literary analysis thesis ideas

Literary Criticism

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thesis examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning).

Further Examples:

The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe.

The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God.

The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought.

“The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

Note how the thesis statement classifies the form of the work (writings by immigrants) and identifies the characteristics of that form of writing (tradition, adaptation, and identity) that the essay will discuss.

Further examples:

Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

A close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women.

The thesis may draw parallels between some element in the work and real-life situations or subject matter: historical events, the author’s life, medical diagnoses, etc.

In Willa Cather’s short story, “Paul’s Case,” Paul exhibits suicidal behavior that a caring adult might have recognized and remedied had that adult had the scientific knowledge we have today.

This thesis suggests that the essay will identify characteristics of suicide that Paul exhibits in the story. The writer will have to research medical and psychology texts to determine the typical characteristics of suicidal behavior and to illustrate how Paul’s behavior mirrors those characteristics.

Through the experience of one man, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, accurately depicts the historical record of slave life in its descriptions of the often brutal and quixotic relationship between master and slave and of the fragmentation of slave families.

In “I Stand Here Ironing,” one can draw parallels between the narrator’s situation and the author’s life experiences as a mother, writer, and feminist.

SAMPLE PATTERNS FOR THESES ON LITERARY WORKS

1. In (title of work), (author) (illustrates, shows) (aspect) (adjective).

Example: In “Barn Burning,” William Faulkner shows the characters Sardie and Abner Snopes struggling for their identity.

2. In (title of work), (author) uses (one aspect) to (define, strengthen, illustrate) the (element of work).

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses foreshadowing to strengthen the plot.

3. In (title of work), (author) uses (an important part of work) as a unifying device for (one element), (another element), and (another element). The number of elements can vary from one to four.

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses the sea as a unifying device for setting, structure and theme.

4. (Author) develops the character of (character’s name) in (literary work) through what he/she does, what he/she says, what other people say to or about him/her.

Example: Langston Hughes develops the character of Semple in “Ways and Means”…

5. In (title of work), (author) uses (literary device) to (accomplish, develop, illustrate, strengthen) (element of work).

Example: In “The Masque of the Red Death,” Poe uses the symbolism of the stranger, the clock, and the seventh room to develop the theme of death.

6. (Author) (shows, develops, illustrates) the theme of __________ in the (play, poem, story).

Example: Flannery O’Connor illustrates the theme of the effect of the selfishness of the grandmother upon the family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

7. (Author) develops his character(s) in (title of work) through his/her use of language.

Example: John Updike develops his characters in “A & P” through his use of figurative language.

Perimeter College, Georgia State University, http://depts.gpc.edu/~gpcltc/handouts/communications/literarythesis.pdf

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Literary Analysis Essay Writing

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Ideas

15 min read

Published on: Sep 19, 2018

Last updated on: Nov 15, 2023

Good Literary Analysis Essay Topic Ideas

If you are a high school or a college student, and you’re having difficulty coming up with a good topic for your essay, choose from the topic list below.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics Middle School

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
Harry Potter’s powers in the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Allegory in Lord Byron’s Vision of Judgement
Impact of Henry Miller and Gordon Byron’s life on their legacy
Comparative analysis of Dickens VS Thackeray
Canterbury Tales VS Decameron
The irony in Jerome’s stories
Mood expressions in Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for High School

The representation of justice in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
Analyze the theme of friendship in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men
Explore the theme of identity in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series
The role of nature in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights
Discuss the concept of heroism in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
The use of foreshadowing in George Orwell's Animal Farm
The representation of mental health in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar
The impact of war on individuals in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried
The use of symbolism and allegory in Lois Lowry's The Giver
Discuss the role of cultural identity in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club

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Literary Analysis Essay Topics For College

Literary devices used in The Night by Elie Wiesel
The portrayal of the escape theme in Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer
The evolution of Celie's character in 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker
Jane Austen's critique of social class and marriage in Pride and Prejudice
Shed light on the theme of chaos in Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Examine the historical events of World War II and their significance in Elie Wiesel's “Night.”
The power of love in The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Presentation of dreams in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Rocking Horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence

Literary Analysis Essay Prompts in Classics

The portrayal of fate in Romeo and Juliet
The portrayal of love in Romeo and Juliet
Concept of mortality in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet
Misogyny in Hamlet
Witchcraft in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth
The tragic flaws and character development of King Lear in William Shakespeare's play
The philosophical underpinnings of justice and governance in Plato's 'The Republic
Exploring the theme of civil disobedience and consequences in Sophocles' 'Antigone’
Exploring the conflict between illusion and reality in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
The complex character relationships and moral dilemmas in 'Montana' by Larry Watson

Social Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Social injustice in Oliver Twist
Ethnicity in Burmese Days by Orwell
Torture and injustice in Night by Elie Wiesel
Vanity Fair - the culture of the 19th century according to Thackeray
The portrayal of the Civil Western Society in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The role of women in society in the 18th Century according to Jane Austen
Escape from society and its rules in Into the Wild by John Krakauer
The place of women in the society in Hamlet
Social status of women in the 17th century portrayed by Jane Austen in Emma
The wrongs of the modern society in Fight Club by Palahniuk

War and Peace Topics for Literary Analysis Essay

The portrayal of war and violence in the poems of Stephen Crane
Literary works during WWI
War setting in Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
The depiction of war in Homer’s plays
Toni Morrison’s views on the civil war
The war between demons and angels in Paradise Lost
War in the Mother Courage and Her Child by Bertolt Brecht
The portrayal of war and peace by George Orwell
Concept of war in A Fable by Faulkner
Steinbeck’s presentation of injustice in The Grapes of Wrath

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Movies

Comparison between the book and film “Sense and Sensibility.”
The portrayal of women in the “Little Women.”
Imitation of society and class in “The Great Gatsby.”
The ideas of love and trust in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
The good and evil in “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Feminity in Sense and Sensibility
The role of Saruman and Gandalf
Spirituality and religion in “Lord of the Flies.”
Oskar’s struggle to find a sense of home in “The Tin Drum.”
Jealousy and male pride in “The Dead.”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for the Subject of Race

“Waiting for the Barbarians” by J.M. Coetzee
Race and Injustice in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird
Race and fellowship in Melville’s Moby Dick
“Under The Feet Of Jesus”
Description of culture and tradition in “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
Interracial relationship in Back to Life by Wendy Coakley
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by McMorris
The Art Of Love by Hong Ying
Multiculturalism in the Captain Underpants series by Dev Pilkey
Imitation of slavery in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

General Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Focalization techniques in When I Lay Dying
Historical background of Duma’s Novels
The use of imagery in Walt Whitman’s works
Male and female characters in Beowulf
Character analysis of Emmy in Vanity Fair
Character analysis of Rebeca in Vanity Fair
The complicated relationship between mother and daughter in Beloved
Beauty standards in The Bluest Eye
Comparison in the portrayal of death by Keats and Blake
The idea of death in Renaissance literature

1984 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Roles of genders in the novel
What role does the Ministry of Truth play in the story?
The theme of subversion of love in 1984
The importance of memory in 1984
Totalitarian society in George Orwell's 1984
Analyze the role O'Brien plays in Winston's life
An in-depth analysis of the novel 1984 by George Orwell
How is the historical background reflected in 1984?
Lack of privacy in 1984
Propaganda and totalitarianism in Orwell’s “1984”

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

A theme of revenge in Hamlet
Explore Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia
Explore Hamlet’s mental state
Discuss Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude
Ghost in Hamlet
Was Hamlet truly mad?
Is Hamlet a villain or a hero?
How does Shakespeare present the idea of madness in Hamlet?
Is Hamlet’s love for Ophelia genuine?
Tragedies in Hamlet VS Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the development of characters during the play
Examine the role of women in Romeo and Juliet.
What is the role of history in Romeo and Juliet?
Analyze the Romeo and Juliet play
Romeo and Juliet: Fate or Free Will?
Why did Juliet warn of danger?
Rosaline in Romeo and Juliet
The love language of Romeo and Juliet
A fate analysis essay on Romeo and Juliet
The death of Romeo and Juliet

Macbeth Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Macbeth’s mental state
The role of morality in the play “Macbeth”
Describe the use of figurative language in Macbeth
The symbolism of blood in Macbeth
Applying imagery in Macbeth to advance the story
Lady Macbeth character analysis
What role did social hierarchies play in the play?
Analysis of gender roles in Macbeth
Role of women in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Is Lady Macbeth a dominant heroine?

Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Why is Beowulf a work of Christian propaganda?
What is the main idea of the story?
The meaning of rings in Beowulf
Which of Beowulf's fights was most heroic?
How do Beowulf’s heroic qualities affect the story?
Discuss the digression's role in Beowulf
Analyze the significance of the mead hall in Beowulf.
The difference between Beowulf and Modern-Day Heroes
Beowulf’s personality traits in the epic story
Analysis of Beowulf's symbols and their importance

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze what fire is trying to symbolize.
Frankenstein: The theme of guilt
Discuss any romantic elements in “Frankenstein”
The family relationship in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Who is more human, Frankenstein or the monster?
Romantic and gothic Frankenstein elements
Sacrifices for ambitions in the novel Frankenstein
Relationship between Victor and Frankenstein
Romanticism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Family Values and Frankenstein

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the novel as a cautionary tale
The meaning of wealth in the novel
What is the novel’s title meaning?
Explain how the novel demonstrates the characteristics of modernism
Explore the symbolism of the “green light” in “The Great Gatsby”
Discuss the role of women in the 1920s society as portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”
Dreams are the main theme in “The Great Gatsby”
What makes The Great Gatsby great?
The Great Gatsby: Winter Thoughts
What role does money play in Fitzgerald’s novel?

