jane is writing a literary analysis essay

Literary Analysis

This guide discusses the prerequisites to writing an analysis, its structure, and common mistakes that are to be avoided.

The ability to write a literary analysis is crucial to developing critical thinking. To some students, such an assignment is a welcome opportunity to expand their learning horizons, be creative, and express their opinion. To others, however, putting together a critical piece may appear rather challenging and the lack of understanding as to what an excellent analysis includes may be confusing. What is essential to understand is that there are two integral elements to writing a literary analysis: freedom of thought and clear logic.

How to Start a Literary Analysis

Putting together a literary analysis is a complex process where every single step matters. Writing starts with reading, and this is the reason why employing reading strategies adequately may be of great help when approaching such an assignment. When considering useful reading strategies, one can point out the following:

• Read a text twice. The first reading is great for becoming familiar with the given text and tracking one’s initial ideas, thoughts, and reactions. First impressions are rather personal and have the potential to help lay a good foundation for an in-depth analysis. The second reading is an opportunity to then view the piece through a more critical lens and start organizing thoughts for the analysis.
• Make notes. One may find making notes and comments while reading reasonably helpful. If a text is rather long, writing brief summaries for each chapter or parts may also facilitate the writing process.
• Learn about the context. Each literary piece exists in the context of its time and environment. The historical context is embedded within the social and cultural backgrounds, and they should be examined before beginning the writing process. Social norms have changed significantly, and what today is part of our reality would have been found immoral or outrageous in the past. For example, authors such the Bronte sisters were at the forefront of feminism in the 19th century. The actions of their characters in fighting for their liberties might appear insignificant in this day and age. Yet, this fight for freedom was a major advancement and should be understood as such.
• Draw parallels. There might be similar literary works, and one should be aware of their existence to be able to write a complex analysis. While doing research, one might discover that other authors have also addressed the same issue. In this case, it may be useful to analyze whether they were more successful in their response, or the author of the given text had a more innovative approach.

Outlining the Structure

If one wishes to write a good literary analysis, it is essential to find a balance between creativity and structure. Even though the contents of each analysis may vary according to each assignment, the general structure will remain largely the same. As with other academic essays, a literary analysis involves the following elements:

Introduction

Even though an introduction does not contain the main critical points, it is of great value in capturing a reader’s attention. It is true that one cannot make a first impression twice. Thus, an introduction should be captivating, outline the contents of the rest of the essay, and reflect a writer’s unique voice. Some writers prefer to start an analysis with an anecdote or a quote. However, it is important to assess how relevant such an introductory line is to the overall contents. The closing line in an introduction is usually the thesis statement, for instance, “This essay will discuss the main ideas of…”

The contents of this section may vary depending on the ideas that one deems most necessary to discuss. A good approach would be to memorize the following formula: TS / PC / Q / CM / CS.

Just like in any other essay, a conclusion is a brief summary of the entire written piece which highlights its main points. Even though no new information is given in a conclusion, it is recommended to make the ending as strong and clear as possible to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One can enhance the quality of a paper significantly if one learns about the common mistakes that writers tend to make when approaching a literary analysis. Below are some examples:

• Considering that there is only one right answer. Assignments that relate to fine arts, literature, or humanities, in general, tend to appear somewhat confusing to many students. Whereas mathematics and natural sciences require a high degree of precision, such assignments as a literature analysis may be perplexing as to what result one is supposed to attain. It is important to remember that views and the ways people perceive the same piece of literature vary greatly. What the majority of professors expect from a student is independent thought and critical evaluation. Through this, students can foster and encourage self-expression as opposed to merely using an “essay formula.”
• Produce a summary rather than critical writing. As much as reading comprehension is a useful skill, an essay that only consists of a synopsis or a brief summary lacks depth and complexity. A summary might be one valid element; however, it is important not to provide too many details.
• “Pointing” instead of analyzing. Once students become familiar with stylistic devices, they might have the temptation to merely list every device used in a prosaic text or a poem with examples. Often, the body of such a paper consists of paragraphs, each of which is dedicated to a stylistic device (metaphors, similes, and so on). As much as it is essential to be able to identify these devices, one should also be capable of explaining why the author decided to use them and what purpose they serve.

Final Recommendations

Being able to write in a clear and concise way is a valuable interdisciplinary skill. Even if a student’s future occupation has nothing to do with analyzing literature, the acquired writing skills are applicable in many other fields. If one seeks to become a better writer, he or she may consider introducing certain routines into their daily lives. For instance, reading more expands one’s scope of knowledge. After a while, it is going to be easier to assess literary works critically and compare them to others. Arguably, sporadic writing assignments will not enhance skills significantly. Thus, continuous practice will help bring finesse to one’s writing style. Among other strategies one may employ is creating a reading diary or journal to write down the most profound ideas, make notes, and track one’s progress. Another tip is constant editing; no single analysis is ever immaculate, and over time writers may consider rereading their works and point out fragments in need of revision.

Writing a literary analysis helps a student develop critical thinking, become familiar with the greatest literary works, and become an independent thinker. Even though such assignments may seem strenuous and confusing, a logical, rational approach may eliminate possible difficulties. It is recommended that a student employs a number of reading strategies that may help him or her be a more thoughtful reader. Learning about the social, cultural, and historical context of the literary piece under examination may shed light on hidden subtexts and meanings. When writing the body of analysis, a structure may be aligned with a simple formula that facilitates the thought process. All in all, it is essential to strike a balance between freedom of expression and logic and clarity.

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Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay Writing

Last updated on: May 21, 2023

Literary Analysis Essay - Ultimate Guide By Professionals

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Dec 3, 2019

A literary analysis essay specifically examines and evaluates a piece of literature or a literary work. It also understands and explains the links between the small parts to their whole information.

It is important for students to understand the meaning and the true essence of literature to write a literary essay.

One of the most difficult assignments for students is writing a literary analysis essay. It can be hard to come up with an original idea or find enough material to write about. You might think you need years of experience in order to create a good paper, but that's not true.

