analytical essay is

Analytical Essay: Definition, Types, Format & How-To Guide

What is Analytical Essay?

An analytical essay is a type of writing that involves breaking down and examining a particular subject, such as a piece of literature, a movie, an event, or a concept, in detail. The goal of this essay is not merely to summarize the subject but to analyze and interpret it by focusing on its essential elements, such as themes, characters, arguments, or structure.

Table of Contents

Analytical Essay Types:

Analytical essays come in several types, each designed to analyze different kinds of material or to approach analysis from a unique angle. Below are some common types of analytical essays:

1. Literary Analysis Essay

A literary analysis essay focuses on analyzing a specific piece of literature, such as a novel, poem, play, or short story. The goal is to break down elements of the work—such as character development, themes, symbolism, setting, or plot—and examine how these aspects contribute to the overall meaning or message of the text. For example, you might explore how symbolism in a novel reflects the protagonist’s internal struggle or how a poem’s structure enhances its emotional impact.

2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay

In a rhetorical analysis essay, the focus is on analyzing how an author or speaker uses rhetoric to persuade or influence an audience. This involves examining the use of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical reasoning) within speeches, advertisements, or other forms of communication. For instance, you might analyze a famous speech, identifying how the speaker uses persuasive techniques to build an argument and appeal to the audience’s emotions.

3. Character Analysis Essay

A character analysis essay focuses on one or more characters in a literary work, film, or other narrative form. The objective is to analyze the character’s personality, motivations, relationships, and growth throughout the story. This type of essay often examines how the character’s traits influence their actions and the overall plot, as well as how they contribute to the themes of the work. For example, you might write a character analysis of Hamlet, exploring how his indecision and inner conflict affect his downfall.

4. Process Analysis Essay

A process analysis essay examines and explains how something is done or how something works, often step by step. This type of essay is less about forming an argument and more about providing a detailed explanation of a process. The analysis might cover everything from a scientific method to a cooking recipe, or how an organization runs. For example, you could analyze the steps involved in conducting an experiment or creating a successful business plan.

5. Cause and Effect Analysis Essay

This type of essay examines the causes of a particular event or phenomenon and its effects. In a cause-and-effect analysis, you explore the relationship between variables, looking at how one event leads to another. This type of essay is often used to understand social, historical, or scientific phenomena. For example, you could analyze the causes of climate change and its potential impact on global ecosystems, or explore how technological advancements have influenced modern education.

6. Comparative Analysis Essay

A comparative analysis essay compares two or more subjects, ideas, or texts, highlighting their similarities and differences. The goal is to provide an in-depth examination that allows for a greater understanding of the subjects. Comparative essays can be applied to literature, historical events, theories, or other forms of analysis. For instance, you might compare two novels, analyzing how each explores themes of identity or freedom.

7. Critical Analysis Essay

A critical analysis essay evaluates a piece of work, idea, or issue in a detailed and objective manner. The goal is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the material being analyzed. This type of essay requires the writer to engage with the work on a deeper level, offering insights beyond surface-level observations. For example, you could write a critical analysis of a film, discussing its direction, cinematography, and thematic elements while also offering your own perspective on its effectiveness.

8. Poetry Analysis Essay

A poetry analysis essay focuses specifically on dissecting a poem’s structure, form, language, and meaning. In this type of essay, the writer explores how the poet uses literary devices—such as meter, rhyme, imagery, and figurative language—to convey emotion or thematic depth. The essay might also explore how the poem fits within a particular literary movement or how it reflects the poet’s historical context.

Analytical Essay Format:

An analytical essay format typically follows a structured outline to present a clear argument and analysis. Here’s a common format:

1. Introduction

Hook: A compelling opening to engage the reader (quote, fact, question). Background Information: Brief context about the text, issue, or topic being analyzed. Thesis Statement: A clear and concise statement that outlines the main argument or point of analysis.

2. Body Paragraphs (usually 3-5 paragraphs)

Each paragraph should focus on a single point that supports the thesis.

Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Evidence: Provide quotes, data, or examples from the text or research to support the claim. Analysis: Explain how the evidence supports your argument, providing critical insights or interpretation. Transition: Smoothly link to the next paragraph.

3. Counterargument and Refutation (Optional)

Counterargument: Present a viewpoint that opposes your thesis. Refutation: Disprove or explain why the counterargument is less valid or relevant to your thesis.

