How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

Answer the prompt in one or two sentences identifying specific reasons for your opinions. Example: Q:What risks and sacrifices does Nelson Mandela make in his fight for freedom in the essay, “Long Walk to Freedom”? A: Nelson Mandela makes many risks and sacrifices including the safety of himself and his family in order to win freedom for the people of South Africa. Step 1: Read the Prompt!!

Step 2: Write the Introduction Introduce the author and title Write a short summary of text Answer the prompt (step 1) Example Nelson Mandela expressed his passion for freedom in the essay, “Long Walk to Freedom”. In the essay he discusses the challenges he faced while fighting against apartheid. Mandela makes many risks and sacrifices including the safety of himself and his family in order to win freedom for the people of South Africa. Step 2: Write the Introduction

Explain your reasons in 1-3 paragraphs Provide details from the text that prove your ideas and support your thesis. Try it yourself… you can use the introduction or write your own. Step 3: Body Paragraphs

Step 4: Conclusion Restate your thesis in a new way Leave your reader with something to think about regarding your topic. Try it yourself. You can use the introduction or write your own. Step 4: Conclusion