This blog post will show you how easy it can be when you follow the steps given here.Writing such an essay involves the breakdown of a book into small parts and understanding each part separately. It seems easy, right?

Trust us, it is not as hard as good book reports but it may also not be extremely easy. You will have to take into account different approaches and explain them in relation with the chosen literary work.

It is a common high school and college assignment and you can learn everything in this blog.

Continue reading for some useful tips with an example to write a literary analysis essay that will be on point. You can also explore our detailed article on writing an analytical essay .

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What is a Literary Analysis Essay?

A literary analysis essay is an important kind of essay that focuses on the detailed analysis of the work of literature.

The purpose of a literary analysis essay is to explain why the author has used a specific theme for his work. Or examine the characters, themes, literary devices , figurative language, and settings in the story.

This type of essay encourages students to think about how the book or the short story has been written. And why the author has created this work.

The method used in the literary analysis essay differs from other types of essays. It primarily focuses on the type of work and literature that is being analyzed.

Mostly, you will be going to break down the work into various parts. In order to develop a better understanding of the idea being discussed, each part will be discussed separately.

The essay should explain the choices of the author and point of view along with your answers and personal analysis.

How To Write A Literary Analysis Essay

So how to start a literary analysis essay? The answer to this question is quite simple.

The following sections are required to write an effective literary analysis essay. By following the guidelines given in the following sections, you will be able to craft a winning literary analysis essay.

Introduction

The aim of the introduction is to establish a context for readers. You have to give a brief on the background of the selected topic.

It should contain the name of the author of the literary work along with its title. The introduction should be effective enough to grab the reader’s attention.

In the body section, you have to retell the story that the writer has narrated. It is a good idea to create a summary as it is one of the important tips of literary analysis.

Other than that, you are required to develop ideas and disclose the observed information related to the issue. The ideal length of the body section is around 1000 words.

To write the body section, your observation should be based on evidence and your own style of writing.

It would be great if the body of your essay is divided into three paragraphs. Make a strong argument with facts related to the thesis statement in all of the paragraphs in the body section.

Start writing each paragraph with a topic sentence and use transition words when moving to the next paragraph.

Summarize the important points of your literary analysis essay in this section. It is important to compose a short and strong conclusion to help you make a final impression of your essay.

Pay attention that this section does not contain any new information. It should provide a sense of completion by restating the main idea with a short description of your arguments. End the conclusion with your supporting details.

You have to explain why the book is important. Also, elaborate on the means that the authors used to convey her/his opinion regarding the issue.

For further understanding, here is a downloadable literary analysis essay outline. This outline will help you structure and format your essay properly and earn an A easily.

DOWNLOADABLE LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY OUTLINE (PDF)

Types of Literary Analysis Essay

• Close reading - This method involves attentive reading and detailed analysis. No need for a lot of knowledge and inspiration to write an essay that shows your creative skills.
• Theoretical - In this type, you will rely on theories related to the selected topic.
• Historical - This type of essay concerns the discipline of history. Sometimes historical analysis is required to explain events in detail.
• Applied - This type involves analysis of a specific issue from a practical perspective.
• Comparative - This type of writing is based on when two or more alternatives are compared

Examples of Literary Analysis Essay

Examples are great to understand any concept, especially if it is related to writing. Below are some great literary analysis essay examples that showcase how this type of essay is written.

A ROSE FOR EMILY LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY

THE GREAT GATSBY LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER LITERARY ANALYSIS ESSAY

If you do not have experience in writing essays, this will be a very chaotic process for you. In that case, it is very important for you to conduct good research on the topic before writing.

There are two important points that you should keep in mind when writing a literary analysis essay.

First, remember that it is very important to select a topic in which you are interested. Choose something that really inspires you. This will help you to catch the attention of a reader.

The selected topic should reflect the main idea of writing. In addition to that, it should also express your point of view as well.

Another important thing is to draft a good outline for your literary analysis essay. It will help you to define a central point and division of this into parts for further discussion.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Literary analysis essays are mostly based on artistic works like books, movies, paintings, and other forms of art. However, generally, students choose novels and books to write their literary essays.

Some cool, fresh, and good topics and ideas are listed below:

• Role of the Three Witches in flaming Macbeth’s ambition.
• Analyze the themes of the Play Antigone,
• Discuss Ajax as a tragic hero.
• The Judgement of Paris: Analyze the Reasons and their Consequences.
• Oedipus Rex: A Doomed Son or a Conqueror?
• Describe the Oedipus complex and Electra complex in relation to their respective myths.
• Betrayal is a common theme of Shakespearean tragedies. Discuss
• Identify and analyze the traits of history in T.S Eliot’s ‘Gerontion’.
• Analyze the theme of identity crisis in The Great Gatsby.
• Analyze the writing style of Emily Dickinson.

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We at 5StarEssays.com can help you get a custom paper as per your specified requirements with our do essay for me service.

Our essay writers will help you write outstanding literary essays or any other type of essay. Such as compare and contrast essays, descriptive essays, rhetorical essays. We cover all of these.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should a literary analysis essay include.

A good literary analysis essay must include a proper and in-depth explanation of your ideas. They must be backed with examples and evidence from the text. Textual evidence includes summaries, paraphrased text, original work details, and direct quotes.

What are the 4 components of literary analysis?

Here are the 4 essential parts of a literary analysis essay;

No literary work is explained properly without discussing and explaining these 4 things.

How do you start a literary analysis essay?

Start your literary analysis essay with the name of the work and the title. Hook your readers by introducing the main ideas that you will discuss in your essay and engage them from the start.

How do you do a literary analysis?

In a literary analysis essay, you study the text closely, understand and interpret its meanings. And try to find out the reasons behind why the author has used certain symbols, themes, and objects in the work.

Why is literary analysis important?

It encourages the students to think beyond their existing knowledge, experiences, and belief and build empathy. This helps in improving the writing skills also.

What is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay?

