Analytical Essay Examples and Tips for Success
13 min read
Published on: Jul 21, 2023
Last updated on: Aug 9, 2023
You have an analytical essay due tomorrow but you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the researching and writing. You’re not even sure how to start.
So, if you’re here, chances are you’re looking to improve your analysis skills. Well, you're in the right place!
This blog is packed with examples and useful tips to help you master the art of analytical writing. Plus, we'll cover all the steps for writing a strong essay with examples. From the pre-writing stage to the writing process itself, you’ll get all the information you need.
By the end of it, you'll have the knowledge to confidently tackle any analytical essay assignment.
So, let's dive in!
Literary Analytical Essay
Literary analysis is a type of analytical essay that involves examining a piece of literature, such as a novel or poem. It examines its various components, such as plot, characters, themes, and symbolism.
The goal of literary analysis is to gain a deeper understanding of the literary work and its significance.
Example Literary Analysis Essay
Here's a short literary analytical essay example on "To Kill a Mockingbird":
In Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," the character of Atticus Finch serves as a moral compass throughout the novel. As a lawyer, Atticus represents Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman in a small southern town in the 1930s. Despite the overwhelming racism and prejudice of the community, Atticus remains steadfast in his belief in justice and equality for all. Through Atticus's character, Lee highlights the theme of courage and morality in the face of injustice. Atticus's unwavering commitment to his beliefs serves as a powerful example for his children, Jem and Scout, as well as for readers. His willingness to stand up against the majority opinion and fight for what is right, even at great personal risk, is a testament to his integrity and character. Overall, Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful work of literature that explores important themes of morality, justice, and courage through its compelling characters and thought-provoking plot. |
View this example literary analysis essay:
Film Analysis Essay
Film analysis is a type of analytical essay that involves examining a movie, TV show, or other visual medium. It assesses its components, such as plot, characters, cinematography, sound, and themes.
The purpose of film analysis is to gain a deeper understanding of the film and its significance.
Example Film Analysis
Here's a short example of a film analysis essay on "The Godfather":
Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" is a cinematic masterpiece that explores themes of power, family, and loyalty. The film follows the story of the Corleone family, a powerful mafia clan in New York City during the 1940s. At its core, "The Godfather" is a character-driven film that focuses on the complex relationships between its characters. The film's protagonist, Michael Corleone, undergoes a transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless leader who will stop at nothing to protect his family's interests. Through its use of cinematography, music, and dialogue, "The Godfather" creates a rich and immersive world that draws viewers in and keeps them engaged throughout the film. The iconic soundtrack, composed by Nino Rota, sets the mood and tone for each scene, while the use of close-ups and long takes emphasizes the characters' emotions and motivations. Overall, Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" is a masterful work of cinema that showcases the power of storytelling and visual storytelling. Its themes of power, family, and loyalty continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the film industry. |
Here is another sample of a film analysis essay:
Historical Analysis Essay
Historical analysis is a type of analytical essay that involves examining a specific event or period in history and analyzing its causes, consequences, and significance.
The aim of historical analysis is to understand the past better and its impact on the present.
Example of Historical Analysis Essay
Here's a short example of a historical analysis essay on the French Revolution:
The French Revolution was a major turning point in European history that took place between 1789 and 1799. It was a period of intense political and social upheaval that saw the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic in France. The causes of the French Revolution were complex and multifaceted, but they can be broadly divided into three categories: political, economic, and social. The political causes included the corruption and ineffectiveness of the monarchy, as well as the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the educated classes. The economic causes included rising taxes, food shortages, and a growing national debt, while the social causes included the widening gap between the rich and poor and the resentment of the lower classes towards the privileged aristocracy. The consequences of the French Revolution were profound and far-reaching. It not only led to the establishment of a new political order in France, but it also inspired similar revolutionary movements across Europe and the world. The Revolution also marked the beginning of the modern era, with its emphasis on democracy, human rights, and social justice. Overall, the French Revolution was a pivotal moment in world history that continues to shape our understanding of politics, society, and culture today. Its legacy remains controversial, but there is no denying its significance as a transformative event that changed the course of history. |
Analytical Essay Examples
We've compiled more examples to give you a better understanding of how to structure and approach your own analytical essay. Here are some analytical essay example samples on various topics:
Check out this video on how to do an analysis of a short story.
What is an Analytical Essay?
An analytical essay is a type of writing that requires critical thinking and analysis of a topic. Its purpose is to break down a topic into smaller components, examine them closely, and present a well-supported argument.
Why Write an Analytical Essay?
Here are some of the reasons you might be required to write an analysis essay:
1. To better understand a topic:
Analyzing a topic allows you to gain a deeper understanding of its components and how they relate to each other.
2. To develop critical analysis skills:
Analytical essays require you to think critically and analyze information, which are essential skills in many academic and professional fields.
3. To present a well-supported argument:
The aim of analytical essays is to provide a compelling argument that shows your comprehension and evaluation of the topic.
How to Write an Analytical Essay - Examples
Before writing your essay, it's important to take some pre-writing steps to effectively analyze the topic or issue.
Pre-Writing Stage
The pre-writing stage involves the following:
1. Choosing a Topic: Brainstorm ideas, consider if the topic has room for analysis, and ensure there are sufficient research materials available.