The Crucible Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Relate the Crucible to modern society
Analyze the most important theme of 'The Crucible.'
What are the dynamics of puritanism?
Examine the importance of religion in 1953 in work
The use of fear tactics in “The Crucible”
John Hale in The Crucible
Morality and The Crucible
The Crucible Critical Lens
The sinful confessions in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

History of the Fireman in Fahrenheit 451
Discuss the roles of both nature and technology play in Fahrenheit 451
The use of Parallelism in Fahrenheit 451
Analyze the three parts of Fahrenheit 451
Discuss the dual image of fire in the novel
How relevant is Fahrenheit 451 today?
The role of Clarisse McClellan in “Fahrenheit 451”
Analyze Mildred Montag
Discuss the usage of literary quotes in Fahrenheit 451
Examine the novel's main title

Literary Analysis Essay Topics For Othello

Examine the portrayal of women in ‘Othello’
A true reason for Othello's demise
Consider Othello’s suicide
The real motives of Iago in Othello
Women's roles in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet
Gender roles and racism in “Othello”
Discuss Othello's relationship
Analysis of The Film “Othello” By Oliver Parker
Explore themes of love and betrayal within Shakespeare's work of literature, “Othello”
How was Emilia treated by the men in the play “Othello”?

Lord of The Flies Literary Analysis Essay Topics

The symbolism of the conch shell and its significance in the novel
Analyze the themes of civilization versus savagery in “Lord of the Flies”
Explore the character development of Ralph and Jack in the story
Discuss the role of fear and the “beast” in the boys' descent into chaos
The portrayal of innate human nature and its consequences on the deserted island
Analyze the role of Piggy and his glasses as symbols of knowledge and reason
Analyze the use of irony in the story and its implications for the characters
Discuss the themes of power and leadership in the struggle for dominance
Examine the relationship between the boys' names and their personalities
The role of the island's setting in shaping the events and characters of the story

Literary Analysis Essay Topics For The Catcher In The Rye

Analyze the novel from the perspective of Bildungsroman
Analyze literary devices used in “The Catcher in the Rye”
Discuss the theme of death in the novel
Analyze the theme of self-discovery from the novel
Describe the story's topic of loneliness
Analyze growing up in the novel
Why does Holden love the Museum of Natural History?
The Role of Dialogue in The Catcher in the Rye
Describe the novel's portrayal of phoniness and naivety
Describe the character of Holden

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics

War, existentialism, and love in “A Farewell to Arms”
Sense of Sin in The Scarlet Letter
Analyze the use of biblical allusions and religious symbolism in William Golding's novels
Analyze the symbolism of the “white whale” in Melville's work of literature, “Moby-Dick”
Lies and deceit in “The Godfather”
Analyze the portrayal of fear and the human psyche in William Golding's novels
The symbols used to describe nature by William Wordsworth
Comparison between urban and rural settings of nature in the dystopia of Huxley
Decay and revival in post-apocalyptic novels
A religious and spiritual journey in “Jude the Obscure”

Now that you have the liberty to choose from a wide range of literary analysis example topics, you could use some help on how to opt for a good topic.

How to Choose A Literary Analysis Essay Topic?

To select a good and worthy topic for your literary analysis essay, follow the tips provided below:

Always go for an interesting topic for an engaging piece of paper
Look for an idea with available research material to support your analysis
Ensure your topic allows for an in-depth analysis rather than a surface-level summary
Choose an idea that challenges you to think critically and make meaningful connections
Avoid overly broad topics; instead, focus on a specific aspect or element of the work.
Choose an idea that best reflects your stance on the chosen work.
Analyze the topic deeply before you start writing about it
Balance personal interest with the potential appeal to your target audience
Make sure that the theme of the work is visible in your essay topic

Here are some tips for you to pen down a compelling literary analysis essay!

Tips to Write A Compelling Literary Analysis Essay

Essay writing is an essential part of academics. Students always require some tips and tricks to draft perfect essays and score good grades.

To make your literary analysis essay impeccable, follow the tips provided below:

Thoroughly read the chosen literary work
Identify the main themes, settings, and characters
Understand the purpose of the work
Pay attention to the tools and techniques used by the author to deliver the message
Pick an interesting literary analytical essay topic for your essay.
To write an analytical essay effectively, draft a perfect literary analysis essay outline
Develop a strong thesis statement
Craft strong topic sentences to guide and structure your analysis effectively
Prove and support all your statements using phrases and quotes from work
Write your literary essay from the third-person perspective
Write in the present tense
Avoid writing a plot summary of the work
Use multiple literary terms to write your essay professionally
Always cite properly

Literary Analysis Essay Example

To sum it up , writing a literary analysis essay can be extremely daunting if your analyzing abilities are weak. From selecting the right literary analysis topic to writing a conclusion for your essay, the process is lengthy.

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450+ Literary Analysis Topics Ideas & Title Examples for Inspiration

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Finding that ideal literary analysis topic can be as complex as the literature you're studying. But fear not! Backed by our experience, we’ve gathered some good literary analysis essay topics worth your attention.

In this blog article, we will tell you how to choose a great title and drop inspirational ideas for your literature analysis. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best literary analysis topics.

What Are Literary Analysis Topics?

Literary analysis topics are the types of analytical essay topics that deal with examining any work of literature. It might be a novel, a short story, or even literary criticism. You can select any of these topics to write a literary analysis on.

Topics for literary analysis might focus on various elements of the literature you are supposed to study. For instance, you may explore the following things:

Literary devices
Structure and style

Essentially, your task is to unleash the hidden meanings and interpret the messages conveyed in the literary works.

>> Learn more: How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

Features of Good Literary Analysis Topics

Before we move on to the literature essay topics, let’s talk about what makes a title stand out. Good literary analysis topics should:

Be related to the literature
Provide an opportunity for further exploration of the work as a whole.
Raise interesting questions and allow for different interpretations.
Inspire readers to think about the topic in more detail.

Choosing the right topic is very important. If you need extra help from experts, rely on our team of academic professionals. Say ‘ do my essay for me ’ and get an authentic essay crafted in line with your needs.

How to Choose a Literary Analysis Topic?

Are you staring at a blank page and don’t even know what literary analysis essay topic to choose? We know that feeling. It can be as challenging as finding a perfect rhyme in a sonnet, but no worries! Below we've got some easy steps to help you select a great literary analysis topic:

Read and reflect Start by immersing yourself in the text. As you read, keep an eye on themes, characters, and symbols that catch your attention.
Ask questions This is where your inner Sherlock should come out! Question everything about the book. Why does a character behave a certain way? What's the significance of that recurring symbol? These queries are the seeds of your literary analysis.
Find connections Look for links in the text – between characters, themes, or even the historical context. These connections often make for a compelling literary analysis essay title example.
Keep it focused Remember, you're writing an essay , not a book! So, zoom in. Instead of tackling a broad topic like "Imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird," focus on something more specific, like "The use of bird imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird."
Find a new angle If you're choosing a popular book, find a fresh angle. Instead of going with the crowd, create your own path. A unique perspective will make your analysis stand out.

Powered up by these guidelines, you are sure to find an excellent literary analysis essay idea. Now, let’s see what literary analysis titles and writing prompts we have prepared for you.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics List

If you are not sure how to get started, look at the list of essay titles below. Here, we’ve selected top literary essay topics and prompts to kickstart your journey into literature. Let’s begin with some basic themes and literary elements:

Symbolism in Emily Dickinson's poetry.
Women’s portrayal in Pride and Prejudice.
Orwell's use of dystopia in 1984.
Time in Slaughterhouse-Five.
Death's representation in Edgar Allan Poe’s works.
Mystery and suspense in Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.
Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye.
Portrayal of masculinity in Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea.
Handling of grief in Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking.
Solitude in Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Role of supernatural elements in Macbeth.
American Dream in Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby.
Postcolonial themes in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart.
The role of setting in A Tale of Two Cities.
Juxtaposition of civilization and savagery in Golding's Lord of the Flies.

Good Literary Analysis Essay Topics

If you're searching for that spark of inspiration, look no further. Choose a title idea from the collection of literary analysis essay prompts we added below:

Jane Austen's social satire in Sense and Sensibility.
Use of stream-of-consciousness in Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway.
Survival in Yann Martel's Life of Pi.
Love in Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary.
Illusion versus reality in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.
Ambition's consequences in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Power in George Orwell's Animal Farm.
Role of nature in Jack London's Call of the Wild.
Innocence in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
J.D. Salinger's use of first-person narrative in Catcher in the Rye.
Conflict of individual versus society in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
Isolation in Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis.
Friendship in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
Social class in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
Gender roles in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

Interesting Literary Analysis Topics

Are you looking for something more mind-blowing? Consider these interesting literary analysis essay topics ideas to shake things up a bit:

Irony in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Satire in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels.
Perspective shifts in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying.
Justice in Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman .
Power dynamics in Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men.
Fear in Stephen King's The Shining.
Identity crisis in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.
Spiritual growth in Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha.
Betrayal in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.
Symbolism in Toni Morrison's Beloved.
Freedom in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.
Class struggle in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Portrayal of war in Joseph Heller's Catch-22.
Obsession in Oscar Wilde's Picture of Dorian Gray .
Romanticism in J.M Barrie's Peter Pan.

Unique Literary Analysis Essay Topics

When it comes to a literary analysis paper, standing out from the crowd can make all the difference. If you're looking to bring a touch of uniqueness to your writing, consider one of these these distinctive literary analysis prompts:

Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Portrayal of rebellion in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 .
Maternal relationships in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.
Existentialism in Albert Camus' The Stranger.
Deceit in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.
Quest for identity in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.
Treatment of time in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.
Pride in Sophocles' Antigone.
Role of memory in Toni Morrison's Beloved.
Perspective and truth in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner.
Portrayal of destiny in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
Madness in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper.
Courage and survival in Markus Zusak's The Book Thief.
Role of society in George Orwell's 1984 .
Youth and age in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye .

Best Literature Essay Topics

Are you ready to take your analysis to the next level? Take a look at these top-notch literary topics for essays, each one carefully crafted for an A+ analysis essay :

Challenging societal norms in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House.
Portrayal of love in Pablo Neruda's poetry.
Loss and grief in Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking.
Paradox in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.
Representation of animals in Jack London's The Call of the Wild.
Disillusionment in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night.
Trauma and healing in Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Use of language in James Joyce's Ulysses.
Quest for identity in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Portrayal of family in August Wilson's Fences.
Loyalty in Homer's Iliad .
Portrayal of survival in Cormac McCarthy's The Road.
Duality in Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Isolation in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
Influence of society in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

Easy Literary Analysis Title Examples

If you are a novice or prefer simple literary analysis essay ideas, this list is for you.