Interpretation is the fundamental and important feature of a literary analysis essay. The essay is based on how well the writer explains and interprets the work.

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Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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Examples of Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis

A literary analysis is not a summary of a literary work. Instead, it is an argument about key concepts, characters, or techniques used in the work. It is used to write about the deeper meaning of the text. This is accomplished by analyzing the different parts of a text such as the language, viewpoint, structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices or elements to create effects and convey ideas. The idea of a Literary analysis is to tell your readers about your interpretation or meaning of the text or literary work. It can be applied to many forms of literary works such as novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing

Links & Resources

A  detailed PDF  supplying information and insight on the process of writing a literary analysis paper in a step-by-step fashion.

Analyzing Literature (& Film) & Annotating Texts

Writing About Literature: Introduction  (Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL)) Discussion about the issues to consider when writing an essay about literature.

Creating Literary Analysis

Literary Form and Analysis

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Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay - Step by Step Guide

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Published on: Aug 16, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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Literature is an art that can inspire, challenge, and transform us. But how do we analyze literature in a way that truly captures its essence? 

That's where a literary analysis essay comes in. 

Writing a literary analysis essay allows you to delve into the themes, characters, and symbols of a literary work. It's a chance to engage with literature on a deeper level and to discover new insights. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the process of writing a literary analysis essay, step by step. Plus, you’ll get to read some great examples to help you out!

So let’s dive in!

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What is a Literary Analysis Essay?

Literary analysis is a process of examining a literary work in detail to uncover its meaning and significance. 

It involves breaking down the various elements of a work, such as plot, character, setting, and theme. And then analyzing how they work together to create a specific effect on the reader.

In other words, literary analysis is an exercise in interpretation. The reader of a work asks questions about what the author means to say, how they are saying it, and why. 

A literary analysis essay is an essay where you explore such questions in depth and offer your own insights.

What is the Purpose of a Literary Analysis Essay?

In general, the purpose of a literary analysis essay is as follows: 

• To gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the work.
• To be able to think critically and analytically about a text. 

Content of a Literary Analysis 

A literary analysis essay delves deep into the various aspects of a literary work to examine its meaning, symbolism, themes, and more. Here are the key elements to include in your literary analysis essay:

Plot Analysis 

Plot refers to the sequence of events that make up the storyline of a literary work. It encompasses the main events, conflicts, and resolutions that drive the narrative forward. 

Elements of Plot Analysis 

The elements of a plot typically include:

• Exposition: The introduction of the story that establishes the setting, characters, and initial circumstances.
• Rising action: A set of events or actions that sets the main conflict into motion, often occurring early in the story.
• Conflict: The series of events that build tension and develop the conflict, leading to the story's climax.
• Climax: The turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome hangs in the balance.
• Falling Action: The events that occur after the climax, leading towards the resolution of the conflict.
• Resolution: The point in the story where the conflict is resolved, providing closure to the narrative.

Character Analysis 

Character analysis involves studying the role, development, and motivations of the characters in a literary work. It explores how characters contribute to the overall narrative and themes of the story.

Elements of Character Analysis 

• Identification of major and minor characters.
• Examination of their traits, behaviors, and relationships.
• Analysis of character development and changes throughout the story.
• Evaluation of the character's role in advancing the plot or conveying themes.

Symbolism and Imagery Analysis 

Symbolism and imagery analysis focuses on the use of symbols, objects, or images in a work. It analyzes and explores the use of literary devices to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions. 

Elements of Symbolism and Imagery Analysis 

• Identification of key symbols or recurring motifs.
• Interpretation of their symbolic significance.
• Analysis of how imagery is used to create vivid mental pictures and enhance the reader's understanding and emotional experience.

Theme Analysis 

Analyzing the theme involves exploring the central ideas or messages conveyed in a literary work. It examines the underlying concepts, or messages that the author wants to convey through the story.

Elements of Theme Analysis 

• Identification of the main themes or central ideas explored in the text.
• Analysis of how the themes are developed and reinforced throughout the story.
• Exploration of the author's perspective and the intended message behind the themes.

Setting Analysis 

The Setting of a story includes the time, place, and social context in which the story takes place. Analyzing the setting involves how the setting influences the characters, plot, and overall atmosphere of the work.

Elements of Setting Analysis 

• Description and analysis of the physical, cultural, and historical aspects of the setting.
• Examination of how the setting contributes to the mood, atmosphere, and themes of the work.
• Evaluation of how the setting shapes the characters' actions and motivations.

Structure and Style Analysis 

Structure and style analysis involves studying the organization, narrative techniques, and literary devices employed by the author. It explores how the structure and style contribute to the overall impact and effectiveness of the work.

Elements of Structure and Style Analysis 

• Analysis of the narrative structure, such as the use of flashbacks, nonlinear timelines, or multiple perspectives.
• Examination of the author's writing style, including the use of language, tone, and figurative language.
• Evaluation of literary devices, such as foreshadowing, irony, or allusion, and their impact on the reader's interpretation.

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How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay?  

Writing a great literary analysis piece requires you to follow certain steps. Here's what you need to do to write a literary essay:

Preparing for Your Essay 

The pre-writing process for writing a literary analysis essay includes the following:

• Choosing a literary work to analyze
• Reading and analyzing the work
• Taking notes and organizing your thoughts
• Creating an outline for your essay

Choosing a Work to Analyze 

As a student, you would most probably be assigned a literary piece to analyze. It could be a short story, a novel, or a poem.  However, sometimes you get to choose it yourself.

In such a case, you should choose a work that you find interesting and engaging. This will make it easier to stay motivated as you analyze the work and write your essay.

Moreover, you should choose a work that has some depth and complexity. This will give you plenty of material to analyze and discuss in your essay. Finally, make sure that your choice fits within the scope of the assignment and meets the expectations of your instructor.

