Writing the Analytical

Essay
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.