Uncovering themes in To Kill a Mockingbird.
The symbolism in Lord of the Flies.
Understanding character development in Great Expectations.
Love and relationships in Pride and Prejudice.
The role of setting in Wuthering Heights.
Morality in Moby Dick.
Exploring imagery in The Great Gatsby .
Power dynamics in Animal Farm.
Social critique in Brave New World.
Conflict in Romeo and Juliet .
Identity and culture in The Namesake.
Supernatural elements in Macbeth .
The quest for freedom in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Aging and time in The Old Man and the Sea.
Survival in Life of Pi.

Topics for Literary Analysis in Different Genre

Exploring different genres can add a whole new dimension to your literary analysis. Whether it's the captivating world-building of fantasy or the futuristic visions of science fiction, each genre offers a bunch of literary analysis ideas for any taste. Check out the following literary analysis essay topics sorted by genre:

Utopian ideals in H.G. Wells' The Time Machine.
Symbols and motifs in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Suspense in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
Love in Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook.
Representation of war in Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth.
Humanity in Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Courage in C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Justice in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.
Conflict in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Time in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.
Portrayal of technology in William Gibson's Neuromancer.
Good versus evil in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
Clues in Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
Portrayal of passion in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
Use of historical detail in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.

American Literature Essay Topics

American literature has produced some of the most iconic works in history. Take a glance at these essay topics for American literature analysis essay topics to get motivated:

Racial tensions in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Transcendentalism in Walden.
Role of women in The Scarlet Letter .
Slavery and freedom in Beloved.
The meaning of home in Langston Hughes' poetry.
Masculinity and honor in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises.
Individualism in On the Road.
Illusion versus reality in Death of a Salesman.
Navigating adolescence in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Tragic hero in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Consequences of power in The Crucible .
Love and loss in The Fault in Our Stars.
Identity in Invisible Man.
Nature and the self in Leaves of Grass.
Religion and faith in The Poisonwood Bible.

English Literature Essay Topics

If you are a British literature enthusiast, don’t skip this list. Below, we have collected the most trending literary analysis title examples in English literature:

Class struggle in Dickens' Oliver Twist.
Mysticism in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.
Misogyny in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
Role of weather in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
Satire of Victorian Era in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.
Subversion of romance in Jane Austen's Emma.
Landscape and memory in Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd.
War and its effects in Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front.
Power and corruption in George Orwell's Animal Farm.
Maturation in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre .
Religious doubt in Graham Greene's The End of the Affair.
Time and consciousness in Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse.
Subconscious in D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers.
Rebellion against society in Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.

Literary Analysis Topics for Students

We've carefully curated literary analysis essay topics suitable for students at different levels of education. From high school to college, there's something for everyone. We've categorized these topics for a literary analysis essay according to academic level to help you find what fits your needs best. Are you ready to dive in? Get prepared to discover literary analysis title ideas that will make your writing process an absolute pleasure.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Understanding friendship in The Outsiders.
Lessons about tolerance in Wonder.
Courage and bravery in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The importance of individuality in A Wrinkle in Time.
Family and identity in The Giver.
The theme of adventure in Treasure Island.
Life lessons in Charlotte’s Web.
Overcoming obstacles in Bridge to Terabithia.
The impact of rumors in The Watsons Go to Birmingham.
Symbolism in Tuck Everlasting.
The significance of heritage in Esperanza Rising.
Power of persistence in Hatchet.
Examining the hero's journey in Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.
Struggles with fairness in The Westing Game.
The role of honesty in The Secret Garden.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for High School Students

Tragic love in Romeo and Juliet.
Prejudice and racism in To Kill a Mockingbird.
The dangers of ambition in Macbeth.
The importance of friendship in The Outsiders.
Symbolism in The Great Gatsby.
Coming of age in The Catcher in the Rye.
Man versus nature in Moby Dick.
Power and corruption in Animal Farm.
Morality in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The impact of war in All Quiet on the Western Front.
Human nature in Lord of the Flies.
The role of the American dream in Death of a Salesman.
Heroism in Beowulf.
Innocence and experience in Catch-22.
Dystopian society in Fahrenheit 451.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for College Students

Irony and satire in Pride and Prejudice.
Freedom in A Doll's House.
Role of madness in Hamlet.
Colonialism and its impacts in Heart of Darkness.
Alienation and isolation in The Metamorphosis.
Tragedy and fate in Oedipus Rex.
Exploring human consciousness in Mrs. Dalloway.
Modernism in Ulysses.
Language and power in 1984.
Identity and society in Invisible Man.
Existentialism in Waiting for Godot.
Feminism and gender roles in The Yellow Wallpaper.
Justice and judgment in Crime and Punishment.
The influence of society on individuals in A Streetcar Named Desire.
Role of memory in Remembrance of Things Past.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics in Poetry

Poetry has a unique way of touching our hearts and minds. Poem analysis can reveal hidden meanings behind the verses. If you're searching for literary analysis essay topics with a focus on poetry, check out some pointers in the sections below.

Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Fate and destiny in Romeo and Juliet.
Masculinity and its influence on the characters' actions.
The impact of family feuds on individual choices in Romeo and Juliet.
Concept of time in Romeo and Juliet.
Understanding love at first sight through Romeo and Juliet.
The juxtaposition of love and violence in the play.
Secret identities and deception in Romeo and Juliet.
The influence of peer pressure on the events of Romeo and Juliet.
Contrasting views of love: Exploring the perspectives of Romeo, Juliet, and other characters.
Dreams and omens in Romeo and Juliet.

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Topics Ideas

Hamlet's madness: Genuine condition or clever ruse?
Revenge and its destructive consequences.
Role of women: Analyzing the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia.
Appearance versus reality: The dichotomy of disguise and deceit.
Hamlet's soliloquies: A window into his psyche and moral dilemmas.
The tragic flaw of Hamlet.
The ghost of King Hamlet: Its role and significance.
Corruption and decay in Hamlet's kingdom.
Father-son relationships in Hamlet.
Morality and ethical decision-making in Hamlet.

Macbeth Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Supernatural elements in Macbeth.
Moral decline of Macbeth throughout the play.
Lady Macbeth's role in Macbeth's ambition and actions.
Guilt and its consequences in Macbeth.
The power of prophecy and its impact on Macbeth's decisions.
Role of sleep and sleeplessness in the play.
The symbolism of blood in Macbeth.
Disorder and chaos in Macbeth.
The transformation of Lady Macbeth's character over the course of the play.
The portrayal of kingship and tyranny in Macbeth.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics Ideas & Prompts

Still can’t find a topic? Scroll down to spot more fantastic literary analysis writing prompts and ideas, categorized by popular works. Whether you're analyzing character development, theme, or narrative style, you will definitely recognize some good literary analysis topics ideas.

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Role of nature in shaping the characters of Frankenstein.
Dangers of unchecked ambition in Frankenstein.
Impact of isolation on Victor Frankenstein and his creature.
Women in Frankenstein's world.
Creator and creation in Frankenstein.
Creature’s desire for companionship.
Frankenstein as a critique of enlightenment ideals.
Concept of 'otherness' in Frankenstein.
Knowledge and ignorance in Frankenstein.
Comparing Victor Frankenstein and his creature.

Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Prompts

Christian and pagan elements in Beowulf.
Lineage and ancestry in Beowulf.
The symbolism of monsters in Beowulf.
The representation of kingship in Beowulf.
Fame and reputation.
Treasure and gift-giving in Beowulf.
Loyalty in the world of Beowulf.
Good versus evil in Beowulf.
Beowulf's three battles: A comparative analysis.

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Topics

Destructive power of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby.
Social classes in The Great Gatsby.
Motif of the 'green light' in The Great Gatsby.
Illusion versus reality in The Great Gatsby.
Time and the past in The Great Gatsby.
The role of geography and setting.
The portrayal of love and desire.
Significance of Gatsby's parties in the novel.
Symbolism of the 'Valley of Ashes' in The Great Gatsby.
Nick Carraway as an unreliable narrator.

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Censorship and its impact on society in Fahrenheit 451.
Technology in Fahrenheit 451's dystopian society.
Symbolism of fire.
Motif of mirrors in Fahrenheit 451.
Individuality versus conformity in Fahrenheit 451.
Portrayal of reading and books in Fahrenheit 451.
Mechanical hound and its role.
The impact of isolation and disconnection in Fahrenheit 451.
Happiness and fulfillment represented in the book.
Symbolism of the phoenix in Fahrenheit 451.

Othello Literary Analysis Essay Topics

The impact of jealousy on the characters of Othello.
Race and racism in Othello.
Manipulation and its role in this play.
Representation of women in Othello.
Appearance versus reality in Othello.
Reputation and honor in this play.
Impact of insecurities on the character of Othello.
Role Desdemona's handkerchief plays.
Motif of animals in Othello.
Friendship and betrayal as represented in this play.

The Catcher In The Rye Literary Analysis Topics

How does Salinger represent teen angst in Catcher in the Rye?
Role of Phoebe in Holden Caulfield's life.
Analysis of Holden's perception of adulthood.
Symbolic meaning of the Museum of Natural History.
Red hunting hat as a symbol of isolation.
Salinger's portrayal of mental illness through Holden.
Relevance of the carrousel scene at the end of this novel.
Language and narrative style in Catcher in the Rye.
Understanding Holden's relationships with other characters.
How does this title relate to Holden's personality and actions?

The Crucible Literary Analysis Topics

Fear and hysteria as represented in The Crucible.
Power dynamics in Salem's society.
John Proctor's character development throughout this play.
Abigail Williams' motivations.
Analysis of Arthur Miller's use of historical events.
Symbolism of the witch trials.
Religion and how it is represented in The Crucible.
Comparing the characters: Elizabeth Proctor vs. Abigail Williams.
Suspicion and paranoia in this play.
Relevance of The Crucible in today's society.

1984 Literary Essay Topics

George Orwell's depiction of totalitarianism.
Concept of Newspeak.
Surveillance and control in 1984.
Winston's rebellion against the Party.
Symbolism of the glass paperweight.
Analysis of the Party's manipulation of history.
Role of Big Brother in this novel.
ulia's character and her contrast to Winston.
Significance of Room 101.
Doublethink and its influence on citizens' mentality.

The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Mrs. Mallard's freedom and confinement.
Irony in The Story of an Hour.
Theme of time in this short story.
Heart and it symbolism.
Portrayal of marriage in The Story of an Hour.
Significance of the open window.
Railroad and its role in this story.
How does Mrs. Mallard's reaction reflect societal norms?
Analysis of Louise's transformation.
Representation of life and death.

The Cask of Amontillado Literary Analysis Ideas

Revenge in The Cask of Amontillado.
Significance of setting in this story.
Symbolism of the cask.
Montresor as an unreliable narrator.
Concept of pride in this story.
Foreshadowing in The Cask of Amontillado.
Contrast between Montresor and Fortunato.
Motif of disguise and deception.
Exploring the concept of madness.
How does the catacomb setting contribute to the story's tone?

Pride and Prejudice Literary Analysis Prompts

First impressions in Pride and Prejudice.
Jane Austen's portrayal of marriage and social status.
The theme of pride in this novel.
Understanding the character of Mr. Darcy.
Significance of the title in understanding this novel.
Contrasting characters of Elizabeth and Jane.
Letters and their role in Pride and Prejudice.
Social hierarchy and class in this novel.
Theme of family in Pride and Prejudice.
Lydia and her impact on the plot.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis Literary Analysis Title Examples

Exploring Gregor Samsa's transformation.
Kafka’s portrayal of family relationships.
Symbolism of the apple in Metamorphosis.
How does Kafka depict the human condition?
Understanding Grete's role in this story.
Kafka's commentary on work and responsibility.
Gregor's room as a symbol of his inner state.
Role of dehumanization in Metamorphosis.
Kafka's style in conveying existentialist themes.
Understanding the character of Mr. Samsa.

Topics for Literary Analysis of The Odyssey

Role of hospitality in ancient Greek society.
Examination of Odysseus as a hero.
Vengeance in The Odyssey.
Significance of the Underworld.
Role of gods and goddesses in the plot.
Women characters in The Odyssey.
Understanding Telemachus' character arc.
Significance of Ithaca in Odysseus’ journey.
Analysis of deception.
Circe: Character analysis .

The Old Man and the Sea Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Perseverance in Hemingway's novel.
Analyzing Santiago's relationship with the sea.
Significance of Santiago's dreams about lions.
Hemingway's portrayal of friendship and camaraderie.
Symbolism of the marlin.
The sea and its significance in Santiago's journey.
Heroism as depicted in this novel.
Role of nature and its depiction.
Santiago's hand injury and its symbolic meaning.
Defeat and its role in shaping Santiago’s character.

Jane Eyre Literary Analysis Topics

Gothic elements in Jane Eyre.
Concept of the madwoman in the attic.
Religion in Jane's life and development.
Portrayal of women's independence in the novel.
Significance of Thornfield Hall.
Motif of fire and ice in Jane Eyre.
Examining the character of Mr. Rochester.
Understanding the role of Adele in this novel.
Analyzing forgiveness.
Jane’s quest for self-identity and belonging.

The Scarlet Letter Literary Topics for Essays

Sin and guilt and how they are depicted.
Symbolism of the scarlet letter 'A'.
Understanding Hester Prynne's character development.
Role of Pearl as a symbol.
Exploration of hypocrisy.
Examination of the Puritan society.
Roger Chillingworth as a character.
Role of secrets and hidden identities.
Significance of the forest and the town.
Portrayal of women in The Scarlet Letter.

Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis Essay Ideas

Lennie's dream and its impact on this story.
How does Steinbeck present George and Lennie's friendship?
Decoding symbolism in Of Mice and Men.
Loneliness in this novel.
Analyzing Steinbeck's portrayal of the American Dream.
Unraveling Curley's wife's character.
A critical look at attitudes towards women.
Analysis of power dynamics in Of Mice and Men.
Steinbeck’s depiction of life during the Great Depression.
Understanding the tragic end: Was there an alternative?

Lord of the Flies Literary Analysis Titles

Loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies.
Power struggle: Analyzing leadership styles of Jack and Ralph.
Deconstructing the symbol of 'beast' in the novel.
Golding’s portrayal of the thin veneer of civilization.
Survival instincts in Lord of the Flies.
Motif of the conch shell in this novel.
Exploring fear and its implications.
Golding's view on human nature.
A critical look at the novel's ending.
Understanding the novel’s allegorical elements.

To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Racial injustice in this novel.
How does Scout's perspective shape the narrative?
Harper Lee's portrayal of small-town life in the South.
Moral education in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Understanding Boo Radley's impact on this story.
Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Analysis of Atticus Finch's parenting style.
Class structure in Maycomb County.
Gender roles in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Bravery in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Title Ideas by Themes

Are you interested in how the good is represented in literature. Or, want to explore the dark side of human nature? No matter what theme you’re analyzing, these literary analysis topics will surely help you get your gears turning.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Education

Exploring education's impact in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Jane Eyre's education and its effects on her life.
Learning and wisdom in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.
Views on education in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Education’s role in the development of Huck Finn.
Value of practical knowledge in Moby-Dick.
Understanding Malvolio’s wisdom in Twelfth Night.
How The Great Gatsby criticizes education in the 1920s.
Education as liberation in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Women's education in Pride and Prejudice.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Religion

Understanding religious allegory in Lord of the Flies.
Christian symbolism in The Chronicles of Narnia.
Religion’s impact on communities in The Poisonwood Bible.
Religious imagery in William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience.
Criticism of the church in The Canterbury Tales.
Dystopian views of religion in Brave New World.
How The Scarlet Letter deals with religion and sin.
Portrayal of religious hypocrisy in Huckleberry Finn.
Religious aspects in Paradise Lost.
Comparing religious symbolism in Moby Dick and Billy Budd.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Race

Discussing racial prejudices in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Understanding racial disparities in The Color Purple.
Representation of race in Othello.
Racial discrimination in Nella Larsen's Passing.
Concept of race in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Racial dynamics in Go Set a Watchman.
Racial identity in The Bluest Eye.
Race and identity in Invisible Man.
Racial politics in James Baldwin's Go Tell It On The Mountain.
Racial tensions in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.

War and Peace Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Understanding war's impact in All Quiet on the Western Front.
Depiction of warfare in War and Peace.
Post-war society in The Sun Also Rises.
Effects of war on Mrs. Dalloway.
Concept of peace in A Separate Peace.
Interpreting war in Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Post-war life in The Catcher in the Rye.
Pacifist messages in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.
Consequences of war in A Farewell to Arms.
Portrayal of war in The Red Badge of Courage.

Literary Analysis Topics on Justice and Judgment

Concept of justice in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
Justice and injustice in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.
Judgment in Jane Austen’s Emma.
Analyzing justice in George Orwell's 1984.
Exploring judgment in Pride and Prejudice.
Justice in A Tale of Two Cities.
Critique of justice in William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.
Judgment in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.
Justice in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.
Portrayal of justice in The Merchant of Venice.

Literary Analysis Ideas About Good and Evil

Good and evil in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Good vs evil in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
Struggle between good and evil in Moby-Dick.
Dichotomy of good and evil in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Conflict of good and evil in The Lord of the Rings.
Good and evil in Golding's Lord of the Flies.
Representation of good and evil in Heart of Darkness.
Exploration of good and evil in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
How Bram Stoker’s Dracula deals with good and evil.
Examining the balance of good and evil in Macbeth.

Bottom Line on Literary Analysis Essay Topics

When you're dealing with a literary analysis paper, it can be overwhelming to come up with unique topics. The trick is finding the perfect topic that you will be excited to work with. These literary analysis ideas should help get you started in the right direction. From time-tested classics to more modern works, we focused on different themes so you can pick the one you like.

Remember, in academics, there's always room for some expert advice and help. Why not lean on seasoned professionals to guide your way? Our team at StudyCrumb is here to assist you, providing expert-level guidance for your writing.

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12.6: Literary Thesis Statements

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Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

The Literary Thesis Statement

Literary essays are argumentative or persuasive essays. Their purpose is primarily analysis, but analysis for the purposes of showing readers your interpretation of a literary text. So the thesis statement is a one to two sentence summary of your essay's main argument, or interpretation.

Just like in other argumentative essays, the thesis statement should be a kind of opinion based on observable fact about the literary work.

Thesis Statements Should Be

This thesis takes a position. There are clearly those who could argue against this idea.
Look at the text in bold. See the strong emphasis on how form (literary devices like symbolism and character) acts as a foundation for the interpretation (perceived danger of female sexuality).
Through this specific yet concise sentence, readers can anticipate the text to be examined ( Huckleberry Finn) , the author (Mark Twain), the literary device that will be focused upon (river and shore scenes) and what these scenes will show (true expression of American ideals can be found in nature).

Thesis Statements Should NOT Be

While we know what text and author will be the focus of the essay, we know nothing about what aspect of the essay the author will be focusing upon, nor is there an argument here.
This may be well and true, but this thesis does not appear to be about a work of literature. This could be turned into a thesis statement if the writer is able to show how this is the theme of a literary work (like "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid) and root that interpretation in observable data from the story in the form of literary devices.
Yes, this is true. But it is not debatable. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who could argue with this statement. Yawn, boring.
This may very well be true. But the purpose of a literary critic is not to judge the quality of a literary work, but to make analyses and interpretations of the work based on observable structural aspects of that work.
Again, this might be true, and might make an interesting essay topic, but unless it is rooted in textual analysis, it is not within the scope of a literary analysis essay. Be careful not to conflate author and speaker! Author, speaker, and narrator are all different entities! See: intentional fallacy.

Thesis Statement Formula

One way I find helpful to explain literary thesis statements is through a "formula":

Thesis statement = Observation + Analysis + Significance

Observation: usually regarding the form or structure of the literature. This can be a pattern, like recurring literary devices. For example, "I noticed the poems of Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir all use symbols such as the lover's longing and Tavern of Ruin "
Analysis: You could also call this an opinion. This explains what you think your observations show or mean. "I think these recurring symbols all represent the human soul's desire." This is where your debatable argument appears.
Significance: this explains what the significance or relevance of the interpretation might be. Human soul's desire to do what? Why should readers care that they represent the human soul's desire? "I think these recurring symbols all show the human soul's desire to connect with God. " This is where your argument gets more specific.