Reading and Analyzing 

Once you've chosen a literary work, it's time to read the work with careful attention. There are several key elements to consider when reading and analyzing a literary work:

• Plot - The sequence of events that make up the story. Analyzing the plot involves examining the structure of the story, including its exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
• Characters - The people or entities that populate the story. Analyzing characters involves examining their motivations, personalities, relationships, and development over the course of the story.

Want to learn more about character analysis? Head to our blog about how to conduct character analysis and learn easy steps with examples.

• Setting - The time, place, and environment in which the story takes place. Analyzing the setting involves examining how the atmosphere contributes to the story's overall meaning.
• Theme - The underlying message or meaning of the story. Analyzing themes involves examining the work's central ideas and how they are expressed through the various elements of the story.

Moreover, it's important to consider the following questions while analyzing:

• What is the central theme or main point the author is trying to make?
• What literary devices and techniques has the author used?
• Why did the author choose to write this particular work?
• What themes and ideas are present in the work?

These questions will help you dive deeper into the work you are writing about.

Take Notes and Gather Material 

As you read and analyze the literary work, it's important to take notes so you don't forget important details and ideas. This also helps you identify patterns and connections between different elements of the piece.

One effective way to take notes is to list important elements of the work, such as characters, setting, and theme. You can also use sticky notes, highlighters, or annotations to mark important passages and write down your ideas.

Writing Your Literary Analysis Essay 

Once you have read a piece of literature and taken notes, you have all the material you need to write an essay. Follow the simple steps below to write an effective literary analysis essay.

Create an Outline for Your Essay 

Firstly, creating an outline is necessary. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ideas and ensure that your essay flows logically and coherently.

This is what your literary essay outline would look like: 

Writing the Introduction 

Writing your essay introduction involves the three following parts:

• Begin the introductory paragraph with an engaging hook statement that captures the readers' attention. An effective hook statement can take many different forms, such as a provocative quote, an intriguing question, or a surprising fact. 

Make sure that your hook statement is relevant to the literary work you are writing about. Here are a few examples of effective hooks:

• Afterward, present the necessary background information and context about the literary work. For instance, 
• Talk about the author of the work or when and where it was written. 
• Give an overview of the work or why it is significant. 
• Provide readers with sufficient context so they can know what the work is generally about.
• Finally, end the introduction with a clear thesis statement . Your thesis statement should be a concise statement that clearly states the argument you will be making in your essay. It should be specific and debatable, and it should provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

For example, a thesis statement for an essay on "Hamlet" might be: 

Watch this video to learn more about writing an introduction for a literary analysis essay:

Writing the Body 

Here are the steps to follow when writing a body paragraph for a literary analysis essay:

• Start with a topic sentence: 

The topic sentence should introduce the main point or argument you will be making in the paragraph. It should be clear and concise and should indicate what the paragraph is about.

• Provide evidence: 

After you have introduced your main point, provide evidence from the text to support your analysis. This could include quotes, paraphrases, or summaries of the text.

• Explain and discuss the evidence:

Explain how the evidence supports your main point or argument or how it connects back to your thesis statement.

• Conclude the paragraph: 

End the paragraph by relating your main point to the thesis and discussing its significance. You should also use transitions to connect the paragraph to your next point or argument.

Writing the Conclusion 

The conclusion of a literary analysis essay provides closure to your analysis and reinforces your thesis statement. Here's what a conclusion includes:

• Restate your thesis statement: 

Start by restating your thesis statement in a slightly different way than in your introduction. This will remind the reader of the argument you made and the evidence you provided to support it.

• Summarize your main points: 

Briefly summarize the main points you made in your essay's body paragraphs. This will help tie everything together and provide closure to your analysis.

• Personal reflections:

The conclusion is the best place to provide some personal reflections on the literary piece. You can also explain connections between your analysis and the larger context. This could include connections to other literary works, your personal life, historical events, or contemporary issues.

• End with a strong statement: 

End your conclusion with a strong statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a final insight into the significance of your analysis.

Finalizing your Essay

You've completed the first draft of your literary analysis essay. Congratulations!

However, it's not over just yet. You need some time to polish and improve the essay before it can be submitted. Here's what you need to do:

Proofread and Revise your Essay 

After completing your draft, you should proofread your essay. You should look out for the following aspects:

• Check for clarity: 

Make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and logically. You should also take a look at your structure and organization. Rearrange your arguments if necessary to make them clearer.

• Check for grammar and spelling errors: 

Use spelling and grammar check tools online to identify and correct any basic errors in your essay. 

• Verify factual information:

You must have included information about the work or from within the work in your essay. Recheck and verify that it is correct and verifiable. 

• Check your formatting: 

Make sure that your essay is properly formatted according to the guidelines provided by your instructor. This includes requirements for font size, margins, spacing, and citation style.

Helpful Tips for Revising a Literary Essay 

Here are some tips below that can help you proofread and revise your essay better:

• Read your essay out loud:

Reading your essay out loud makes it easier to identify awkward phrasing, repetitive language, and other issues.

• Take a break: 

It can be helpful to step away from your essay for a little while before starting the editing process. This can help you approach your essay with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective.

• Be concise:

Remove any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add to your argument. This can help to make your essay more focused and effective.

• Let someone else proofread and get feedback: 

You could ask a friend or a teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. This way, you can get some valuable insights on what you could include or catch mistakes that you might have missed.

Literary Analysis Essay Examples 

Reading a few good examples helps to understand literary analysis essays better. So check out these examples below and read them to see what a well-written essay looks like. 

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay Example

Sample Literary Analysis Essay

Lord of the Rings Literary Analysis

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis Example for 8th Grade

Literary Analysis Essay Topics 

Need a topic for your literary analysis essay? You can pick any aspect of any work of literature you like. Here are some example topics that will help you get inspired:

• The use of symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• The theme of isolation in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.
• The portrayal of social class in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.
• The use of magical realism in "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
• The role of women in "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood.
• The use of foreshadowing in "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding.
• The portrayal of race and identity in "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison.
• The use of imagery in "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.
• The theme of forgiveness in "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini.
• The use of allegory in "Animal Farm" by George Orwell.

