Caleb S.
Caleb S.

180+ Best Analytical Essay Topics To Choose From

24 min read

Published on: Jul 21, 2023

Last updated on: Aug 9, 2023

analytical essay topics

Are you struggling to find an interesting topic for your analytical essay? 

Look no further! Our comprehensive guide features 180+ analytical essay topics that are sure to guide your essay in the right direction. 

We have topics for everyone, covering a wide range of subjects and difficulty levels, from simple to critical ideas.

So, don't let writer's block get in the way of your success - read on to discover your next winning topic!

Analytical Essay Topics by Subject Area

When writing an analytical essay, its important to pay close attention to the subject area. This is because analyzing a literary work would take a different approach from examining a scientific work. 

Here is an analytical essay topics list for different subjects:

Literature Analytical Essay Topics

  • Analyzing the theme of identity in "The Great Gatsby"
  • The use of symbolism in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
  • A feminist analysis of "Pride and Prejudice"
  • The role of setting in "Lord of the Flies"
  • Analyzing the unreliable narrator in "The Catcher in the Rye"
  • The use of irony in "Animal Farm"
  • A psychoanalytic analysis of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
  • The theme of morality in "Heart of Darkness"
  • Analyzing the motif of death in "The Book Thief"
  • The use of foreshadowing in "Of Mice and Men"

Analysis Essay Topics for 1984

  • Analyze the role of language in the Party's control of its citizens.
  • Discuss the significance of the proles in the novel and their relationship to the Party.
  • Analyze the theme of memory and its importance in the novel.
  • Discuss the use of propaganda in the novel and how it contributes to the Party's power.
  • Analyze the relationship between Winston and Julia and how it reflects the themes of the novel.
  • Discuss the significance of the Ministry of Truth and its role in shaping the truth of the Party.
  • Analyze the role of fear in the Party's control of its citizens.
  • Discuss the theme of individualism versus collectivism in the novel.
  • Analyze the significance of the ending of the novel and its implications for the characters and themes.
  • Discuss the parallels between the world of 1984 and modern-day society.

History Analytical Essay Topics

  • Analyzing the causes of the American Civil War
  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the economy
  • A comparative analysis of the French and American Revolutions
  • Analyzing the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement
  • The impact of imperialism on the colonized countries
  • The effects of the Cold War on international relations
  • The social and economic effects of the Great Depression
  • The role of propaganda in Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia
  • Analyzing the factors leading to the fall of the Roman Empire
  • The influence of religion on medieval society and culture

Science Analytical Essay Topics

  • The ethical implications of gene editing technology
  • Analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
  • The impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems
  • The use of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare
  • Analyzing the risks and benefits of genetically modified crops
  • The role of science in addressing global health crises
  • The impact of technology on human communication and social interaction
  • Analyzing the effects of pollution on human health and the environment
  • The role of science in understanding and addressing mental health disorders
  • The history and evolution of the scientific method and its impact on society

Technology Analytical Essay Topics

  • Analyzing the impact of social media on mental health and well-being
  • The ethical implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning
  • The role of technology in shaping modern education systems
  • The impact of automation on the job market and workforce
  • Analyzing the effects of cyberbullying on adolescents and children
  • The role of technology in promoting environmental sustainability
  • The impact of digital piracy on the entertainment industry
  • Analyzing the relationship between technology and privacy
  • The use of big data in marketing and advertising
  • The role of technology in addressing global poverty and inequality

Social Issues Analytical Essay Topics

  • Analyzing the impact of poverty on mental health and well-being
  • The role of social media in perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination
  • The impact of systemic racism on society and the economy
  • The effects of income inequality on social mobility and economic growth
  • Analyzing the impact of the #MeToo movement on workplace culture
  • The role of the media in shaping public opinion on social issues
  • The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities
  • Analyzing the effects of immigration policies on families and communities
  • The role of education in promoting social justice and equality
  • The impact of globalization on cultural identity and diversity

Art and Culture Analytical Essay Topics

  • Analyzing the influence of art and culture on political movements
  • The impact of colonialism on indigenous art and culture
  • A comparative analysis of classical and contemporary music
  • Analyzing the cultural significance of fashion and its influence on society
  • The impact of technology on the art world and its marketability
  • The role of museums in preserving and promoting cultural heritage
  • Analyzing the effects of globalization on cultural diversity and identity
  • The cultural significance of food and its representation in media
  • The impact of social media on art and its consumption
  • Analyzing the effects of censorship on artistic expression and freedom of speech

Good Analytical Essay Topics for Students

Here are some more analytical essay topic ideas of different academic levels:

Analytical Essay Topics for High School

  • Analyzing the effects of bullying on students' academic performance and mental health
  • The role of standardized testing in measuring student success
  • Analyzing the effects of social media on high school students' self-esteem
  • The impact of student-teacher relationships on academic achievement
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of online learning and its impact on traditional education
  • The impact of extracurricular activities on high school students' academic and personal development
  • Analyzing the effects of parental involvement on high school students' academic performance
  • The role of high school in preparing students for college and career readiness
  • Analyzing the effects of sleep deprivation on high school students' academic performance and mental health
  • The impact of peer pressure on high school students' decision-making and social behavior

