Writing the Analytical Essay/ Critical Analysis

What does it mean to analyze/ be critical?  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, play, or poem 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, or play look for the author’s use of symbolism. For example, colors often stand for broad ideas. Green can convey envy, money, or fertility. Refer back to the sample analysis for Act One in regards to the discussion on light/dark.  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. A thesis statement for Act 3 might look something like: Act 3 of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, driven largely by time and circumstance, serves to prepare the reader/viewer for the inevitable and forthcoming tragedy.  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. 10 th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, Kies, Daniel. “Writing an Analysis.” The Hypertext Books Hypertet books/comp2/analysis. htm. “Literature (Fiction).” The Writing Center. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.