To conclude,

Writing a literary analysis essay can be a rewarding experience for any student or writer, But it's not easy. However, by following the steps you learned in this guide, you can successfully produce a well-written literary analysis essay. 

Also, you have got some examples of essays to read and topic ideas to get creative inspiration. With these resources, you have all you need to craft an engaging piece. So don't hesitate to start writing your essay and come back to this blog whenever you need.

The deadline is approaching, but you don't have time to write your essay? No worries! Our analytical essay writing service is here to help you out!

At CollegeEssay.org, we have a team of professional and experienced literature writers who can help you craft a compelling literary essay. Our affordable and reliable essay writing website focuses on providing high-quality essays and deliver them timely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 components of literary analysis.

The four main components of literary analysis are: 

• Conflict 
• Characters 
• Setting 

What is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay?

Interpretive is the fundamental characteristic of a literary analysis essay. 

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Introduction Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre, written by Charlotte Bronte was published in 1847. Interestingly, Charlotte did not choose to publish her work with her real name. Instead, the book was published with her pen name, Currer Bell. The novel proved an instant success, winning her a literary status among other English writers of her time. Following its popularity, the novel appeared in the American publishing market and proved more popular than in England. This bildungsroman (a novel dealing with one person’s formative years or spiritual education) follows Jane Eyre, its eponymous heroine, throughout her life to highlight her growth as an adult after going through grueling life experiences with her relationships, education, and life.

Summary of Jane Eyre

The story begins when Jane, aged 10, is living at Gateshead Hall, the family manor of the Reeds, with Mr. Reed, her uncle and his wife, and their three children of the same age group. However, she faces cold-shoulder, including occasional ill-treatment of being kept at bay from the family gatherings and provision of cheap clothing. It’s only her Uncle and Bessie, the nursemaid treats her kindly in the house. When he passes away the torture both physically and mentally escalates.

Despite this, she demonstrates resilience and stands tall against the maltreatment she becomes a victim of. On the other hand, Mrs. Reed does not stop at that and sends her to Lowood, a boarding school for poor and orphan girls to get rid of her as she has been becoming an irritant for her. During her audience with Mr. Brocklehurst, Mrs. Reed declares Jane with ‘tendency for deceit’., and demands of him to warn the teachers and pupils at Lowood which Mr. Brocklehurst comprehends as a liar. Before Jane leaves for school, she confronts her and tells her that she will never call her ‘aunt’. This hurts Mrs. Reed feeling but wouldn’t show them.

When she reaches Lowood school, she finds life harsh and the atmosphere stifling. The boarders are mostly ill-fed and thinly dressed even in frosty season. Surprisingly, she adjusts to the situation rather quickly and befriends Helen Burns, a girl older than her, due to her kindness including her unquestioning obedience to corporal punishment and unreasonable reprimanding. Jane sees that most of the pupils face the same treatment on daily basis. Both friends discuss religious and psychological issues for hours.

Jane narrates how she was mistreated by Mrs. Reed but then Helen responds by telling her it would be better if she holds no grudges. Her good nature soon wins her the confidence of the kind and caring superintendent, Miss Temple, whose help publicly vindicates Jane, declaring her an honorable young girl despite bad repute spread by Mr. Brocklehurst during his visit to Lowood. It is in Miss Temple’s company that she finally finds a true mentor. Both Helen Burns and Miss Temple, who play an important part in her moral , psychological, and spiritual development, become her true friends and role models. Among the total eighty pupils at Lowood of whom many died in the outbreak of Typhus, Jane stays safe and healthy. However, his friend, Burns, develops consumption and dies, leaving aggrieved Jane alone .

Having lived for eight years at Lowood with the last two as its teacher, Jane decides to venture out of the school boundary and look for work to stay at some other place. She advertises herself in a newspaper, offering her services as a governess to find a better opportunity. She receives a reply from a certain Mrs. Fairfax of Thornfield, comprising an offer to teach a French girl, Adele Varens, that she immediately accepts. At Thornfield, she finds that Mrs. Fairfax is quite kind and compassionate. Above all, her student, Adele, is a good girl having a good living place. Soon she faces Mr. Rochester, the master of the mansion, though, she stays unaware of his real status until she meets him again at Thornfield.

To her own surprise, she quickly finds herself attracted to Mr. Rochester despite his coldness. She, too, tries her best not to reveal her feelings as he stays indifferent at first but starts paying attention to her after some time. Finally, Jane has to give in to Rochester’s advances. But never confess her feelings towards him. Once, she saves him from the mysterious fire, and he thanks her dearly. The next day, he leaves for a gathering and comes back with the whole party including the beautiful Blanche Ingram. Then, it was rumored that Mr. Rochester and Blanche were to get married. Usually reserved Jane, infuriated during a conversation, Jane and Mr. Rochester both admit their love for each other and decide to marry.

On their wedding day, Mr. Mason, Mr. Rochester’s first wife’s brother, and a lawyer appear and stop the proceedings, declaring that his first wife, Bertha, is alive and kicking. This news not only causes consternation to Jane but also infuriates Rochester. Seeing Jane feeling betrayed, Mr. Rochester explains to her the lunacy of Bertha and his life with her. Although she accepts his explanations and feels sorry, too.  He suggests they elope to France and live as husband & wife without getting married. Even though tempted by his words, she didn’t want to go against her Christian values. Then, she decides to leave Thornfield.

After leaving Thornfield, she wanders in the heath as a destitute and accidentally reaches the Moor House where her cousins Diana, Mary, and St. John Rivers are living. There, she comes to know her being an heiress of a thousand pounds’ fortune that one of her uncles John Eyre has left for her. Meanwhile, St. John proposes to her for marriage since she would make a good missionary wife as he was going to India to serve Christianity. Even though she accepts going to India, she denied the marriage and suggested they travel as brother and sister.

