Steps to Writing a
Literary Analysis Essay
Purpose
O A literary analysis is not merely a summary
of a literary work.
O Instead, it is an argument about the work
that expresses a writer’s personal
perspective, interpretation, judgment or
critical evaluation of the work.
O The purpose of a literary analysis is to
demonstrate why the author used specific
themes, character traits, settings, etc.
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Read the text closely several times.
Brainstorm a list of potential topics (themes).
Think about what the author is trying to say.
Select a topic that has sufficient supporting
evidence.
Develop a “working thesis”.
Make an extended list of evidence (we do this
when we list the page numbers with text that
corresponds with the themes noted). Narrow this
list down to three scenes that are the strongest
support for your working thesis.
Refine the thesis if needed.
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The theme of a literary work is its underlying,
central idea or the generalization it communicates
about life.
The theme expresses the authors opinion or raises
a question about human nature or the meaning of
human experience.
Sometimes the theme may be clearly stated or is
implied through the characterization, setting,
events, POV, tone, etc.
One key to determining the theme(s) is through
observing how many times a subject is discussed.
You cannot write a successful essay without a thesis
statement.
 A thesis statement must contain a subject and an opinion
and be debatable.
 A good thesis statement is typically short and simple. It
should only be one sentence.
 Determine what message the author is trying to say about
the subject you have chosen to write about.
Examples:
Avoid a non-debatable thesis: Beowulf is a warrior who comes to
save the Danish people from Grendel.
Good Thesis Statement: The author of Beowulf shows that good
triumphs over evil through the battle with Grendel, Grendel’s Mother
and the dragon.
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A successful statement is limited to one main idea.
Good Example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a
specific goal.
Bad Example: The key to successful dieting is focusing on a
specific goal, which is also the key to successfully running a
business.
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A successful thesis statement is a declarative sentence
with no qualifiers (might, maybe, etc.)
Good Example: Lebron James’ ability to score, pass and
rebound make him the league’s most valuable player.
Bad Example: Lebron James’ ability to score, pass and
rebound just might make him the league’s most valuable player.
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For informative/persuasive presentations, it is a good idea
to use what is called a “divided thesis”, which is a statement
that shows the reader what each point in the presentation
will be about by listing each of the arguments you plan to
make.
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For example, consider the question:
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Does Hamlet display true madness or is he only pretending
to be crazy?
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A simple thesis statement (subject and opinion) could just say:
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Hamlet has goes crazy after the death of his father.
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However, you could improve this thesis
statement by adding your three main
supporting reasons.
While many opponents argue that Hamlet is
actually pretending to be mad, ultimately he
shows his true madness when he speaks to
Ophelia, kills Polonius and jumps into
Ophelia’s grave and fights with Laertes.
Therefore, Hamlet truly goes crazy after the
death of his father.
You first choose sufficient evidence from the text to
support the thesis statement you have created. This
will be the content of your three body paragraphs.
 What scenes or lines support your statement?
 Interpret the evidence (Be careful that your personal
interpretation is an analysis or commentary NOT a
summary.)
Good example: Beowulf announces that he is capable of saving
the Danes because he is a respected warrior. He notes,
“However it occurred, my sword had killed nine sea-monsters”
(Beowulf, pg 39). This fearless quote by Beowulf not only shows
his confidence in himself, but clearly exemplifies one of his many
great accomplishments.
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Bad Example: Beowulf announces that he is capable
of saving the Danes because he is a respected warrior.
He notes, “However it occurred, my sword had killed
nine sea-monsters” (Beowulf, pg 39). During this
scene Beowulf and his warriors have landed on shore
and are discussing his ancestry and past battles.
This is summary, not analysis or commentary!
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When writing a literary analysis it is important for writers to
make sure they express their own interpretation of the
authors ideas through their analysis of the scenes chosen in
the three body paragraphs.
Analysis/commentary is a necessary component of this type
of essay.
Commentary can be in the form of analysis, giving an
interpretation, personal reaction and reflection.
Sportscasters are a great example of people who use
commentary as opposed to summary or recall of events.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSM82f3Zj_g&feature
=related
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Once you have refined your thesis statement
and determined the evidence you will use, you
need to complete a graphic organizer or
outline.
The next step is to begin writing a rough draft
that includes an introductory paragraph, three
body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Then you will be completing a self-editing
checklist as well as having a peer edit your
essay as well.
The opening paragraph contains the following:
• Attention grabbing opening
• Introduction of the title and author of the novel
and 2-3 sentences with a summary or
explanation of how the theme relates to the
story.
• Thesis statement
“One of the most important things for writing a great opening sentence is to keep it
short and simple. This is good advice for all writing; there are many posts on blogs
out there advocating the use of short sentences and clear writing, but for the first
sentence it is especially important.”
You may use any of the following:
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Appropriate Quotation – “A hero is someone who has given his
or her life to something bigger than oneself” (Joseph Campbell).
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Question – What qualities make a hero?
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Definition - Hero came to refer to characters who, in the face of
danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display
courage and the will for self sacrifice—that is, heroism—for some
greater of all humanity (Webster Dictionary, 2010).
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Statistic – According to the Home of Heroes website, there have
been 3,476 Medals of Honor awarded in the United States
Military.
According to Benjamin Disraeli, “The legacy of
heroes is the memory of a great name and the
inheritance of a great example.” Heroism is a main
theme in the story Beowulf, author unknown.
Ancestry and its legacy make the main character,
Beowulf a hero from the beginning. His epic battles
make other men idolize him for his bravery, but the
story shows that Beowulf fought for glory rather than
honor.
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Each body paragraph includes the following:
Topic Sentence
Quote with page number
Analysis/Commentary (1-2 sentences)
Concluding sentence with transition words or
phrases to lead to the next paragraph
Introduce your paragraph by announcing the scene
you are using as your evidence.
Good example - The first scene in which Beowulf displays his
power over evil is when he battles the mighty Grendel and wins.
Next include an appropriately cited quote.
“No Dane doubted the victory, for the proof, hanging high from
the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s arm,
claw and shoulder and all” (407-410).
Then insert your analysis/commentary on that quote.
Despite the strength of Grendel, the “almighty Beowulf”
displays his superhuman strength to defeat the monster of the
Danish people. This quote shows that Grendel could not have
been defeated by any ordinary human being and that Beowulf
was the only person alive that could have saved them.
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In-text Example:
 Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was
marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful
feelings” (263).
 Romantic poetry is characterized by the
“spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”
(Wordsworth 263).
 Wordsworth extensively explored the role of
emotion in the creative process (263).
 Works Cited Entry:
Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads. London:
OxfordUP, 1967. Print.
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Rephrase thesis in a fresh way
 Statement about authors message
 General connection to the world as a whole
 Leave reader with something to think about
Example:
Beowulf’s character shows that he values
recognition more than morality. The author shows that
while Beowulf does save many of the Danes from
death, people still want to be appreciated for the deeds
they do. In the world that we live in today, heroes are
still highly regarded and often times rewarded for their
selflessness. Our society needs to remember to always
treasure and honor those who are courageous.
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