A Guide to Writing the Literary Analysis Essay
Introduction
- Begin creatively to catch the reader's interest.
- Provide essential background information about the literary work.
- Include the author, title, and theme to be discussed.
- Mention setting, main characters, or other relevant details.
- Present the major thesis, usually at the end of the paragraph.
- Link the thesis to the preceding sentence by building on a key word or idea.
Creative Openings/Hooks
- Startling fact or information: Example – Arrests during the Salem witch trials.
- Snatch of dialogue: Example – Exchange between Frederic and the priest in A Farewell to Arms.
- Meaningful quotation: Example – 'To be, or not to be' from Hamlet.
- Universal idea: Example – The lasting impact of war on soldiers.
- Rich, vivid setting description: Example – Depiction of Maycomb in To Kill a Mockingbird.