Literary Analysis
Literary analysis goes beyond summarizing — it involves examining how and why an author makes specific choices to convey meaning. It is the core skill of high school English.
Theme vs. Topic
The topic is what a text is about (love, war, identity). The theme is the deeper message or insight the author is making about that topic.
Example
Topic: Ambition
Theme: "Unchecked ambition leads to moral corruption and self-destruction." (Macbeth)
Themes are expressed as complete statements, not single words. The author rarely states the theme outright — you infer it from character choices, conflicts, symbols, and resolution.
Character Analysis
When analyzing a character, examine:
- Motivation — What does the character want? Why?
- Conflict — Internal (vs. self) or external (vs. others, nature, society)?
- Development — Does the character change? How and why?
- Foil — A character who contrasts with another to highlight qualities
Writing a Literary Analysis Essay
Structure: Claim → Evidence → Analysis (CEA) in every body paragraph.
CEA Example
Claim: Fitzgerald uses the green light to symbolize Gatsby's unattainable dreams.
Evidence: "Gatsby stretched out his arms toward the dark water… a single green light" (Fitzgerald 20).
Analysis: The physical distance between Gatsby and the light mirrors the gap between his aspirations and reality — always visible, never reachable.
Avoid plot summary — every sentence should serve your argument. Ask: "So what? Why does this matter?"
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.