Analytical Essay Topics for College Students 

  • Breaking down the burden of student loan debt on graduates' lives
  • Technology in higher education: the game changer for learning
  • Beyond the degree: analyzing the impact of college education on future prospects
  • Diversity on campus: an examination of its effects on students' lives
  • Social media and its influence on college students' perceptions
  • Overcoming anxiety: analyzing the impact of stress on college performance
  • Campus culture and its effects on student's mental health: an exploration
  • Athletics and student life: a deeper look into the benefits and drawbacks
  • Substance abuse in college: an analysis of its effects on academic performance and well-being
  • A world of opportunity: understanding the impact of study abroad programs on college students

Easy Analytical Essay Topics

  • The impact of gender roles on young people in horror movies.
  • The use of symbolism in literature
  • The portrayal of women in popular movies
  • The effects of junk food on health
  • The significance of a favorite childhood memory
  • The benefits and drawbacks of online learning
  • The influence of music on people's moods and emotions
  • The role of sports in promoting physical and mental health
  • The impact of technology on society
  • The importance of time management in college

Issue Analysis Essay Topics

  • Understanding the impact of police brutality on society
  • Analyzing the effects of gun control laws on crime rates
  • A critical examination of the #MeToo movement and its implications
  • Climate change: an examination of its impacts on global communities
  • Examining the pros and cons of the death penalty
  • The impacts of cyberbullying on mental health: An in-depth study
  • Analyzing the relationship between poverty and crime rates
  • An analysis of the economic impacts of immigration
  • The effects of social media on political discourse
  • The psychology of prejudice and its impacts on society

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Critical Analysis Essay Topics

  • A critical analysis of capitalism and its impacts on society
  • The role of education in economic development: a comprehensive study
  • The evolution of feminism and its current status in society
  • Analyzing the pros and cons of renewable energy sources
  • A critical examination of the American healthcare system
  • The portrayal of mental health issues in mainstream media: a critical analysis
  • Understanding the ethics of animal testing: a comprehensive study
  • An analysis of the global water crisis and its implications
  • Analyzing the relationship between technology and privacy
  • A critical examination of the impacts of colonialism on indigenous communities.

Informative Essay Topics

  • The benefits and risks of vaccines: What you need to know
  • How to choose the best college major for your career goals
  • The impacts of social media on mental health: An informative guide
  • Everything you need to know about starting your own business
  • The history of the civil rights movement: An informative overview
  • Understanding the basics of climate change: An informative guide
  • How to improve your time management skills: An informative guide
  • A beginner's guide to investing in the stock market
  • The benefits of a healthy lifestyle: An informative overview
  • How to write a winning resume: An informative guide

Expert Tip

Getting started on your analytical essay? View these expertly written analytical essay examples to get inspired!

Persuasive Analytical Essay Topics

  • Taking action for a better future: The significance of sustainable living
  • Investing in the future: The benefits of early childhood education
  • Supporting mental health: Why employers should offer mental health days
  • Empowering the youth: The importance of comprehensive sex education
  • Healthy living for a better world: The advantages of a plant-based diet
  • The power of the arts: The importance of arts education
  • Protecting lives: The urgency of gun control
  • Achieving inner peace: The benefits of meditation
  • Embracing differences: The importance of diversity in the workplace
  • Ensuring basic needs: The necessity of affordable housing

Funny Analytical Essay Topics

  • The art of procrastination: How to succeed at putting things off
  • The science of hangry: The effect of hunger on mood and behavior
  • The psychology of dad jokes: Why we find them so funny
  • The joy of puns: A linguistic analysis of wordplay
  • The awkwardness of small talk: Why it's so hard and how to master it
  • The surprising benefits of being lazy: An examination of laziness
  • The quirkiness of internet memes: A cultural analysis
  • The strange appeal of TikTok: A social media phenomenon
  • The curious case of cat videos: A study in feline behavior
  • The delightful world of nonsense: An exploration of absurdity

Analytical Essay Topics by Type

Analytical essays have different types that determine the approach and focus of the analysis. These types include literary analysis, rhetorical analysis, process analysis, and more.

Here are essay topics for each type pf analytical essay:

Comparative Analysis Essay Topics

  • Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" and "The Catcher in the Rye": A Comparative Analysis
  • The Tragic Heroes in Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and "Macbeth": A Contrastive Study
  • Love and Betrayal in "Wuthering Heights" versus "Pride and Prejudice": A Comparative Analysis
  • The Dark and the Fantastic: An Analysis of Poe and Lovecraft's Works
  • The Representation of Women in "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Brave New World": A Comparative Study
  • The Role of Setting in "The Lord of the Rings" versus "Harry Potter": A Comparative Analysis
  • Colonialism and Its Aftermath: A Comparative Analysis of "Things Fall Apart" and "Wide Sargasso Sea"
  • A Contrastive Study of Two War Poems: "Dulce et Decorum Est" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade"
  • Dystopian Visions: An Analysis of "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451"
  • The Dynamics of Friendship in "Of Mice and Men" versus "The Kite Runner": A Comparative Analysis

Character Analysis Essay Topics

  • Examining the evolution of Holden Caulfield's personality in "The Catcher in the Rye"
  • A close look at the character of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"
  • Exploring the portrayal of Atticus Finch in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird"
  • Unraveling the complexity of Jay Gatsby's character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"
  • Scrutinizing the character of Ophelia in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
  • Dissecting the character of Eliza Doolittle in George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion"
  • Investigating the character of Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" trilogy
  • Analyzing the mind of Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle's stories
  • Decoding the portrayal of the Joker in the movie "The Dark Knight"
  • Assessing the character development of Walter White in the TV series "Breaking Bad"

Critical Analysis Essay Topics

  • Exploring the feminist themes in Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own"
  • Unveiling the use of symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter"
  • Examining the themes of identity and racism in Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man"
  • Unraveling the use of satire in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels"
  • Dissecting the themes of love and loss in Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights"
  • Uncovering the social commentary in George Orwell's "Animal Farm"
  • Scrutinizing the themes of power and corruption in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies"
  • Decoding the use of allegory in George Orwell's "1984"
  • Analyzing the portrayal of mental illness in Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar"
  • Investigating the themes of imperialism and colonialism in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

  • Exploring the effectiveness of persuasive techniques in advertising campaigns
  • An evaluation of the persuasive strategies used in political speeches during election season
  • Analyzing the use of rhetorical devices in Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech
  • A critique of the persuasive strategies used in TED Talks
  • Analyzing the use of rhetoric in social media activism
  • A comparative analysis of the rhetorical strategies used in two presidential inauguration speeches
  • Analyzing the use of rhetorical appeals in a famous court case argument
  • A critical analysis of the persuasive tactics used in health and wellness marketing
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of persuasive strategies in environmental advocacy campaigns
  • A rhetorical analysis of the use of language in social justice movements

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Characteristics of a Good Analytical Essay Topic

An analytical essay is a type of academic writing that involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating a particular topic or subject. 

This essay aims to help you understand a topic by breaking it down into smaller parts.

A good analytical essay topic should have the following characteristics:

  • Relevant to the subject matter and aligns with the purpose of the essay.
  • Clear and concise, not too broad or too narrow in scope.
  • Unique and not overused or cliched.
  • Specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis and interpretation.
  • Controversial or debatable to allow for a variety of perspectives and opinions.
  • Researchable with enough sources and information available to support the analysis.

Choosing a good topic requires critical thinking because it makes the essay interesting and the research and analysis process easier. 

So, taking the time to carefully choose a topic is crucial to writing a successful analytical essay.

How to Choose an Analytical Essay Topic

When selecting an analytical paper topic, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you choose a good one:

  • Read The Text Carefully And Take Notes

Before you can choose a topic, you need to have a good understanding of the text you're analyzing. Read the text carefully, take notes, and highlight important passages or themes.

  • Brainstorm Potential Topics

Once you have a good understanding of the text, brainstorm a list of potential topics that interest you. Consider the characters, themes, literary devices, and historical or cultural context of the text.

  • Narrow Down Your Options

Once you've brainstormed topics, start by selecting the ones that interest you the most. Consider the ones that have the most potential for analysis and research.

  • Check For Available Resources

Make sure there are enough resources available to support your chosen topic. Check for scholarly articles, books, and find sources that can help you develop your analysis.

Expert Tip

Check out this read on tips for generating ideas for analytical essay to make your topic selection process easier!

Here are some effective analytical essay topic examples:

  • The use of symbolism in Toni Morrison's "Beloved"
  • The role of the supernatural in Shakespeare's "Macbeth"
  • The portrayal of mental illness in Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar"
  • The theme of identity in Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man"
  • The use of irony in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"

Have a look at this video to find out how to write a critical analysis essay:

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Topic 

  • Choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow
  • Choosing a topic that is too well-known or has been analyzed extensively
  • Choosing a topic that doesn't interest you or that you don't have enough knowledge about
  • Failing to check for available resources to support your analysis

Now you have an extensive list of essay topics to choose from. No matter what level or type of analytical essay you're writing, our list has a suitable topic for you!

And with our tips on choosing a topic, you should be well on your way to getting started with your essay.

But if you still find yourself struggling with writer's block or a lack of inspiration, don't worry. Our essay writing service is here to help you with all your academic writing needs. 

Our professional writers can write an outstanding essay on any topic. Moreover, they're always there to deliver original essays according to your deadline. 

So, why wait? Contact our analytical essay writing service today, and let us help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of analytical essay?

An example of an analytical essay title could be An Analysis of the Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This title suggests that the essay will analyze how Fitzgerald uses symbolism to convey meaning in the novel.

What is a good analytical thesis examples?

A good analytical thesis statement presents a clear argument that will be supported throughout the essay, for example, The portrayal of mental illness in literature reflects societal attitudes towards mental health.

What is a good analytical paragraph?

A good analytical paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, provide evidence to support the argument, and explain how the evidence relates to the main point of the essay.

How should I start an analytical essay?

You can start an analytical essay by introducing the topic and providing background information, presenting a clear thesis statement, and outlining the main points that will be discussed in the essay.

Caleb S.

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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