Analytical Essay Writing Guide

Definition of Analytical Essay

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that intends to examine and interpret a specific topic or subject matter by breaking it down into its parts and analyzing each of them critically. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on personal opinions or persuasive arguments, an analytical essay goes for objective analysis and reasoning supported by evidence.

The analytical essay typically begins with an introduction, having a hook, and background information followed by a thesis statement that articulates the main argument.

The body paragraphs of an analytical essay comprise a detailed analysis and evaluation of specific aspects or elements of the subject, using supporting evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. The essay concludes with a restatement of the thesis and a summary of the key findings and insights derived from the analysis. It ends with a clincher or a call to action or something novel or unique.

Major Parts of Analytical Essay

Here are some important parts or elements of a good analytical essay. They must be present if an essay is to be titled as an analytical essay.

Element	Detail
Introduction	This is the first part. It provides an overview of the topic through a hook and background and establishes the context for analysis.
Thesis Statement	It presents the main argument, or perspective. This is the heart of an analytical essay.
Body Paragraphs	Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect or element of the subject matter, with analysis and supporting evidence.
Analysis	It breaks down the topic into its constituent parts, examining them in detail. This part is the main part due to which it is called an analytical essay.
Evidence	It uses relevant and credible evidence, such as examples, statistics, or quotations, to support the analysis.
Logical Reasoning	It applies logical and critical thinking to interpret the evidence and draw conclusions.
Coherence and Organization	It ensures that ideas and arguments flow logically and are well-connected.
Conclusion	It summarizes the main findings of the analysis.
Language and Style	It employs concise and precise language, maintaining a formal and academic tone.
Citations and Referencing	It acknowledges and properly cites any external sources used in the essay, following the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Revision and Proofreading	It reviews the essay for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling errors, making necessary revisions before final submission.

Functions of Analytical Essay

1. Examination and Analysis: Analyzing a specific topic or subject matter in-depth to gain a deeper understanding of its components, elements, or underlying principles.
2. Interpretation: Interpreting the evidence and information gathered during the analysis to derive meaningful insights.
3. Critical Thinking: Applying logical and critical thinking skills to evaluate the topic objectively, considering various perspectives, strengths, weaknesses, and implications.
4. Evidence-Based Reasoning: Supporting arguments and claims with relevant and credible evidence such as examples, data, research findings, or expert opinions.
5. Clear Presentation of Ideas: Presenting ideas, arguments, and analysis in a structured and organized manner.
6. Development of Argument: Presenting a well-defined and coherent argument or perspective.
7. Persuasion and Influence: Convincing and persuading the readers significance of the argument or perspective presented.
8. Insightful Conclusion: Summarizing the key findings and insights derived from the analysis.
9. Contribution to Knowledge: Contributing to the existing body of knowledge on the topic.
10. Academic Skills Development: Enhancing critical thinking, research, analysis, and writing skills.

Examples of Analytical Essay Topics and Details

Topic	Thesis Statement	Paragraph Points
The Representation of Gender Roles in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre	Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre challenges traditional Victorian gender roles, depicting a resilient and independent female protagonist, exploring power dynamics, and subverting societal expectations.	1. The portrayal of Jane Eyre as a non-conforming and assertive female character.
		2. The examination of power dynamics between genders, particularly through the character of Mr. Rochester.
		3. The subversion of societal expectations, such as Jane’s refusal to accept a submissive role.
Social Critique in Charles Dickens’ Hard Times	Charles Dickens’ Hard Times serves as a social critique on Victorian society’s obsession with industrialization and utilitarian principles through the dehumanization of characters, exposure of class divisions, and criticism of ducation systems.	1. The dehumanization of characters in an industrialized society.
		2. The portrayal of class divisions and the consequences of rigid social structures.
		3. The critique of education systems that prioritize utilitarianism and individual development.
The Role of Science and Religion in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles	In Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles, the conflict between science and religion is explored through the character’s struggles with fate and free will, the examination of moral responsibility, and the juxtaposition of natural and supernatural elements.	1. The protagonist’s internal conflict between accepting her predetermined fate and asserting her free will.
		2. The exploration of moral responsibility concerning relations to social expectations and religious beliefs.
		3. The use of natural and supernatural elements to emphasize the tension between science and religion.
The Theme of Imperialism in Rudyard Kipling’s The Man Who Would Be King	Rudyard Kipling’s The Man Who Would Be King reflects the theme of imperialism through the characters’ desire for power and control, the exploration of cultural clashes, and the critique of the notion of the “white man’s burden.”	1. The characters’ pursuit of power and control as a manifestation of imperialistic ideals.
		2. The examination of the cultural clash between the colonizers and the colonized.
		3. The critique of the “white man’s burden” ideology and its implications.
Symbolism in Christina Rossetti’s Poetry	Christina Rossetti’s poetry employs symbolism to convey themes of love, loss, and spirituality, as demonstrated through the symbolism of flowers, the exploration of religious motifs, and the use of color imagery.	1. Symbolism of flowers to represent various emotions and experiences. 2. Religious motifs 3. Colorful images

Suggested Readings

1. Bahaziq, Afnan. “Cohesive Devices in Written Discourse: A Discourse Analysis of a Student’s Essay Writing.” English Language Teaching 9.7 (2016): 112-119.
2. Cavell, Stanley. Must We Mean What We Say?: A Book of Essays. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
3. Lodge, David. The Language of Fiction: Essays in Criticism and Verbal Analysis of the English Novel. Routledge, 2015.
4. Savage, Alice, and Patricia Mayer. Effective Academic Writing: The Short Essay. Oxford University Press, 2006.