An analysis paper is quite similar to a critique in that you are breaking down a text. However, whereas in a critique you evaluate or judge the text, in an analysis you are more interested in showing how a text works so that your reader can appreciate what you see. Like an argumentative paper or a critique, your analysis should be centered around a thesis. Literary analysis generally focuses on literary techniques such as characterization, imagery, tone, irony, plot structure, or diction and how these contribute to the meaning or theme of a text. Analysis of non-fiction may center more on the examples in a text, or the approach taken by the author to convey his or her point.
The structure of an analysis paper, like other academic essays, is traditionally
three-part: an introduction in which you introduce the source text(s) you are
analyzing, and present your thesis; body paragraphs in which you support and
explain your analysis with specific evidence from the source text(s) that you
explain clearly and fully, and a conclusion that wraps up your paper, perhaps
reiterates your thesis (though not word for word!), and leaves your reader with
something to think about.
Please see below for an example of a Analysis (of non-fiction) Essay written by a Chabot student.
Please see below for an example of a Literary Analysis Essay written by a Chabot student.
Example Literary Analysis Essay #1
Example Literary Analysis Essay #2
Example Literary Analysis Essay #3