4. Conclusion

Restate Thesis: Summarize the thesis in different words. Summarize Key Points: Recap the main points of the essay. Closing Statement: End with a final thought or call to action that leaves an impact.

How to Write Analytical Essay?

Writing an analytical essay involves breaking down a subject into its components, examining these parts, and presenting your interpretation or analysis. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an analytical essay:

1. Understand the Assignment

Before starting, carefully read the essay prompt to ensure you understand what is being asked. Identify the subject or text you need to analyze, and pay attention to any specific questions or instructions provided. Determine the purpose of the analysis—whether it’s to interpret a literary work, examine a historical event, or assess the effectiveness of an argument.

2. Choose a Topic

If the topic isn’t provided, select a subject or text that you find interesting and is suitable for analysis. Make sure your topic is narrow enough to explore in depth but broad enough to find sufficient evidence. For example, if analyzing a novel, you might focus on a specific character, theme, or literary device.

3. Develop a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the central argument of your essay. It should clearly state what you are analyzing and what conclusion you have reached about the subject. Your thesis should be specific and arguable, meaning it should present a claim that can be supported with evidence. For example, instead of saying “Shakespeare uses symbolism,” a more effective thesis would be, “Shakespeare uses the symbol of blood in Macbeth to represent guilt and the characters’ psychological turmoil.”

4. Gather Evidence

Once you have a thesis, collect relevant evidence that supports your analysis. Depending on the type of essay, this could include quotes from a text, historical facts, research findings, or examples. Make sure to gather enough evidence to back up your claims and provide a deep analysis. When using quotes or data, be sure to explain how it relates to your thesis.

5. Create an Outline

An outline helps organize your thoughts and structure your essay logically. A typical analytical essay follows this structure:

Introduction: Introduce the subject and provide your thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your analysis and provide evidence to support it.
Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and restate your thesis.

6. Write the Introduction

Begin your essay with an engaging hook that grabs the reader’s attention. This can be a quote, a rhetorical question, or an interesting fact related to your topic. After the hook, provide some background information about the subject, helping the reader understand the context. Conclude the introduction with your thesis statement, which sets the direction for the entire essay.

7. Write the Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point that supports your thesis. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Follow it with evidence such as quotes, data, or examples, and then analyze how that evidence supports your argument. Be sure to explain the significance of the evidence and how it connects to your thesis. End each paragraph with a transition that leads to the next point.

8. Address Counterarguments

If applicable, consider including a paragraph that addresses a counterargument or an alternative perspective. Present this viewpoint and then refute it with evidence, showing why your thesis is still valid. This adds depth to your analysis and demonstrates critical thinking.

9. Write the Conclusion

In the conclusion, restate your thesis in a new way to reflect the analysis you’ve presented. Summarize the key points you made in the body paragraphs, and explain how they collectively support your thesis. End with a strong closing statement that might reflect on the broader implications of your analysis or pose a final thought-provoking question.

10. Revise and Edit

After completing your first draft, take time to revise and improve it. Look for any gaps in your argument or areas where your analysis could be clearer. Make sure each paragraph transitions smoothly, and check for clarity in your thesis and evidence. Finally, proofread the essay for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Analytical Essay Topics:

Below are topic ideas for different types of analytical essays:

1. Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze the theme of power and corruption in Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Explore how the setting in Wuthering Heights influences the characters’ behavior and development.
Analyze the use of symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Examine how Harper Lee portrays racial injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Analyze the portrayal of ambition in William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze Martin Luther King Jr.’s use of pathos in his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Explore the rhetorical strategies used in John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.
Analyze how ethos, pathos, and logos are used in a popular commercial or advertisement.
Examine how Malala Yousafzai uses rhetoric in her United Nations speech.
Analyze the persuasive techniques in a TED Talk of your choice.

3. Character Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze the character of Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Explore the character transformation of Walter White in Breaking Bad.
Analyze the tragic flaw of Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Examine the role of Scout Finch as a narrator in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Analyze the motivations behind Jay Gatsby’s actions in The Great Gatsby.

4. Process Analysis Essay Topics

Explain the process of preparing a traditional dish from a specific culture.
Analyze the steps required to write an effective college application essay.
Describe the process of photosynthesis in plants and its significance.
Analyze the steps involved in conducting a scientific experiment, such as growing crystals.
Explain the process of setting up a small business, from idea to execution.