Thesis statement: The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God .

Thesis Examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Literary Device Thesis Statement

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe.

The Genre / Theory Thesis Statement

The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought.

“The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

A close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women.

Generative Questions

One way to come up with a riveting thesis statement is to start with a generative question. The question should be open-ended and, hopefully, prompt some kind of debate.

What is the effect of [choose a literary device that features prominently in the chosen text] in this work of literature?
How does this work of literature conform or resist its genre, and to what effect?
How does this work of literature portray the environment, and to what effect?
How does this work of literature portray race, and to what effect?
How does this work of literature portray gender, and to what effect?
What historical context is this work of literature engaging with, and how might it function as a commentary on this context?

These are just a few common of the common kinds of questions literary scholars engage with. As you write, you will want to refine your question to be even more specific. Eventually, you can turn your generative question into a statement. This then becomes your thesis statement. For example,

How do environment and race intersect in the character of Frankenstein's monster, and what can we deduce from this intersection?

Expert Examples

While nobody expects you to write professional-quality thesis statements in an undergraduate literature class, it can be helpful to examine some examples. As you view these examples, consider the structure of the thesis statement. You might also think about what questions the scholar wondered that led to this statement!

"Heart of Darkness projects the image of Africa as 'the other world,' the antithesis of Europe and therefore civilization, a place where man's vaunted intelligence and refinement are finally mocked by triumphant bestiality" (Achebe 3).
"...I argue that the approach to time and causality in Boethius' sixth-century Consolation of Philosophy can support abolitionist objectives to dismantle modern American policing and carceral systems" (Chaganti 144).
"I seek to expand our sense of the musico-poetic compositional practices available to Shakespeare and his contemporaries, focusing on the metapoetric dimensions of Much Ado About Nothing. In so doing, I work against the tendency to isolate writing as an independent or autonomous feature the work of early modern poets and dramatists who integrated bibliographic texts with other, complementary media" (Trudell 371).

Works Cited

Achebe, Chinua. "An Image of Africa" Research in African Literatures 9.1 , Indiana UP, 1978. 1-15.

Chaganti, Seeta. "Boethian Abolition" PMLA 137.1 Modern Language Association, January 2022. 144-154.

"Thesis Statements in Literary Analysis Papers" Author unknown. https://resources.finalsite.net/imag...handout__1.pdf

Trudell, Scott A. "Shakespeare's Notation: Writing Sound in Much Ado about Nothing " PMLA 135.2, Modern Language Association, March 2020. 370-377.

Contributors and Attributions

Thesis Examples. Authored by: University of Arlington Texas. License: CC BY-NC

644 Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Good Ideas

21 July 2023

last updated

Literary analysis essay topics include a diverse landscape of genres, time periods, authors, and themes. They can explore the subtle nuances of symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the treatment of femininity in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre,” or the depiction of dystopia in George Orwell’s “1984.” Various themes may dissect the function of soliloquy in Shakespeare’s plays or delve into the role of realism and magic in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” Discussions on contemporary works might question the societal implications found in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Analysis can also touch on broader aspects, such as the influence of historical context on literary development or the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in literature. Hence, literary analysis essay topics facilitate a profound exploration of literature’s multi-faceted nature.

Best Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Exploring Symbolism and Other Themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Decoding Gothic Elements in Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”
Interpreting Allegorical Meanings in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
Investigating Feminist Themes in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre”
Scrutinizing Social Constructs in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
Unveiling Cultural Commentary in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
Revealing Dystopian Elements in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Examining Existentialism in Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”
Analyzing Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
Highlighting Racial Prejudice in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Assessing Immigrant Experiences in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”
Dissecting Historical Context in Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls”
Pondering on the Paradox of Freedom in Anthony Burgess’ “A Clockwork Orange”
Surveying Eco-Criticism in Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Poisonwood Bible”
Detailing Magic Realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
Probing the Clash of Ideologies in Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”
Delineating Human Nature in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
Comparing the Past and Present in George Eliot’s “Middlemarch”
Contrasting Class and Gender in Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening”
Understanding the Subversion of Gender Roles in Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando”
Decoding Satirical Portrayal of American Society in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”
Evaluating the Concept of Heroism in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Good Ideas

Easy Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Unraveling the Psychology of Fear in Stephen King’s “It”
Comprehending Trauma and Healing in Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner”
Investigating Environmental Ethics in Rick Bass’s “The Watch”
Clarifying Absurdism in Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot”
Appraising Romanticism in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”
Gauging the Effects of Colonialism in Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”
Judging War’s Consequences in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”
Differentiating Reality and Fantasy in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
Parsing Faith and Doubt in Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi”
Scrutinizing the Concept of Time in Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time”
Inspecting Self-Identity in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
Delving Into the Power of Language in George Orwell’s “1984”
Analyzing Love and Sacrifice in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”
Extrapolating Class Conflict in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
Measuring Human Connection in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”
Studying the Influence of Cultural Heritage in Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club”
Surveying the Pursuit of Happiness in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”
Deciphering the Intricacies of Memory in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
Contemplating Maturation in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Disentangling Illusion and Reality in Tennessee Williams’s “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Decoding the Dilemma of Choice in Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
Analyzing Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
Discussing Themes of the Human Spirit in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”
Probing Into the Conflict of Science and Religion in Ian McEwan’s “Enduring Love”

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Probing Into Ethical Ambiguity in Herman Melville’s “Billy Budd”
Grasping Loss and Acceptance in Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go”
Decoding Southern Identity in William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury”
Tracing the Evolution of Feminine Independence in Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”
Dissecting Political Machinations in Robert Penn Warren’s “All the King’s Men”
Understanding Postmodernism in Thomas Pynchon’s “The Crying of Lot 49”
Interpreting the Influence of Tradition in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera”
Deconstructing the Dystopian Society in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Appreciating Nature and Transcendentalism in Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”
Evaluating the Role of Innocence in J.D. Salinger’s “Franny and Zooey”
Probing the Concept of Morality in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”
Assessing the Impact of Alienation in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”
Investigating the Clash of Cultures in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah”
Analyzing the Absurdity of War in Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22”
Scrutinizing the Power of Ambition in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Critiquing Gender Stereotypes in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Interpreting the Notion of Justice in Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman”
Dissecting Existentialist Themes in Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea”
Exploring Rebirth and Redemption in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov”
Examining Racial Identity in Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man”
Disentangling the Theme of Prejudice in Mark Twain’s “Pudd’nhead Wilson”
Investigating Power Dynamics in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for High School

Exploration of Heroism in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
The Portrayal of Society in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Symbolic Themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Understanding Gender Roles in Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”
Romanticism vs. Realism in Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”
Dystopian Themes in George Orwell’s “1984”
The Power of Fate in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”
Fear of the Unknown in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
The Influence of Setting in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
Love and Betrayal in William Shakespeare’s “Othello”
The Struggle for Identity in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
The Interplay of Power and Corruption in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
Evolution of Characters in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
Roles of Dreams in John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men”
Unveiling Racism Through Narrative in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
Contrasting Morality in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment”
Death as a Motif in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
The Psychology of the Characters in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
Irony and Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
The Dilemma of Choice in Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
Class and Social Conflict in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Middle School

Disillusionment in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”
Ambition and Its Consequences in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
The Concept of Time in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude”
Reflection of Society in Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations”
The Role of Prophecy in Homer’s “The Iliad”
Humanity’s Inherent Goodness in Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl”
Illusion vs. Reality in Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire”
Examination of Nihilism in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes From Underground”
Survival and Hope in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
Nature and Self-Discovery in Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”
Exploration of Mental Health in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar”
Tragedy and Redemption in John Green’s “The Fault in Our Stars”
Individual vs. Society in Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Parenting and Childhood in Harper Lee’s “Go Set a Watchman”
Unveiling Gender Stereotypes in Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando”
The Impact of Isolation in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Quest for Immortality in Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
Depicting Class Struggle in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”
The Paradox of Freedom in Anthony Burgess’ “A Clockwork Orange”
The Weight of Guilt in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The House of the Seven Gables”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for College Students

Postcolonial Perspectives in Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
Gothic Elements in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
Feminist Critique of Virginia Woolf’s “To The Lighthouse”
Satirical Devices in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
Existential Themes in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger”
Racism and Identity in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
Narrative Structure in “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte
Exploration of Consciousness in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”
Religious Allegory in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost”
Examining Sexuality in E. M. Forster’s “Maurice”
Romanticism in Wordsworth’s “The Prelude”
Imperialism Critique in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”
Roles of Nature in Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden”
Impact of Industrial Revolution on Dickens’s “Hard Times”
Commentary on Social Class in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
Nihilism in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground”
Exploration of Southern Gothic in Flannery O’Connor’s Stories
Influence of the American Dream on Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Power Dynamics in George Orwell’s “1984”
War Commentary in Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”
The Concept of Time in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for University

Commentary on Materialism in Theodore Dreiser’s “Sister Carrie”
Rebellion against Victorian Norms in Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
Individualism in Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”
Struggles of the Immigrant Experience in Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club”
Reflections on War in Wilfred Owen’s Poems
Cultural Clash in “White Teeth” by Zadie Smith
Exploration of Adolescence in Judy Blume’s “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”
Examination of Insanity in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”
Postmodernism in Thomas Pynchon’s “The Crying of Lot 49”
Examination of Loss and Grief in Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking”
Isolation and Loneliness in Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”
Exploration of Self-Discovery in Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”
Dystopian Themes in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Examination of Childhood Trauma in Stephen King’s “IT”
Influence of Religion in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov”
Exploration of Feminine Mystique in Betty Friedan’s Work
Roles of Faith in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
Significance of Social Status in Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence”
Modernism in T. S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land”
Influence of Culture and Tradition in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
Destruction of Innocence in J. D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye”
Examination of Hubris in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”

