Writing the Analytical Essay

1. Writing the Analytical Essay

2. What does it mean to analyze? • Analyze means “to separate a subject into its parts (analyze), or the act or result of doing so” (Kennedy, Kennedy, and Aaron 692). • The process of analyzing involves breaking an object into its parts and examining those parts.

3. Analyzing for Essay Writing • When analyzing a piece of writing, first examine your response to the elements of the work. • Brainstorm your ideas about the work you are analyzing. • Create a working thesis (statement of purpose) about the piece you are analyzing.

4. Analyzing a Piece of Literature • Whether your assignment is to analyze an essay, short story, or novel, there are certain steps you can follow in the process of analytical writing. • Summarizing the original piece of writing will result in interpreting the work in your own original way.

5. Analyzing a Piece of Literature, Continued • Works of fiction are often complicated and open to interpretation. Likewise, articles and other types of nonfiction are often biased. • In the process of analyzing a work of fiction or nonfiction, it is the writer’s job to find unsubstantiated claims or to search for hidden meaning and messages.

6. Analyzing a Work of Fiction • If you are analyzing a short story or novel, look for the author’s use of symbolism. For example, colors often stand for broad ideas. Green can convey envy, money, or fertility. • Also, look for allusions to historic or cultural events. Understanding and explaining such indirect references will help you get at the deeper meaning of the story.

7. Analyzing a Work of Fiction, Continued • In the process of analysis, consider the basic plot (your summary), the characters (protagonist, antagonist, and all others), and the setting of the story (time and location). • Consider the point of view from which the story is related (first person, third person omniscient, or third person objective). • Focus on an interesting or complex character or problem in the plot.

8. Analyzing a Work of Nonfiction • Analyze the claim the author is making. What is the author’s main point? How does the author support that point? Is the support sufficient? Is that support valid? • Base your thesis on agreeing or disagreeing with the author’s point of view on the topic of the work.

9. Constructing Your Essay • Like any type of essay, an analytical essay consists of an introductory paragraph ending with a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs, and a strong concluding paragraph. • Make sure that all the supporting evidence in your body paragraphs directly support your thesis.

10. Conclusion • An analytical essay involves a great deal of critical think on the part of the writer. • The reward at the end of the process is an original creation.

11. References • Kennedy, Kennedy, and Aaron. The Bedford • Reader. 10th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, • 2009. • Kies, Daniel. “Writing an Analysis.” The • Hypertext Books. 2009. http://papyr.com/ • Hypertet books/comp2/analysis. htm. • “Literature (Fiction).” The Writing Center. • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. • http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb.