Like all essays that make a claim and defend it, a literary analysis should include certain elements: a strong, engaging introduction, carefully organized body paragraphs, and a clear conclusion. Your essay will also need a clear thesis statement, reasons, evidence, and a section in which you acknowledge and respond to at least one counterargument.
Use the descriptions below to review the parts of an argument that you will need to include in your analytical essay. Click each element to see its description.
After reading your introduction, the reader should have a clear picture of what your essay is about. The reader also should be curious or interested enough to keep reading.
Your thesis statement should appear near the end of your essay’s introduction. It should clearly and concisely state your claim, which is the heart of the argument you will build.
In the body paragraphs of your essay, you will support your claim with reasons. These paragraphs should work together to explain why you believe your claim is true or correct.
Your essay’s body paragraphs should also include textual evidence—direct quotes and summaries of passages that support your interpretation of the book.
Your essay’s counterclaim should start with a sentence that describes an opposing opinion. The paragraph with a counterclaim should also include a rebuttal—an explanation of why the counterclaim is less reasonable than your own position.
Like any other essay you have written, your literary analysis essay needs concluding paragraph that reminds readers of your claim, clarifies key points, and provides any final thoughts.