Classics Literary Analysis Essay Topics

The Symbolic Role of Water in Homer’s “The Odyssey”
The Tragic Hero’s Journey in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”
Gender Dynamics in Euripides’ “Medea”
Foreshadowing in Virgil’s “The Aeneid”
Portrayal of Power and Corruption in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar”
Fate in Ovid’s “Metamorphoses”
Theme of Justice in Aeschylus’ “Oresteia”
Exploration of Identity in Dante’s “Inferno”
Concept of Love in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Conflict Between Individuality and Society in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
Representation of War and Heroism in Homer’s “Iliad”
Nature of Gods and Mortals in Milton’s “Paradise Lost”
Revenge in Euripides’ “The Bacchae”
Examination of Madness in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Symbolism of the River in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Irony in Voltaire’s “Candide”
Exploration of Fate and Free Will in Sophocles’ “Antigone”
Theme of Transformation in Kafka’s “Metamorphosis”
Loyalty and Betrayal in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Pride and Hubris in Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”

George Orwell’s “1984” Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Totalitarianism and Surveillance in George Orwell’s “1984”
Language and Control in Orwell’s “1984”
Rebellion and Resistance in “1984”
Power and Manipulation in Orwell’s “1984”
The Role of Technology in “1984”
Symbolism of Big Brother in Orwell’s “1984”
Love and Intimacy in a Dystopian Society in “1984”
Identity and Individuality in “1984”
Propaganda and Indoctrination in Orwell’s “1984”
The Theme of Doublethink in “1984”
Psychological Manipulation in Orwell’s “1984”
The Significance of Newspeak in “1984”
Rebellion through Art and Literature in “1984”
The Loss of Freedom and Privacy in Orwell’s “1984”
Roles of Memory and History in “1984”
Gender Roles and Sexual Repression in “1984”
The Critique of Totalitarianism in Orwell’s “1984”
Language as a Form of Control in “1984”
The Destruction of Love and Relationships in “1984”
Themes of Fear in Orwell’s “1984”
The Role of the Proles in “1984”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Coming-of-Age Novels

The Transformative Journey of Self-Discovery in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Identity Formation and Racial Prejudice in “The Catcher in the Rye”
Rebellion and Independence in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
Gender Roles and Societal Expectations in “Jane Eyre”
Moral Development and Ethical Dilemmas in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Maturation and Loss of Innocence in “Lord of the Flies”
Cultural Assimilation and Individuality in “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”
Exploration of Sexuality and Personal Growth in “Call Me by Your Name”
Class Divide and Social Hierarchy in “Great Expectations”
Acceptance and Belonging in “The Outsiders”
Coming-of-Age and the Pursuit of Freedom in “The Scarlet Letter”
Family Dynamics and Emotional Resilience in “To Kill a Mockingbird”
The Search for Identity and Heritage in “The Color Purple”
Friendship and Loyalty in “The Kite Runner”
Loss and Healing in “The Secret Life of Bees”
Discovering Personal Values and Morality in “The Book Thief”
Coming-of-Age in the Face of War in “All Quiet on the Western Front”
Self-Reflection and Self-Discovery in “The Bell Jar”
Rebellion Against Societal Norms in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
Race and Prejudice in “Invisible Man”

Analysis Essay Topics on Gothic Literature

Supernatural Elements in Gothic Literature: Exploring the Role of Ghosts and Hauntings
The Sublime and the Gothic: Analyzing the Concepts of Terror and Awe
Female Characters in Gothic Literature: A Study of Their Roles and Representations
Madness and Insanity in Gothic Fiction: Portrayals and Symbolism
The Role of Setting in Gothic Literature: Examining the Haunted Houses and Dark Landscapes
The Power of Secrets in Gothic Novels: Unraveling Hidden Truths and Consequences
The Use of Symbolism in Gothic Literature: Decoding Cryptic Messages and Meanings
Psychological Horror in Gothic Fiction: Analyzing the Inner Turmoil of Characters
Duality and Doubling in Gothic Novels: Exploring the Split Identities and Shadows
Death and Decay in Gothic Literature: The Ephemeral Nature of Life and Beauty
The Portrayal of Villains in Gothic Fiction: From Monsters to Manipulative Minds
The Role of Women Writers in Gothic Literature: Examining Their Contributions and Challenges
The Influence of Gothic Architecture in Literature: Analyzing the Aesthetic and Atmosphere
Supernatural vs. Rational in Gothic Fiction: Clash of Beliefs and Realities
The Grotesque in Gothic Literature: Disfigured Bodies and Distorted Characters
Gothic Literature and the Exploration of Fear: Unveiling Human Anxieties and Phobias
The Subjugation of Women in Gothic Novels: Analyzing Power Imbalances and Patriarchy
Dreams and Nightmares in Gothic Literature: Unconscious Desires and Fears
The Evolution of Gothic Literature: Tracing its Development from Horace Walpole to the Present
The Role of Religion in Gothic Fiction: Exploring the Themes of Sin, Redemption, and Damnation
Love and Desire in Gothic Novels: Unconventional Relationships and Obsessions

Literary Analysis Topics on Historical Fiction

The Role of Power and Corruption in Historical Fiction
Exploring the Effects of War on Historical Fiction
Love and Betrayal in Historical Fiction Novels
The Portrayal of Gender Roles in Historical Fiction Literature
Analyzing the Theme of Identity in Historical Fiction
The Significance of Historical Settings in Fictional Narratives
Rebellion and Revolution in Historical Fiction
The Impact of Historical Events on Fictional Characters
Examining Historical Accuracy in Fictional Works
Social Class and Its Representation in Historical Fiction
Analyzing the Role of Historical Figures in Fictional Narratives
The Use of Symbolism in Historical Fiction Novels
Examining the Role of Religion in Historical Fiction
Exploring the Theme of Freedom in Historical Fiction Works
The Influence of Culture and Customs on Historical Fiction
The Representation of Historical Trauma in Fictional Narratives
Roles of Secrets and Hidden Histories in Historical Fiction
Analyzing the Power Dynamics in Historical Fiction Novels
The Portrayal of Race and Ethnicity in Historical Fiction Literature
Effects of Colonialism and Imperialism in Historical Fiction

Literary Analysis Topics About Magical Realism

Love and Transformation in Isabel Allende’s “The House of the Spirits”
Symbolism and Metaphor in Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children”
Magical Realism as a Vehicle for Social Critique in Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”
The Intersection of Reality and Fantasy in Laura Esquivel’s “Like Water for Chocolate”
Magical Realism as a Tool for Cultural Identity in Jorge Luis Borges’ “Ficciones”
The Exploration of Time and Memory in Haruki Murakami’s “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle”
Feminine Power and Magical Realism in Angela Carter’s “The Bloody Chamber”
The Use of Magical Realism in Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
Myth and Legend in Alejo Carpentier’s “The Kingdom of This World”
The Theme of Supernatural in Octavia Butler’s “Wild Seed”
Magical Realism and Postcolonialism in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun”
The Concept of Dream and Reality in Milan Kundera’s “The Unbearable Lightness of Being”
The Role of Magical Realism in José Saramago’s “Blindness”
Dreams and Visions in Gabriel García Márquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera”
Magical Realism and the Power of Imagination in Italo Calvino’s “Invisible Cities”
The Influence of Magical Realism in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Symbolism and Allegory in Yann Martel’s “Life of Pi”
Magical Realism and Political Satire in Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses”
The Theme of Destiny and Fate in Laura Esquivel’s “The Law of Love”
The Role of Magical Realism in Ben Okri’s “The Famished Road”
Nature and the Supernatural in Isabel Allende’s “Eva Luna”

Modernist Literature Analysis Topics

The Evolution of Cultural Identity in Modernist Novels
Exploring Fragmentation and Streamlining Consciousness in Modernist Literature
The Influence of World War I on Modernist Poetic Expression
Reimagining Gender Roles in Contemporary Modernist Fiction
Deconstructing Traditional Narrative Structures in Avant-Garde Novels
The Role of Urbanization in Shaping Modernist Literary Movements
Capturing the Essence of Modernity in Revolutionary Modernist Poetry
The Representation of Time and Memory in Innovative Modernist Prose
Modernist Literature and the Crisis of Faith in a Changing World
Experimentation with Language and Form in Cutting-Edge Modernist Poetry
The Impact of Psychology and Psychoanalysis on Bold Modernist Fiction
Social Critique and Satire in Provocative Modernist Novels
Rediscovering Mythology and Folklore in Transgressive Modernist Poetry
Modernist Literature and the Quest for Genuine Personal Expression
Examining Alienation and Isolation in Revolutionary Modernist Works
The Transformation of the Heroic Ideal in Groundbreaking Modernist Prose
Modernist Literature and the Exploration of Fluid Identity Constructs
The Representation of Modernist Sensibility in Abstract Poetry
Challenging Established Values and Morality in Defiant Modernist Novels
The Modernist Aesthetic: The Influence of Visual Arts on Literary Innovations

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Movies

Cultural Identity in “Inception”: Exploring the Layers of Selfhood
The Power of Redemption in “The Shawshank Redemption”
Love and Sacrifice in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
Gender Roles and Stereotypes in “Mad Max: Fury Road”
Loss and Grief in “Manchester by the Sea”
Betrayal and Loyalty in “The Departed”
Technology and Humanity in “Ex Machina”
Social Class and Inequality in “Parasite”
Freedom and Rebellion in “V for Vendetta”
Existentialism and Absurdism in “Fight Club”
Coming-of-Age in “Moonlight”
Morality and Ethics in “No Country for Old Men”
Symbolism and Allegory in “Pan’s Labyrinth”
War and Its Consequences in “Apocalypse Now”
Identity and Belonging in “Lost in Translation”
Power and Corruption in “Citizen Kane”
Colonialism and Post-Colonialism in “The Last Emperor”
Individualism vs. Conformity in “The Truman Show”
Nostalgia and Memory in “The Great Gatsby”
The Hero’s Journey in “Star Wars: A New Hope”
Environmentalism and Nature in “WALL-E”

