5 Steps on How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

The process of learning how to write a literary analysis can be daunting and overwhelming at first, but as
you gain more practice with this kind of thinking, you can craft a method that works best for you. Here is
a guide that outlines everything you need to know to write a good literary analysis.

1. Choose and Focus on the Topic

First, you need to read the work thoroughly and ensure you understand the plot of the play, poem or
novel and who the characters are. An analysis is only possible when you have a clear understanding of
the story. Always pick a topic that interests you as it is easier to start off with something you enjoy.
Brainstorm a list of potential topics (themes) by asking yourself questions like, What was striking in the
text? Why did the author write this? How are characters developed? How are the literary devices used?
and try to look for connections and patterns by mapping out the different aspects of the chosen
element.

2. Gather Evidence

It’s important for students to research the topic before writing. Collect enough material to help you
answer or support your question.

3. Introduction to a Literary Analysis Essay

The introduction to a literary analysis essay makes the first impression on a reader so it’s essential that
you bring it out in a clear and concise manner. A good introduction to a literary analysis essay should
provide relevant information about a particular aspect of a work of literature and orientate the reader
to what will follow. The introduction must, therefore, include a book, author, title, main characters,
short summary, and thesis. A thesis appears as the last sentence in the first paragraph and will mainly
allude to the three main points you wish to address in the main body of the essay.

Here is an example of a good thesis statement for literary analysis:

In a Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens demonstrates the process by which an unfruitful and wasted life
can be redeemed. Sidney Carton’s intense love for Lucie Manette transforms him from a hopeless man
into a hero and star whose life and death bring so much meaning.

4. The Body of a Literary Analysis Essay

After the introduction, you will move towards the body of your essay where you present the paragraphs
(usually three paragraphs for a 500-750 word essay) that support your thesis statement. Each paragraph
in the body should include a topic sentence, textual evidence (paraphrase or quotation),
commentary/explanation and a concluding sentence.

5. Conclusion of a Literary Analysis Essay

This is the last paragraph in your essay which should reflect how your essay topic relates to the book as
a whole. You will need to summarize all that you have discussed in the essay without introducing any
new ideas.