5. Cause and Effect Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze the causes and effects of social media on teenagers’ mental health.
Examine the causes of climate change and its potential effects on the environment.
Analyze the effects of video games on children’s behavior and learning.
Explore the causes and long-term effects of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
Analyze the impact of technological advancements on modern education.

6. Comparative Analysis Essay Topics

Compare and contrast the themes of love and jealousy in Othello and Romeo and Juliet.
Compare the dystopian worlds in 1984 by George Orwell and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Compare the portrayals of heroism in The Odyssey and The Iliad by Homer.
Compare the characters of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games and Tris Prior in Divergent.
Compare and contrast how power is used by the main characters in Lord of the Flies and The Crucible.

7. Critical Analysis Essay Topics

Critically analyze the effectiveness of the portrayal of artificial intelligence in the movie Her.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the argument in Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.
Critically evaluate the impact of fast fashion on the environment.
Analyze the role of social media in shaping political opinions during elections.
Critically analyze the portrayal of mental illness in The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.

8. Poetry Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze the use of imagery in Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken.
Examine the theme of death in Emily Dickinson’s poem Because I Could Not Stop for Death.
Analyze the use of symbolism in William Blake’s poem The Tyger.
Explore the concept of identity in Langston Hughes’ poem I, Too.
Analyze the theme of love and loss in W.B. Yeats’ poem When You Are Old.

Analytical Essay Example

Below is an example of an analytical essay. This essay focuses on a literary analysis, specifically on the theme of ambition in Shakespeare’s Macbeth:

Title: The Destructive Nature of Ambition in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Introduction

In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, the theme of unchecked ambition plays a central role in the downfall of the main characters. Macbeth, a Scottish general, begins as a valiant warrior, but his ambition to become king ultimately leads to his ruin. Through the character arcs of both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates how ambition, when left unchecked by moral boundaries, can lead to destructive consequences. The play illustrates the corrosive effects of ambition on both individuals and the natural order.

Body Paragraph 1: The Initial Spark of Ambition

Macbeth’s ambition is first ignited when he encounters the three witches on the heath. Their prophecy that he will become king plants the seed of ambition in his mind. This moment marks a turning point for Macbeth, as he begins to wrestle with the idea of achieving power through immoral means. Although initially hesitant, his ambition quickly overpowers his moral judgment. This is evident in Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7, where he debates the pros and cons of murdering King Duncan. He acknowledges that Duncan is a good and virtuous king, but his desire for power clouds his ethical considerations. Shakespeare uses this internal conflict to show the dangerous allure of ambition when it conflicts with moral reasoning.

Body Paragraph 2: The Role of Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth also plays a pivotal role in fueling her husband’s ambition. Unlike Macbeth, who experiences internal doubt, Lady Macbeth is resolute and ruthless in her pursuit of power. She manipulates Macbeth, questioning his masculinity and courage, ultimately persuading him to commit the murder of Duncan. In Act 1, Scene 5, Lady Macbeth famously declares her willingness to commit the darkest deeds in order to see her husband crowned king. Her ambition is not only for Macbeth’s success but also for her own advancement. Shakespeare uses Lady Macbeth to demonstrate how ambition can be a shared, consuming force that affects relationships and moral judgment.

Body Paragraph 3: The Consequences of Ambition

The consequences of unchecked ambition become apparent after Duncan’s murder. Macbeth, once a noble and honorable figure, transforms into a tyrant consumed by paranoia and guilt. He becomes obsessed with securing his power, leading to further violence, including the murder of Banquo and Macduff’s family. Lady Macbeth, who initially appeared stronger and more determined, also suffers from the consequences of their actions. Her guilt manifests in intense psychological distress, as seen in her sleepwalking scene in Act 5, where she tries to wash imagined bloodstains from her hands. This deterioration of both characters highlights the destructive power of ambition when it is pursued without regard for ethics or humanity.

Body Paragraph 4: Ambition’s Impact on the Natural Order

Shakespeare not only explores the personal consequences of ambition but also its impact on the natural and political order. The murder of King Duncan disrupts the natural hierarchy, leading to chaos in the kingdom. As Macbeth seizes the throne through violence, the rightful order of kingship is upended, leading to rebellion and unrest throughout Scotland. Shakespeare emphasizes the idea that ambition, when pursued immorally, can destabilize not only individuals but also the entire fabric of society. This is evident when nature itself reflects the turmoil caused by Duncan’s murder, with storms and unnatural occurrences symbolizing the disruption of moral order.