Let's say the assignment is to write an analytical essay on the theme of power in Shakespeare's Macbeth. You choose to Lady Macbeth and her husband's relationship as a demonstration of power's corrupting influence. |
2. Conducting Research: Collect information from credible sources such as academic articles, books, and reputable websites. Take notes, organize information, and properly cite your sources.
You gather information from academic articles and books about power dynamics in Macbeth. Then take notes on specific examples of Lady Macbeth's manipulation and ambition. |
3. Creating an Outline: Create an outline to organize your ideas and ensure your essay has a clear structure. The outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Here is how you can create an analytical essay example outline:
You create an outline with an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each paragraph focusing on a different scene where Lady Macbeth demonstrates her power. |
Writing Stage
Now that you've got an outline with all the sources about your topic, its time to start writing:
1. Introduction: Start with an attention-grabbing hook to engage your reader. Provide some background information on the topic and briefly explain the purpose of your essay.
For example, here is an analytical essay example introduction:
"Power is a dangerous tool that can corrupt even the most virtuous of individuals. In Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the relationship between Lady Macbeth and her husband demonstrates the seductive and destructive nature of power. As Lady Macbeth manipulates and coerces her husband into committing heinous acts, the play reveals how unchecked ambition and a thirst for power can lead to downfall." |
2. Thesis Statement: It is the main argument of your essay. It should be clear, specific, and outline what you will be analyzing in your essay.
For instance, your thesis statement might be something like:
"Through the character of Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare illustrates the corrupting influence of power and how it can drive individuals to commit unspeakable acts." |
Want to know about thesis statement writing? Learn all about how you can develop a thesis statement!
3. Body Paragraphs: The body of your essay should provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence that relates to your thesis. Moreover, it would have supporting evidence, and analysis of the evidence.
Each body paragraph would focus on a specific scene from the play where Lady Macbeth displays her power. It would also analyze how this contributes to the overall theme. For example, one body paragraph could focus on Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth into killing King Duncan. While another could focus on her attempts to suppress Macbeth's guilt. |
4. Conclusion: The essay conclusion should summarize your points of view and restate your thesis. Provide a final thought or idea that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
Here's what a conclusion for an analytical essay example could look like:
"Shakespeare's Macbeth warns against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Through Lady Macbeth's manipulation of her husband and her own descent into madness, the play reveals the high cost of pursuing power at any cost." |
Analytical Essay Tips and Tricks
Writing an analysis paper can be hard, but there are some tips that can make the process easier. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when writing your analysis essay.
- Use evidence to support your arguments:
Always support your arguments with evidence from credible sources. This helps to make your essay more convincing and shows that you have done your research.
- Stay organized:
Organize your thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical manner. Use an essay outline to structure your essay and ensure that your arguments flow smoothly.
- Use strong transitions:
Transitions are words or phrases that help to connect your ideas and create a coherent flow in your essay. Use them to link your paragraphs and create a logical progression of ideas.
- Avoid using first-person pronouns:
When writing an analytical essay, it is important to avoid common mistakes like using first-person pronouns such as "I" or "we." Instead, focus on presenting objective evidence and analysis.
- Follow the correct citation style:
Properly cite your sources using the appropriate citation style. This helps to give credit to the original author and avoids plagiarism.
By following these tips and tricks, you can write a strong analytical essay that effectively analyzes a topic or issue.
Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Analytical Essay
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a good analytical essay:
- Misinterpreting the prompt or topic:
It is important to carefully read and understand the essay prompt or topic before starting your essay.
- Summarizing the plot instead of analyzing:
Avoid simply summarizing the plot of a book, movie, or other work of literature. Instead, focus on analyzing and interpreting the themes, characters, and symbolism.
- Failing to support your arguments with evidence:
Always support your arguments with evidence from credible sources to make your essay more convincing.
- Overusing quotes or not using them properly:
Use quotes sparingly, and make sure to properly integrate them into your essay. Overusing quotes can make your essay appear unoriginal.
- Using informal language or first-person pronouns:
Avoid using casual language or first-person pronouns in your essay. Instead, use a formal tone and focus on presenting objective evidence and analysis.
- Not organizing your ideas or thoughts properly:
Create an outline to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay has a clear and logical structure. This will help to make your arguments more coherent and easier to follow.
By keeping these common mistakes, you can ensure a polished final version of your essay!
Analytical Essay Topics
Here are some analysis essay example topics to get you started:
- What is the impact of social media on society?
- How does technology affect communication in relationships?
- What are the psychological effects of video games on children?
- How does the media portray body image and its effects on young adults?
- In what ways has feminism impacted gender roles in society?
- How do cultural differences affect communication in international business?
- What are the causes and effects of income inequality?
- How does climate change affect global food production and distribution?
- What are the ethical implications of genetic engineering in humans?
- How has the portrayal of mental illness in media impacted societal attitudes toward it?
Need more ideas? Check out this extensive list of analytical essay topics to get started!
So, now you have plenty of examples along with steps, tips, and topics to help you build a strong analytical essay.
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WRITTEN BY
Caleb S. (Literature)
Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.
Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.
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