The Structure of the Literary Analysis

The Literary Analysis is similar in structure to all other general essays. The Literary Analysis should include a clear introduction, a thesis statement, at least two body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. In order to create developed paragraphs, you will still use the helpful Writing Template that shows you how to put the pieces of a well-developed paragraph together. Download the Writing Template from the sidebar.

View the video below for an example of how to create a developed Literary Analysis Essay:

Essay Examples:

Click here to read example essays. Links to an external site.

The Literary Analysis Introduction

Often, writing the introduction of the essay last is the easiest way to write an introduction. Write your thesis first and then write your body paragraphs. Then, come back to write the introduction paragraph. In order to write an introduction paragraph for your literary analysis, think about connecting your text to a current or historical event to hook your readers; you can also write about the purpose or importance of the literary device in your essay in order to guide readers to the thesis statement. View the example introduction below:

Topic: Explore the theme of disconnection in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Notice how the author uses current issues to draw the reader into the essay.

The Literary Analysis Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph should not summarize or restate your introduction. You do not want to simply repeat what you have already said. At the end of an essay, you want to give your readers something to think about when they finish reading. Also, make sure to not use "In conclusion" to start your conclusion paragraph because the reader will already know this is the conclusion. Start your essay with another overarching word such as "overall" or "therefore".   View the example conclusion paragraph below:

Including Evidence

Remember that you must include evidence from the text and other outside sources to support your claims. Sometimes, you might be required to only use your primary text, but oftentimes, you will have to include information from reliable secondary sources, or other books and websites that support your claims about the text. Remember that the evidence must be integrated and followed by correct in-text citations as you see in the examples above. Also, you must include the proper formula for the Source Citation on the Works Cited. Review Module 7 for how to properly cite your sources.

Reliable Sources

Remember to only use reliable sources as evidence to support your claims. If you are not using Gale or Galileo, review the following information regarding reliable websites. In order to be considered "reliable", your sources should come from websites ending in the following:

Contact your instructor for the log-in information to use Gale or Galileo.

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