Postcolonial Literature Analysis Topics

Colonialism’s Impacts on Identity Formation in Postcolonial Literary Analysis
Decolonizing Language and Literature: Strategies Within Postcolonial Textual Analysis
Gendered Power Dynamics in Postcolonial Literary Works
Resistance and Rebellion Explored in Postcolonial Fiction
Subverting Colonial Narratives: Reimagining History in Postcolonial Literature
Hybridity and Cultural Identity Formation in Postcolonial Text Analysis
The Politics of Representing the Postcolonial in Fiction
Postcolonial Eco-Criticism: Nature and the Environment in Literary Analysis
Indigenous Perspectives and Voices in Postcolonial Literature
Exploring Postcolonial Diasporas: Migration and Exile in Literary Works
Examining the Language of Colonization in Postcolonial Texts
Rewriting and Reimagining Canonical Texts in the Postcolonial Context
Nationalism and Anti-Colonial Movements Explored in Postcolonial Literature
Globalization and Its Impact on Postcolonial Literary Spaces
Postcolonial Feminist Theory and Women’s Agency in Literature
Negotiating Identity in Postcolonial Autobiographies
Resistance through Oral Tradition: Folklore and Mythology in Postcolonial Texts
Slavery’s Legacy Explored in Postcolonial Literary Analysis
Revisiting the Past: Historical Fiction in the Postcolonial Context
Postcolonial Perspectives on Language and Translation in Literature

Literary Analysis Topics About Satire and Social Criticism

The Use of Irony in Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” as a Social Critique
Satirical Depiction of Political Corruption in Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
The Subversive Power of Satire in Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Analyzing Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
A Critical Examination of Society’s Obsession With Wealth in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Satirical Commentary on War and Nationalism in Heller’s “Catch-22”
Critiquing the American Dream in Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”
The Use of Satire to Challenge Gender Inequality in Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Social Criticism and Satire in Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse-Five”
Analyzing the Satirical Portrayal of Religion in Voltaire’s “Candide”
The Critique of Victorian Society in Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”
Satirical Exploration of Consumerism in Palahniuk’s “Fight Club”
Examining Satire as a Vehicle for Criticizing Colonialism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”
Social Commentary on Racism and Prejudice in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Analyzing the Satirical Attack on Totalitarianism in Huxley’s “Brave New World”
Critiquing Class Inequity through Satire in Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”
The Use of Satire to Highlight the Absurdity of War in Vonnegut’s “Mother Night”
Social Criticism of Victorian Morality in Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”
Satirical Portrayal of Bureaucracy in Kafka’s “The Trial”
Analyzing the Satirical Critique of Education in Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper”
Critiquing the Hypocrisy of Society in Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”

Social Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Gender Inequality in Literature: Analyzing the Portrayal of Women in Classic Novels
Racial Discrimination in Contemporary Fiction: Examining the Representation of People of Color
Environmental Crisis in Literature: Depicting the Devastating Consequences of Climate Change
Social Class Struggles in Victorian Novels: Unveiling the Disparity Between the Rich and the Poor
The Role of Literature in Promoting Social Justice: Investigating the Power of Words in Activism
Immigration and Identity in Literature: Exploring the Experience of Cultural Assimilation
The Stigma of Mental Illness in Literary Works: Challenging Societal Misconceptions
Dystopian Societies in Science Fiction: Reflecting on Contemporary Social Issues
LGBTQ+ Representation in Contemporary Young Adult Literature: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
Substance Abuse and Addiction in Literature: Examining the Portrayal of Dependency
Political Corruption in Novels: Critiquing Power Structures and Governance
Bullying and Peer Pressure in Coming-of-Age Novels: Analyzing the Impact on Adolescent Characters
Aging and Ageism in Literature: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Older Characters
Homelessness in Urban Fiction: Shedding Light on Socioeconomic Marginalization
Mental Health Stigma in Historical Literature: Revealing the Cultural Attitudes of the Past
Disability Representation in Contemporary Fiction: Examining the Portrayal of Disabled Characters
War and Trauma in Literature: Investigating the Psychological Effects of Conflict
Cultural Appropriation in Literary Works: Addressing Issues of Identity and Authenticity
Human Rights Violations in Historical Fiction: Uncovering Social Injustices of the Past
Poverty and Social Inequality in Classic Literature: Reflecting on the Lives of the Impoverished

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About a Subject of Race

Societal Constructs of Race in Postcolonial Fiction
Cultural Identity and Racial Stereotypes Within Contemporary Narratives
Power Dynamics and Racial Divisions in Historical Literary Works
Racism and Resistance Explored in Afrofuturistic Novels
Language’s Roles in Shaping Racial Narratives and Identity
Intersectionality: Examining Race and Gender in Women’s Literature
Symbolic Representations of Race in Poetry From the Symbolist Movement
Racial Inequality and Pursuit of Social Justice in Young Adult Novels
The Representation of Biracial Characters in Literary Works
Racial Assimilation and Identity Crisis Explored in Immigrant Fiction
Racial Discrimination and Community Dynamics in Urban Novels
Race as Performance: Deconstructing Racial Expectations in Postmodern Literature
Formation of Racial Identity in Coming-of-Age Stories
Racial Injustices and Class Struggles in Southern Gothic Fiction
The Portrayal of Native Americans in American Literary Works
Racial Otherness and Exoticism in Colonial-Era Literature
Exploring Racial Violence and Trauma Through Literary Memoirs
Racial Reconciliation and Healing Themes in Contemporary Poetry
Race and Memory: Unpacking Historical Fiction’s Depiction of the Past
Satire and Social Critique: Analyzing Racial Themes in Satirical Novels
Racial Utopias and Dystopias in Speculative Fiction

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Symbolism and Allegory

The Profound Symbolism of Nature in Romantic Poetry
Allegorical Representations of Good and Evil in Classic Literature
Symbolic Interpretations of Metamorphosis in Kafka’s Work
Shakespearean Tragedies: Unveiling Symbolic Layers
Allegorical Themes in George Orwell’s Satirical Works
Edgar Allan Poe: Unraveling Symbolism and Allegory
The Green Light’s Symbolic Significance in “The Great Gatsby”
Unveiling Symbolism: The Conch Shell in “Lord of the Flies”
Dante’s “Divine Comedy”: Journey Through Allegory
Symbolism and Allegory in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s Masterpiece
The Symbolic River in Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
Allegorical Elements in Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha”
Toni Morrison’s “Beloved”: Uncovering Symbolic Layers
Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”: Allegorical Reflections of Society
Colors as Symbols in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Symbolism and Allegory in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter”
J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”: A Tale of Symbolic Depth
Symbolism in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”
Allegorical Representations of Death in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”: The Symbolic Mockingbird

Literary Analysis of War and Peace Topics

Impacts of Conflict on Individual Identity and Sense of Self
Consequences of Diplomatic Negotiations in Historical Fiction
Societal Transformation: The Influence of Warfare and Peacemaking
Nonviolent Resistance as a Literary Expression
Familial Dynamics in the Context of Armed Conflicts in Literature
Exploring the Psychological Toll of Combat Through Literary Works
Symbolism of Serene Landscapes in Anti-War Novels
Women’s Roles in Wartime and Peace in Literary Texts
Analyzing the Metaphorical Language of Conflict and Harmony
Interplay of Love and Strife in Literary Depictions
Representation of War Heroes in Literature: Impact on Societies
The Use of Irony in Writings About War and Peace
Evolution of War Narratives from Classical to Contemporary Works
Theme of Reconciliation in Literary Works on War and Peace
Propaganda’s Influence on Public Perception of Armed Conflicts
Power Dynamics in Politics: War’s Influence in Literary Texts
Contrasting the Brutality of Warfare With the Ideal of Harmony
Exploring Loss and Grief in Literary Works on War
War Poetry: Representation and Emotional Resonance
Healing the Wounds of War: Role of Music and Art in Literature
Honor and Sacrifice: Conceptualization in War Novels

Women’s Literature Analysis Essay Topics

Exploring Female Identity in Contemporary Fiction
Unveiling the Subversive Power of Women’s Memoirs
Empowering Female Characters in Historical Novels
Examining Gender Roles in Science Fiction Literature
Deconstructing Patriarchy in Feminist Poetry
Resilience and Resistance: Women’s Stories of Survival
Challenging Stereotypes in Women’s Crime Fiction
Motherhood and Maternal Bonds in Literature
Reimagining Fairy Tales From a Feminist Perspective
Female Sexuality in the Works of Women Authors
Intersections of Race and Gender in Women’s Literature
Feminist Dystopias: Questioning Gender Norms
Women’s Coming-of-Age Stories: Identity and Self-Discovery
Subverting Male Gaze: Reclaiming Female Narratives
Exploring Sisterhood and Female Friendships in Literature
Women’s Roles in War and Conflict: Narratives of Courage
Portrayals of Mental Health in Women’s Literature
Resistance and Activism in Women’s Poetry
Breaking Boundaries: Female Protagonists in Historical Fiction
The Politics of Body and Beauty in Women’s Writing

William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” Literary Analysis Topics

The Tragic Hero’s Soliloquies in “Hamlet”: Analyzing the Role of Self-Reflection
Deception and Betrayal: Unraveling Motives of Characters in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Hamlet and Ophelia: Analyzing Love and Madness
Revenge as a Central Theme in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: Examining the Consequences of Vengeance
Supernatural Intrigue: The Influence of the Ghost in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Analyzing the Role of Women in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: Gertrude and Ophelia’s Impact
Duty vs. Conscience: Hamlet’s Moral Dilemma and Its Ramifications
Sanity vs. Madness: Unraveling Hamlet’s Mental State
The Power of Language in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”: Analyzing Rhetoric and Wordplay
Unmasking Deceptions: The Theme of Appearance vs. Reality in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Fatal Flaw: Analyzing Hamlet’s Tragic Downfall
Mortality and Existentialism: Exploring the Theme of Death in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Analyzing the Symbolism of “The Mousetrap” in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Fate and Destiny: Examining the Tragic Elements in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Significance of Hamlet’s Delay: Investigating the Protagonist’s Inaction
Unveiling Corruption: Analyzing Political Intrigues in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
Comparing and Contrasting Hamlet’s Relationships With His Father and Uncle
Family Dynamics: Exploring the Theme of Family in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Inner Conflict of Hamlet: Analyzing the Struggle Between Passion and Reason
Foils: Examining Contrasting Traits of Characters in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
The Consequences of Indecision in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”

William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” Literary Analysis Topics