Through the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, as well as the wider political and natural consequences, Shakespeare’s Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition. The play demonstrates that ambition, when not tempered by morality and ethical considerations, can lead to personal, relational, and societal destruction. Macbeth’s tragic downfall illustrates how ambition can corrupt, destroy, and destabilize both individuals and the world around them. Ultimately, Shakespeare warns that the pursuit of power at any cost comes with a steep price.

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Academic Writing

How to Write an Analytical Essay

Last Updated: August 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Callaghan, PhD . Megan Morgan is an Academic Advising and Writing expert based in Augusta, Georgia. She has over 7 years of university teaching experience and more than 15 years of professional editing experience. She works as an intern for the Law Library of Congress, and is also a Professional Writing Center Consultant at Augusta University. Her key academic interests involve reference and subject librarianship, government information, and information organization. She provides personalized writing instruction, workshops, and support for AU students, faculty, and staff. Previously, she worked as a Graduate Program Administrator at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. She was a Graduate Advisor for three degrees in the departments of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Georgia College of Arts and Sciences. She earned her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Valdosta State University. She also received both a PhD and MA in English from The University of Georgia, and a BA in English and Creative Writing from the Mississippi University for Women. She wrote her PhD dissertation on narrative structure and social change in novels by 18th-century British women writers. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,000,006 times.

Writing an analytical essay can seem daunting, especially if you've never done it before. Don't worry! Take a deep breath, buy yourself a caffeinated beverage, and follow these steps to create a well-crafted analytical essay.

Prewriting for Your Essay

Step 1 Understand the objective of an analytical essay.

For example, "Stanley Kubrick's The Shining uses a repeating motif of Native American culture and art to comment on America's history of colonizing Native Americans' lands" is an analytical thesis. It is analyzing a particular text and setting forth an argument about it in the form of a thesis statement.

If you're writing an analytical essay about a work of fiction, you could focus your argument on what motivates a specific character or group of characters. Or, you could argue why a certain line or paragraph is central to the work as a whole. For example: Explore the concept of vengeance in the epic poem Beowulf .
If you're writing about a historical event, try focusing on the forces that contributed to what happened.
If you're writing about scientific research or findings, follow the scientific method to analyze your results.

Look for repeated imagery, metaphors, phrases, or ideas. Things that repeat are often important. See if you can decipher why these things are so crucial. Do they repeat in the same way each time, or differently?
How does the text work? If you're writing a rhetorical analysis, for example, you might analyze how the author uses logical appeals to support her argument and decide whether you think the argument is effective. If you're analyzing a creative work, consider things like imagery, visuals in a film, etc. If you're analyzing research, you may want to consider the methods and results and analyze whether the experiment is a good design.
A mind map can be helpful to some people. Start with your central topic, and arrange smaller ideas around it in bubbles. Connect the bubbles to identify patterns and how things are related.
Good brainstorming can be all over the place. In fact, that can be a good way to start off! Don't discount any ideas just yet. Write down any element or fact that you think of as you examine your topic.

This is an analytical thesis because it examines a text and makes a particular claim.
The claim is "arguable," meaning it's not a statement of pure fact that nobody could contest. An analytical essay takes a side and makes an argument.
Make sure your thesis is narrow enough to fit the scope of your assignment. "Revenge in Beowulf could be a PhD dissertation, it's so broad. It's probably much too big for a student essay. However, arguing that one character's revenge is more honorable than another's is manageable within a shorter student essay.
Unless instructed to write one, avoid the "three-prong" thesis that presents three points to be discussed later. These thesis statements usually limit your analysis too much and give your argument a formulaic feel. It's okay to state generally what your argument will be.

Example of supporting evidence : To support a claim that the dragon’s vengeance was more righteous than Grendel's mother's, look at the passages in the poem that discuss the events leading up to each monster’s attack, the attacks themselves, as well as the reactions to those attacks. Don't: ignore or twist evidence to fit your thesis. Do: adjust your thesis to a more nuanced position as you learn more about the topic.