Before leaving for India, Jane mysteriously hears Mr. Rochester’s voice and reverts to Thornfield which to her surprise has been burnt down by Bertha. Rochester, too, has lost his sight and an arm in an attempt to save Bertha from burning alive. Mr. Rochester asks her ‘Am I hideous, Jane?’. She replies ‘Very sir, you always were, you know.’ In spite of his repulsive appearance, she declares her love and assures him of never leaving. Finally, both of them find themselves in each other’s company to marry without any external restriction. Later, Mr. Rochester regains his eyesight and sees their newborn son.

Major Themes in Jane Eyre

• Role of the Family: Jane Eyre, the novel, shows the theme of the family role through Jane, for she is left alone in this world to fend off herself. Although she becomes independent at quite an early age, it comes at a price that she has to rely on Miss Temple and Mrs. Fairfax instead of her parents. When it comes to her relations, she finds that even relatives do not treat a lonely relation fairly. The example of St. John and Mrs. Reed are cases in point that she has to return to Miss Temple to demonstrate her love. Because of that situation, she has to spurn Rochester’s offer to verify his genuineness instead of going for marriage with him in one go. In the case of having a family, she would not have to take too many troubles.
• Religion: Jane Eyre learns that religion plays an important role in a person’s social life when she meets Mr. Brocklehurst but she also learns that this evangelicalism has been adopted to facilitate social superiority, for it is very much couched in hypocrisy. She sees that Mr. Brocklehurst uses the funds of the children for himself and yet mistreats them. She, then, meets Helen Burns, whose tolerance surpasses the clergy, while St. John shows piety and virtuosity to win her. However, she chooses Mr. Rochester to show her own loving side.
• Social Status: The theme of social status emerges quite early and often peeps through different strands in the novel when Jane Eyre has to go through the ordeal of attending boarding school. Although Mr. Reed is her uncle, yet she becomes a butt of their ridicule only because of her social status. She sees that although Mr. Rochester is a reasonable man, he marries Bertha only because she belongs to an aristocratic family. And he suffers for it, too. Later when she finds a niche for herself in society, the same Rochester becomes very sincere and leans toward her. However, she finds sincerity in him, giving him a second chance, and accepts his proposal, though, belatedly.
• Gender Equality : Jane Eyre shows gender inequality through different characters. Jane is confined to the red room merely because of her being a girl and the same goes for Bertha Mason because she depends on Rochester. It shows that the Victorian Era’s idea about femininity was still based on the deprioritization of gender roles. For example, St. John is free to select any career, while on the other hand, Jane could not choose her career due to her gender. However, she becomes slightly independent by the end when she visits Rochester to accept his previous proposal.
• Gothic Elements: Jane Eyre shows the thematic strand of Gothic elements such as through the manor of Thornfield, which is not only mysterious but also very bizarre. Bertha Mason’s behavior, too, becomes strangely mysterious in such an atmosphere where the supernatural rules the roost, or at least seems so. When Rochester is left alone after the suicide of Bertha, he, too, seems to have something Gothic in him.
• Class Struggle: One of the significant themes of the class struggle emerges from the character of Jane and her interaction with her relations, Mr. Reed, and his family. She stays with them as a working hand as long as she is poor with attendant issues of loneliness and depression. However, as soon as she becomes independent, her significance with her relations improves. She not only becomes independent but also marries a gentleman, Mr. Rochester.
• Self-Discovery: Self-discovery or self-knowledge that is also called bildungsroman is also a significant strand as it runs throughout the novel. Jane witnesses this transformation coming gradually to her after she lives with Mr. Reed and then leaves the family for a better prospectus after she discovers that she can survive and improve her life. She, then, does not respond to St. John’s overtures replying to him that she does not love him. With courage and for love, she chooses Mr. Rochester with whom she thinks he is equally in love. This self-discovery becomes a significant theme of the novel.
• Love and Marriage: The novel shows the theme of love and marriage through the character of Jane, St. John, Mr. Rochester, and Bertha. Although St. John tells her that he is ready to marry her, she does not love him. She confesses her love for Mr. Rochester who is already married to Bertha Mason, a mentally ill person, who has become a burden in his life, causing frustration and fear. Ultimately when Bertha Mason commits suicide, Jane responds to Rochester’s proposal, and both of them ready for marriage.
• Colonialism: Many aspects of the novel point to the thematic strand of colonialism that has been going on in the world at that time. Jane’s uncle, John, who lives in Madeira, shows that he has amassed wealth for her. Mr. Rochester, too, has married Bertha Mason, a Jamaican Creole lady, while St. John is ready to set sail for India, an English colony at that time.

