong identities. By creating strong female characters grounded in their “domestic” creative art, Nottage and Shange reframe female domesticity as more than just a role women should play—it’s a tool that women can wield to generate fuller, more empowered lives for themselves.  

Notice that the underlined section does link back to and in effect summarizes some of the major points made in the essay (and notice that even without having read the whole essay, you have a clear sense of what was likely discussed). But the section in italics draws conclusions by examining the wider meaning or importance and by discussing its possible social implications and applications.

Final Thoughts

Let me normalize something for you—writing is hard. 

For basically everybody. If you don’t believe me, read Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Drafts.”

But IMO, knowing how to analyze and write a textual analysis is one of the best tools you can have in your writer’s toolbox. You’ll have learned to cultivate a critical lens, which sets a solid foundation for all types of analytical writing, including writing on research, government policies, historical events, works of art, and much more. And though writing may sometimes feel like what I once heard someone else describe as a “glorious frustration,” I hope this guide helps you find your “glory” (or at least eases the frustration a bit).

Special thanks to Ali Pineo for writing this post and contributing to other College Writing Center resources

Ali is a college essay specialist with her BA in English from Stanford University and MFA from UC Irvine. She has spent thousands of hours coaching admissions essays and helping students to build their confidence in the writing process. In addition to essay coaching, she is a former professional ballerina and current co-artistic director for Maui’s contemporary dance company Adaptations Dance Theater. She is a hybrid writer-dancer who enjoys the power of storytelling.

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Literary Analysis Essay

Literary analysis essay generator.

Literary analysis essays offer a deeper understanding and interpretation of literary works, allowing readers to delve into the intricacies of a story, poem, or novel. Whether you’re a student or a literature enthusiast, analyzing literature can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore a collection of 30+ literary analysis essay examples available in Word, Google Docs, and PDF formats. We will also discuss essential elements such as analysis paper outlines , literary devices, short story analysis, literature reviews, theses, analogies, book reviews, context, and conclusions.

1. Literary Analysis Essay Outline Example

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15. Graphic Organizer Literary Analysis Essay Example

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22. Introduction to Literary Analysis Essay Example

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23. Short Story Literary Analysis Essay Example

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24. 8th Grade Literary Analysis Essay Example

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25. Literary Analysis Essay Assignment Example

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30. 9th Grade Literary Analysis Essay Example

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31. Literary Analysis Essay Guide Example

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What is a Literary Analysis Essay?

A literary analysis essay is a critical examination and interpretation of a literary work. It involves analyzing various elements such as plot, characters, themes, and literary devices to uncover deeper meanings and insights. By dissecting the text and exploring its nuances, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the author’s intentions and the work’s impact. A well-written literary analysis essay provides a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond surface-level observations.

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

Before we dive into the examples, let’s outline the steps involved in writing a literary analysis essay:

Step 1: Choose a literary work:

Select a literary work that you want to analyze. It could be a novel, short story, poem, or play. Ensure that the chosen work is rich in literary elements and offers ample material for analysis.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the work:

Read the literary work carefully, taking note of important plot points, characters, themes, and literary devices. Pay attention to the author’s writing style and the overall tone of the work.

Step 3: Develop a thesis statement:

Craft a strong thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument or interpretation of the literary work. Your thesis should be clear, concise, and debatable, providing a roadmap for your analysis.

Step 4: Gather evidence:

Collect evidence from the literary work to support your thesis statement. Look for specific examples, quotes, and literary devices that reinforce your analysis. Take note of the context in which these elements appear.

Step 5: Organize your essay:

Create an analysis paper outline to structure your essay effectively. Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion . Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your analysis, supported by evidence.

Step 6: Write your essay:

Start with an engaging introduction that provides background information and introduces your thesis statement. In the body paragraphs, analyze different aspects of the literary work, providing evidence and explanations. Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reinforcing your thesis .

What are some examples of literary devices?

Literary devices are techniques used by authors to enhance their writing and convey meaning. Examples include metaphors, similes, personification, alliteration, and symbolism. For a comprehensive list and explanations, refer to Literary Devices .

Are there any specific examples of short story analysis essays?

You can find examples of short story analysis essays in PDF format here . These examples provide insights into analyzing the elements of a short story effectively.

How does context impact literary analysis?

Context plays a crucial role in literary analysis as it helps readers understand the historical, social, and cultural background in which the literary work was written. It provides insights into the author’s intentions and influences the interpretation of the text.

Text prompt

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• Professional

Analyze the theme of courage in a novel for your Literary Analysis Essay.

Write about the use of symbolism in a short story for your Literary Analysis Essay.