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Literary Analysis; 7 qualities of a good literary analysis essay

7 qualities of a good literary analysis essay

A good literary analysis essay…
  • should clearly address a theme or a broad interpretation. This broad interpretation, called theme for New Critical approach, is an underlying current of the author’s work. By addressing this, writers display an understanding of one of the literary work’s significant ideas, and subsequently can expand on issues already presented by the author. As a result, readers will better understand the main idea of the paper and the literary work. They can follow along with what the writer is trying to say or explore and increase their knowledge about the story itself. Don’t be intimidated, there can be more than just one theme or main idea. Just make sure you make a good argument using literary examples.
  • should include a strong thesis statement. The thesis helps writers stay on task and informs readers of the essay’s focus. The thesis statement clearly outlines what writers believe or want to further explore, and that makes it clearer for readers to understand writers’ mindsets. 
  • should contain adequate textual evidence (i.e. direct quotations) that connects back to the thesis and supports the argument/interpretation. Textual evidence adds to writers’ credibility and guides readers to make connections between the work and the thesis. By incorporating passages, quotations and significant plot points, writers can supply “proof” that their interpretation/argument is correct. If it is a research paper, the writer should incorporate appropriate informationfrom secondary sources and give credit with proper citations.
  • thoroughly explains the significance of the theme or broad interpritation described within the thesis to support the argument/interpretation, meaning that writers’ thesis statements must tie in with their positions or opinions. No doubt should exist in readers’ minds as to how the thesis relates to the work.
  • employs correct and concise style and grammar. Vocabulary is selected with the essay’s audience in mind and is not too advanced or too simplistic. By avoiding verbose phrases and over-the-top language, writers increase credibility and improve clarity for the argument/interpretation.
  • demonstrates that the students are writing with conviction and they mean what they say. Readers can feel the writers’ opinions strongly and know that the essay was written by someone who understands the material and cares about what they are saying. Writing from the heart makes the writing process more enjoyable for writers and provokes interest in readers.