 Major Characters Jane Eyre

• Jane Eyre: The eponymous girl, aged 10, Jane Eyre is the protagonist of the novel. From a sensitive orphan, she grows into an assertive and independent young woman who dares to propose to the blind Mr. Rochester, when he needs love and support. However, the journey from a sensitive and dependent teenager to an independent lady has never been an easy ride, for she has had to pay the price in the form of ill-treatment she receives at Lowood and occasional advances from St. Johns, who also proposes to her and asks her to accompany him to India. She, however, stays patient in the face of maltreatment from her uncle and resists love from St. John. This stable and balanced persona wins her the title of the heroine of the novel.
• Edward Rochester: Rochester stands tall among the male characters. He displays a genuine feeling toward Jane and his heroic qualities. He has suffered so much from his hasty marriage with Bertha Mason that he longs to marry a girl like Jane. Although he knows that socially he is quite an aristocrat but he needs an emphatic and sympathetic person like Jane to make him a balanced person. Therefore, when he is paralyzed by the fire in which Bertha Mason burns herself, he accepts Jane’s proposal understanding that it is not out of pity but his sincerity and love.
• John Rivers: St. John is Jane’s cousin, who has devoted his life to preaching as an evangelist and longs to visit India to spread the civilizational message. His stoic and strict brand first seduces Jane but she realizes soon his would-be patriarchal domination that may undermine her independence in the future. Therefore, instead of going for St. John, she prefers Mr. Rochester, for his sincerity of feelings and goodness of his heart in that he needs Jane at this point in his life.
• Helen Burns: Helen Burns is Jane’s schoolmate as well as her mentor. Her faith in Christianity and the goodness of the human heart is buried deep in her psyche that she does not budge from her stand come what may . Jane is not moved much by her staunch religiosity, yet she has a very strong influence on her personality.
• Brocklehurst: Mr. Brocklehurst in the novel is known for the cruelty and torture he inflicts on the children of Lowood School. He stands as a perfect example for a hypocritical figure, delivering Christian sermons but practicing quite opposite. His embezzlement in the school funds later proves this public impression of him.
• Bertha Mason: As the wife of Mr. Rochester, Bertha Mason has a strong impact on her surroundings and Mr. Rochester’s life. Suffering from hereditary mental illness, Bertha becomes a cumbersome burden for Rochester to whom he could not leave. Rather he has had to employ Grace Poole to keep watch on her in case she might commit suicide, and that she does when she burns down Thornfield Manor.
• Reed: Despite being Jane’s aunt, Mrs. Reed abuses her as a child such as confining her to the red-room as a punishment even for trivial situations. She continues to resent Jane’s presence and does not repent her behavior even on her deathbed.
• Miss Temple: A very considerate lady, Miss Temple treats children with kindness and takes up the responsibility of caring for them about their food and clothing at Lowood. She is specifically kind to Jane and her friend, Helen, and treats them with kindness. Jane and Helen both treat her as their motherly mentor to whom they follow as a role model in their lives.
• John Reed: Jane’s cousin and brother of Eliza and Georgiana, John Reed does not show his relationship with Jane by taking care of her. He rather bullies her whenever he finds a chance and conjoins with his mother to hurt and abuse Jane. Excessive motherly love spoils the kids in that he becomes a gambler when he grows up and commits suicide due to the pressure from the creditors.
• Grace Poole: The significance of Grace Poole lies in his supporting role for Rochester in taking care of Bertha at Thornfield. However, his little negligence provides Bertha time enough to set the entire house on fire, causing severe injuries to Rochester and making him almost dependent on Jane.

Writing Style of Jane Eyre

Descriptive and formal, the novel shows the use of complicated sentences with formal diction suitable for fiction . The formal narrative of Jane also points to her formal education. The novel shows the narrator ’s sympathetic view of other characters in the first-person point of view when addressing all of them “We” instead of merely using “I.” Although sentence structure is complex and elaborate, yet it is understandable for the common readers. Jane often narrates in her cultivated language yet uses very difficult and formal diction that is fit only for academic purposes but simultaneously does not make the reading of the novel hard for its readers. The use of common features such as metaphors and similes and realistic dialogs make the novel fit to be suggested for course work in schools.

