Literary Analysis Essay: Major Elements
- Introduction:Context and Background:
- It states your thesis statement, which should comprise the main argument or statement on how to interpret the work – a poem, short story, novel play, etc.
- Context explores the historical, cultural, and social context in which the literary work emerged.
- It also discusses any relevant biographical information about the author that could shed light on the meaning of the text.
- Plot and Structure:
- Plot of this type of essay analyzes the narrative structure and plot development of the work under analysis.
- It also identifies key events, conflicts, and turning points that shape the story.
- With it, it examines the use of literary devices such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, or nonlinear storytelling, or any other device that the writer may have used.
- Themes and Motifs:
- This section of the essay identifies the major themes or ideas explored in the text.
- It also analyzes how these themes evolve and how the authors have explored them in the storyline.
- It also discusses recurring motifs or symbols and their significance in elaborating the themes.
- Characters and Characterization:
- This section of the essay analyzes the main characters in the literary work.
- It explores their motivations, conflicts, and relationships with other characters.
- It also examines how the author develops and portrays the characters through dialogue, actions, and descriptions.
- Language and Style:
- This section of the essay shows the author’s writing style and the language techniques used in the work.
- It analyzes the use of imagery, figurative language, or rhetorical devices.
- It also examines the overall tone and mood created by the author’s choice of language.
- Conclusion:
- Final section of the essay, conclusion, presents a summary of the main points and arguments.
- It restates the thesis statement and reflects on the significance of the analysis.
- With it, it provides a final thought or interpretation that ties everything together.
Historical Essay: Major Elements
- Introduction:
- This section of this essay provides an overview of the historical period or event being discussed.
- It clearly states the thesis statement, which presents the main argument or central idea of the essay.
- Historical Context:
- This section provides a detailed background of the historical period or event.
- It also discusses the key social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the period.
- Besides this, it highlights significant events or developments relevant to the thesis.
- Analysis and Interpretation:
- This section of the essay presents an analysis and interpretation of the historical period or event.
- It also discusses the causes and consequences of the event or the broader significance of the historical period.
- Besides, it examines different perspectives or interpretations from historians or scholars on the subject.
- Conclusion:
- This final section of the essay summarizes the main points and arguments.
- It also restates the thesis statement and reflects on the significance of the analysis.
- Besides, it rovides a final thought or reflection on the lasting impact or lessons learned from the historical period or event.
Informal Essay:
- Introduction:
- Grab the reader’s attention with an engaging opening or anecdote.
- Clearly state the topic or theme of your essay.
- Set the tone for an informal and conversational writing style.
- Personal Reflection or Storytelling:
- This section of the essay shares a personal experience, anecdote, or reflection related to the topic.
- Use storytelling techniques to engage the reader and make the essay relatable.
- Inject humor, emotion, or personal insights to create a conversational tone.
- Exploration and Analysis:
- Discuss the topic in a casual and conversational manner.
- Present your thoughts, opinions, and observations on the subject.
- Use examples, anecdotes, or pop culture references to illustrate your points.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize your main ideas or arguments.
- Offer a closing thought or reflection on the topic.
- Encourage the reader to think further or share their own perspectives.
Satirical Essay:
- Introduction:
- This section of the essay starts with a witty or sarcastic opening that grabs the reader’s attention.
- It gives information about the topic or issue being satirized.
- Following this, it sets the tone for a satirical essay by adopting a humorous and ironic voice.
- Exaggeration and Ridicule:
- This section of the essay identifies the absurd or exaggerated aspects of the topic or issue.
- It does this by using hyperbole and exaggeration to highlight the flaws or contradictions in the subject.
- It also uses irony and satire to mock and ridicule the absurdity.
- Critique and Commentary:
- The critique section offers a critical analysis of the topic or issue, highlighting its shortcomings or contradictions.
- It uses humor and satire to expose the underlying problems or flaws.
- It also uses parody or satire to make a larger point or social commentary.
- Conclusion:
- This final section summarizes the satirical critique.
- It also restates the main points in a humorous and ironic manner.
- In the end, it leaves the readers with a final satirical twist or thought-provoking statement.
Suggested Readings
- Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
- Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
- Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.
- Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., University of Michigan Press, 2012.
- Ramage, John D., et al. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. 10th ed., Pearson, 2016.
- Crews, Frederick. The Random House Handbook. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2020.
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