If you're not quite sure how all your evidence fits together, don't worry! Making an outline can help you figure out how your argument should progress.
You can also make a more informal outline that groups your ideas together in large groups. From there, you can decide what to talk about where.
Your essay will be as long as it needs to be to adequately discuss your topic. A common mistake students make is to choose a large topic and then allow only 3 body paragraphs to discuss it. This makes essays feel shallow or rushed. Don't be afraid to spend enough time discussing each detail!

Writing Your Essay

Example introduction : Revenge was a legally recognized right in ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. The many revenges in the epic poem Beowulf show that retribution was an essential part of the Anglo-Saxon age. However, not all revenges are created alike. The poet's portrayal of these revenges suggests that the dragon was more honorable in his act of revenge than Grendel's mother.
This introduction gives your readers information they should know to understand your argument, and then presents an argument about the complexity of a general topic (revenge) in the poem. This type of argument can be interesting because it suggests that the reader needs to think about the text very carefully and not take it at face value. Don't: include filler and fluff sentences beginning with "In modern society" or "Throughout time." Do: briefly mention the title, author, and publication date of the text you're analyzing.

Example topic sentence : The key to differentiating between the two attacks is the notion of excessive retribution.
Example analysis : Grendel's mother does not simply want vengeance, as per the Medieval concept of ‘an eye for an eye.’ Instead, she wants to take a life for a life while also throwing Hrothgar’s kingdom into chaos.
Example evidence : Instead of simply killing Aeschere, and thus enacting just revenge, she “quickly [snatches] up” that nobleman and, with him “tight in her clutches,” she leaves for the fen (1294). She does this to lure Beowulf away from Heorot so she can kill him as well.
The formula "CEE" may help you remember: Claim-Evidence-Explanation. Whenever you present a claim, make sure you present evidence to support that claim and explain how the evidence relates to your claim.

Step 3 Know when to quote or paraphrase.

Example of a quote : Instead of simply killing Aeschere, and thus enacting just revenge, she “quickly [snatches] up” that nobleman and, with him “tight in her clutches,” she leaves for the fen (1294).
Example of a paraphrased sentence : The female Grendel enters Heorot, snatches up one of the men sleeping inside it, and runs away to the fen (1294).

Example conclusion : The concept of an ‘eye for an eye’ was very present in the early Medieval world. However, by comparing the attacks of both Grendel's mother and the dragon, the medieval world’s perception of righteous vengeance versus unjust revenge is made clear. While the dragon acts out in the only way he knows how, Grendel's mother attacks with evil intent.
Example conclusion with a ‘bigger world connection’: The concept of an ‘eye for an eye’ was very present in the early Medieval world. However, by comparing the attacks of both Grendel's mother and the dragon, the medieval world’s perception of righteous vengeance versus unjust revenge is made clear. While the dragon acts out in the only way he knows how, Grendel's mother attacks with evil intent. As we saw from the study of other characters, these portrayals may tie into an early Medieval perception that women had greater potential for evil.

Finalizing Your Essay

Step 1 Proofread your essay for spelling or grammar mistakes.

Make sure to also format your essay correctly. For example, using a 12-pt standard font (like Arial or Times New Roman) and 1" margins is standard.

If you are analyzing a film, look up the list of characters online. Check two or three sources to make sure that you have the correct spelling.

Step 4 Read your paper as if you were your teacher.

Analytical Essay Writing Help

Community Q&A

Ask yourself "What am I trying to prove?" The answer should be in your thesis. If not, go back and fix it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you are writing a formal analysis or critique, then avoid using colloquial writing . Though informal language may bring some color to a paper, you do not want to risk weakening your argument by influencing it with verbal slang. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid being too vague. Vagueness leaves room for misinterpretation and in a coherent, analytical essay, leaving room for misinterpretation decreases the effectiveness of your argument. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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About This Article

To write an analytical essay, first write an introduction that gives your reader background information and introduces your thesis. Then, write body paragraphs in support of your thesis that include a topic sentence, an analysis of some part of the text, and evidence from the text that supports your analysis. You can use direct quotes from the text that support your point of view or paraphrase if you’re trying to summarize information. Finally, complete your essay with a conclusion that reiterates your thesis and your primary support for it. To learn from our English reviewer how to come up with your thesis statement and find evidence that supports it, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No