Analysis of the Literary Devices in Jane Eyre

• Action: The main action of the novel comprises the whole life and growth of Jane Eyre to an adult. The falling action occurs when she comes to see Thornfield Manor, crumbling to the ground after Bertha Mason sets it on fire, while the rising action occurs when she meets Mr. Rochester to positively respond to his past proposal of marrying her.
• Anaphora : The novel shows examples of anaphora as given in the below example, “I like this day; I like that sky of steel; I like the sternness and stillness of the world under this frost. I like Thornfield, its antiquity, its retirement, its old crow trees and thorn-trees, its grey facade, and lines of dark windows reflecting that metal welkin: and yet how long have I abhorred the very thought of it, shunned it like a great plague-house? How I do still abhor—” (Chapter-XVI) The example shows the repetitious use of “I like.”
• Alliteration : Jane Eyre shows the use of alliteration at several places as given in the below example, Nor could I pass unnoticed the suggestion of the bleak shores of Lapland, Siberia, Spitzbergen, Nova Zembla, Iceland, Greenland, with “the vast sweep of the Arctic Zone, and those forlorn regions of dreary space,—that reservoir of frost and snow , where firm fields of ice, the accumulation of centuries of winters, glazed in Alpine heights above heights, surround the pole, and concenter the multiplied rigours of extreme cold.” (Chapter-1) ii. Two young ladies appeared before me; one very tall, almost as tall as Miss Ingram—very thin too, with a sallow face and severe mien. There was something ascetic in her look, which was augmented by the extreme plainness of a straight-skirted, black, stuff dress, a starched linen collar, hair combed away from the temples, and the nun-like ornament of a string of ebony beads and a crucifix. (Chapter-XXI) Both of these examples from the novel show the use of consonant sounds such as the sound of /s/, /r/,/t/ and again /s/ occurring after an interval to make the prose melodious and rhythmic.
• Allusion : The novel shows a good use of different allusions. For example, I returned to my book—Bewick’s History of British Birds: the letterpress thereof I cared little for, generally speaking; and yet there were certain introductory pages that, child as I was, I could not pass quite as a blank. (Chapter-I) ii. Nor could I pass unnoticed the suggestion of the bleak shores of Lapland, Siberia, Spitzbergen, Nova Zembla, Iceland, Greenland, with “the vast sweep of the Arctic Zone, and those forlorn regions of dreary space,—that reservoir of frost and snow, where firm fields of ice, the accumulation of centuries of winters, glazed in Alpine heights. (Chapter-I) iii. I put both plate and tart away. Bessie asked if I would have a book: the word book acted as a transient stimulus, and I begged her to fetch Gulliver’s Travels from the library. (Chapter-III) iv. “And, Miss Eyre, so much was I flattered by this preference of the Gallic sylph for her British gnome, that I installed her in an hotel; gave her a complete establishment of servants , a carriage, cashmeres, diamonds, dentelles, &c. (Chapter-XVI) The first example shows the reference to a book, the second to different places, the third to Jonathan Swift , an English author, and the fourth to mythology.
• Antagonist : Reed is the antagonist of the novel as he tries his best to obstruct all avenues for Jane Eyre, and also puts her in a situation of mental agony.
• Conflict : The novel shows both external and internal conflict . The external conflict is going on between Jane and the external world like Mr. Reed. The internal conflict is going on in the mind of Jane about her actions and her relationship with Helen Burns and Mr. Rochester.
• Characters: The novel shows both static as well as dynamic characters. The young girl, Jane Eyre, is a dynamic character as she shows a considerable transformation in her behavior and conduct by the end of the novel. However, all other characters are static as they do not show or witness any transformation such as Mr. Reed, Mrs. Reed, St. John, Georgiana, and Mr. Rochester.
• Climax : The climax in the novel occurs when Mr. Rochester is trapped in his burning manor and is taken out injured. Then Jane visits him to console him and respond to his previous marriage proposal.
• Foreshadowing : The novel shows many instances of foreshadows as given in the examples below, There was no possibility of taking a walk that day. We had been wandering, indeed, in the leafless shrubbery an hour in the morning; but since dinner (Mrs. Reed, when there was no company, dined early) the cold winter wind had brought with it clouds so sombre, and a rain so penetrating, that further out-door exercise was now out of the question. (Chapter-1) ii. I resisted all the way: a new thing for me, and a circumstance which greatly strengthened the bad opinion Bessie and Miss Abbot were disposed to entertain of me. (Chapter-II) iii. The next thing I remember is, waking up with a feeling as if I had had a frightful nightmare, and seeing before me a terrible red glare, crossed with thick black bars. (Chapter-III) The mention of winter, resistance, and nightmare show that the times for Jane are going to be very difficult. They foreshadow her difficulties lying ahead.
• Hyperbole : The novel shows various examples of hyperboles in the below examples, In five minutes more the cloud of bewilderment dissolved: I knew quite well that I was in my own bed, and that the red glare was the nursery fire. (Chapter-III) ii. According as the shifting obscurity and flickering gleam hovered here or glanced there, it was now the bearded physician, Luke, that bent his brow; now St. John’s long hair that waved; and anon the devilish face of Judas, that grew out of the panel, and seemed gathering life and threatening a revelation of the arch-traitor—of Satan himself—in his subordinate’s form. Curtain of rain were drawn around the car. (Chapter-XXI) Both of these examples exaggerate feelings such as bewilderment which can’t become clouded, or St. John cannot be such a devilish person.
• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. For example, He stood between me and every thought of religion , as an eclipse intervenes between man and the broad sun. I could not, in those days, see God for His creature: of whom I had made an idol. (Chapter-XXIV) ii. A kind of pleasant stupor was stealing over me as I sat by the genial fire. In an undertone she gave some directions to Hannah. Ere long, with the servant’s aid, I contrived to mount a staircase; my dripping clothes were removed; soon a warm, dry bed received me. (Chapter-XXVIII) These two examples show images of color, sound, and feelings.
• Metaphor : Jane Eyre shows good use of various metaphors as given the examples below, I really saw in him a tyrant , a murderer. (Chapter-I) ii. This room was chill, because it seldom had a fire; it was silent, because remote from the nursery and kitchen; solemn, because it was known to be so seldom entered. (Chapter-II) iii. I caught scraps of their conversation, from which I was able only too distinctly to infer the main subject discussed. (Chapter-III) These examples show that several things have been compared directly in the novel such as the first shows comparing a person to a tyrant, the second shows the room compared to a person, and the conversation of the third shows compared to bread .
• Mood : The novel shows various moods; it starts with quite a somber and bitter mood but turns out to be highly exciting at times and tragic when it reaches Mr. Rochester’s burning in his house, and happy when Jane returns to him.
• Motif : Most important motifs of the novel are winter, fire, ice, spirit, and anger.
• Narrator : The novel is narrated in the first-person point of view, who is Jane herself. The novel starts with her as a child and ends when she finally settles down with Mr. Rochester.
• Personification : The novel shows examples of personifications as given in the below examples, For me, the watches of that long night passed in ghastly wakefulness; strained by dread: such dread as children only can feel. (Chapter-III) ii. Its grey front stood out well from the background of a rookery, whose cawing tenants were now on the wing: they flew over the lawn and grounds to alight in a great meadow, from which these were separated by a sunk fence, and where an array of mighty old thorn trees, strong, knotty , and broad as oaks, at once explained the etymology of the mansion’s designation. (Chapter-XII) These examples show as if the watches and the trees have feelings and lives of their own.
• Protagonist : Jane Eyre is the protagonist of the novel. The novel starts with her entry into the world and moves forward as she grows young and becomes a lady.
• Rhetorical Questions : The novel shows good use of rhetorical questions at several places. For example, “Who talks of cadeaux?” said he gruffly. “Did you expect a present, Miss Eyre? Are you fond of presents?” and he searched my face with eyes that I saw were dark, irate, and piercing. (Chapter-XIII) ii. “Once more, how do you know? By what instinct do you pretend to distinguish between a fallen seraph of the abyss and a messenger from the eternal throne—between a guide and a seducer?” (Chapter-XV) This example shows the use of rhetorical questions posed but different characters not to elicit answers but to stress upon the underlined idea.
• Setting : The setting of the novel is somewhere in northern England during the time of George III.
• Simile : The novel shows good use of various similes as given in the below examples, She had Roman features and a double chin, disappearing into a throat like a pillar: these features appeared to me not only inflated and darkened, but even furrowed with pride; and the chin was sustained by the same principle, in a position of almost preternatural erectness. (XVII) ii. It seemed to me that, were I a gentleman like him, I would take to my bosom only such a wife as I could love; but the very obviousness of the advantages to the husband’s own happiness offered by this plan convinced me that there must be arguments against its general adoption of which I was quite ignorant: otherwise I felt sure all the world would act as I wished to act. (Chapter-XVIII) iii. What a hot and strong grasp he had! and how like quarried marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! (XXVII) These are similes as the use of the word “like” shows the comparison between different things such as the first shows the lady compared to a pillar, the second shows the person compared to another gentleman, and the third shows facial features likened to marble.

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