Fate and Destiny in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Tragic Love in “Romeo and Juliet”
Gender Roles and Expectations in “Romeo and Juliet”
Youth and Impulsivity in the Tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”
Contrasts Between Love and Hate in “Romeo and Juliet”
The Role of Mercutio in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Social Class and Conflict in “Romeo and Juliet”
Parental Influence in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Language and Wordplay in “Romeo and Juliet”
Light and Darkness in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
The Role of Nurse in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Themes of Loyalty and Betrayal in “Romeo and Juliet”
Revenge in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Death and Suicide in “Romeo and Juliet”
Individual vs. Society in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Time and Hastiness in the Tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”
Passion and Lust in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Use of Foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet”
Friendship in the Play “Romeo and Juliet”
Music in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” Literary Analysis Topics

Ambition: A Catalyst for Destruction in “Macbeth”
Guilt and Conscience in Shakespeare’s Tragedy, “Macbeth”
Power and Corruption: Exploring “Macbeth”
The Tragic Hero’s Downfall: Analyzing “Macbeth”
Supernatural Elements in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Gender Roles and Stereotypes in “Macbeth”
Fate vs. Free Will in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Manipulation and Deception: Themes in “Macbeth”
Appearance vs. Reality: Unveiling “Macbeth”
Lady Macbeth’s Influence on Macbeth’s Tragedy
Blood Imagery: Symbolism in “Macbeth”
Ambiguity in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Loyalty and Betrayal: Unraveling “Macbeth”
The Witches’ Role in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Soliloquies: Insight into Characters in “Macbeth”
Madness and Mental Decline in “Macbeth”
Violence: Themes in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
Sleep and Dreams: Symbolism in “Macbeth”
Disruption of Natural Order in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
The Concept of Time in “Macbeth”
Honor and Macbeth’s Tragic Flaw: A Character Analysis

“Beowulf” Literary Analysis Topics

Heroic Archetypes in “Beowulf”: Exploring the Role of the Hero in the Epic Poem
Symbolism in “Beowulf”: Analyzing the Significance of Grendel’s Lair
Women in “Beowulf”: An Examination of Gender Roles and Femininity
The Concept of Loyalty in “Beowulf”: Unraveling the Threads of Trust
Fate and Destiny in “Beowulf”: A Journey of Predestined Heroes
Beowulf’s Moral Code: An Exploration of Honor and Virtue
The Theme of Good vs. Evil in “Beowulf”: The Battle of Light and Darkness
Christian Influences in “Beowulf”: The Clash of Paganism and Christianity
The Role of Kingship in “Beowulf”: Leadership and Power
The Importance of Boasting in “Beowulf”: Pride and Bravery
Revenge and Retribution in “Beowulf”: Examining the Cycle of Violence
The Supernatural Elements in “Beowulf”: Magic and the Otherworldly
Heroic Sacrifice in “Beowulf”: Analyzing Acts of Selflessness
The Concept of Time in “Beowulf”: Life, Death, and the Passage of Ages
Nature and the Environment in “Beowulf”: The Symbolism of Land and Sea
Beowulf’s Battle With Grendel: An Analysis of Violence and Conquest
Friendship and Companionship in “Beowulf”: The Bonds of Brotherhood
Honor and Reputation in “Beowulf”: The Price of Glory
Monsters and Monstrosity in “Beowulf”: The Line Between Human and Beast
Wisdom and Knowledge in “Beowulf”: The Importance of Experience

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” Literary Analysis Topics

Romanticism in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”: Exploring the Portrayal of Emotions and the Sublime
The Monster as a Tragic Hero: Analyzing the Character Development and Moral Ambiguity
Gender Roles in “Frankenstein”: Examining the Portrayal of Masculinity and Femininity
Nature vs. Nurture: Discussing the Influence of Environment and Upbringing on the Characters
The Pursuit of Knowledge: Investigating the Consequences of Scientific Ambition and Discovery
Social Alienation in “Frankenstein”: Analyzing the Theme of Isolation and Its Impact on the Characters
Responsibility and Accountability: Examining the Ethical Dilemmas Faced by the Characters
The Doppelgänger Motif: Exploring the Presence of Doubles and Reflections Throughout the Novel
Monstrosity as a Symbol: Discussing the Metaphorical Representation of the Monster in Society
Parent-Child Relationships in “Frankenstein”: Analyzing the Dynamics Between Victor and His Creation
Gothic Elements in the Novel: Examining the Use of Darkness, Horror, and the Supernatural
The Role of Fate in “Frankenstein”: Discussing the Influence of Destiny and Predestination
The Power of Language: Analyzing the Importance of Communication and Rhetoric in the Novel
The Subversion of Gender Stereotypes: Examining the Unconventional Female Characters in the Story
Revenge and Retribution: Discussing the Motives and Consequences of Seeking Vengeance
The Prometheus Myth: Analyzing the Allusions to the Greek Myth and Its Significance
The Role of Science in Society: Discussing the Ethical Implications of Scientific Progress
The Theme of Ambition: Analyzing the Characters’ Pursuit of Power, Success, and Recognition
Guilt and Remorse in “Frankenstein”: Examining the Characters’ Moral Struggles and Regrets
The Role of Nature in the Novel: Discussing the Symbolic Significance of Natural Elements
The Sublime in “Frankenstein”: Analyzing the Awe-Inspiring and Terrifying Aspects of the Sublime

Literary Analysis Topics on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

Influence of Wealth and Materialism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Symbolism of the Green Light in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Examining the American Dream in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
The Role of Social Class in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
The Significance of Gatsby’s Extravagant Parties in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Exploring the Decline of the American Dream in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Examining Nick Carraway as the Narrator in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
The Symbolic Role of the Valley of Ashes in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Analyzing the Theme of Time in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
The Role of Morality and Ethics in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Betrayal and Deception in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Foreshadowing in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Examining the Motif of Eyes and Vision in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Religion and Spirituality in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Analyzing the Theme of Isolation in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Fate and Destiny in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Nick Carraway’s Midwest Background in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Hope and Despair in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Dreams and Aspirations in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Examining the Theme of Identity in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”

Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” Literary Analysis Topics

Individualism vs. Conformity in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
Power and Authority: A Critical Analysis of “The Crucible”
Betrayal and Loyalty: Exploring Motives in “The Crucible”
Hysteria and Mass Psychology: An Analysis of “The Crucible”
Reputation’s Impacts on Social Standing in “The Crucible”
Justice and Injustice: A Closer Look at “The Crucible”
Truth and Deception: Unveiling Hidden Agendas in “The Crucible”
Guilt vs. Innocence: A Moral Examination of “The Crucible”
Religion and Morality in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
Fear and Paranoia: Examining the Motifs in “The Crucible”
Gender Roles and Patriarchy: A Feminist Perspective on “The Crucible”
Integrity and Moral Courage in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
Social Class and Inequality: The Struggle in “The Crucible”
Manipulation and Control: Unveiling the Tactics in “The Crucible”
The Power of Accusation in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
Conflict and Resolution: Analyzing Dynamics in “The Crucible”
Redemption and Forgiveness: Themes in “The Crucible”
The Proctor Family: Examining the Role in “The Crucible”
Symbolism and Allegory in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
The Significance of the Salem Witch Trials in “The Crucible”
The Destructive Power of Rumors in “The Crucible”

Literary Analysis Topics on Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”

Censorship and Its Influence on Society in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Symbolic Imagery in Ray Bradbury’s Novel “Fahrenheit 451”
Character Development and Transformations in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
The Role of Technology in Bradbury’s Literary Work “Fahrenheit 451”
Conflict Between Conformity and Individuality in “Fahrenheit 451”
The Power of Literature in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Social Criticism in Ray Bradbury’s Famous Novel “Fahrenheit 451”
The Dystopian Society Portrayed in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Loss of Human Connection and Relationships in “Fahrenheit 451”
Rebellion and Its Significance in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Fire as a Symbolic Element in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Psychological Themes Explored in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Intellectual Freedom and Its Importance in “Fahrenheit 451”
Alienation and Isolation in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
The Role of Education in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Memory and Identity Exploration in “Fahrenheit 451”
The Importance of History in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Gender Roles and Stereotypes Addressed in “Fahrenheit 451”
The Influence of Mass Media in Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”
Dehumanization of Society in Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”

William Shakespeare’s “Othello” Literary Analysis Topics

Identity and Self-Deception in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
Manipulation and Envy in “Othello”
The Power of Language in the Tragedy of Othello
The Role of Women: Subversion and Agency in “Othello”
Love and Treachery in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
The Tragic Hero’s Downfall: Othello’s Demise
Deception and Illusion in “Othello”
The Destructive Nature of Revenge: Themes in “Othello”
Racism and Prejudice in the Play “Othello”
Influence of Social Hierarchies: Shakespeare’s “Othello”
The Burden of Guilt and Conscience in “Othello”
Friendship and Loyalty Explored in “Othello”
Hubris: The Fatal Flaw in Othello’s Character
The Consequences of Iago’s Machinations in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
Loss of Innocence: Themes in “Othello”
The Role of Fate and Destiny in Othello’s Tragedy
Othello and Desdemona: A Tragic Love Affair
Symbolism of the Handkerchief in Shakespeare’s “Othello”
Honor and Reputation in the Play “Othello”
Themes of Illusion and Reality in “Othello”
Power Dynamics and Control in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

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Literary Analysis Essay

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Last updated on: May 21, 2023

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Students

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jan 18, 2022

Essay writing is one of the most important skills that every high school student can learn in their academic life. With the help of this, students improve their critical thinking and analytical skills.

A literary analysis essay is a type of academic writing where the essay writer analyzes a piece of literature.

For some students, the task of writing an essay is one they find interesting. However, for many other students, this can be a tiring process. They think that it takes time to choose a good topic.

Therefore, for your help, we gathered some interesting literary analysis topics and ideas that make your topic selection phase easy.

The topic of your essay should be understandable to those reading it and easy for you as the writer. We'll help you if you need ideas for your essay.

Check out the below-mentioned list that contains numerous amazing topics. Just choose wisely and start writing the essay.

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Literary Analysis Essay Topics Middle School

Lack of funding for schools from poor neighborhoods
Discuss why pets are therapeutic for human beings
Analyze the lack of motivation for studying among the youth.
Can democracy be regarded as a tyranny of the majority?
A streetcar named desire by Tennessee William
The use of multiple narrative voices in Bleak House
How does the family structure influence youth crime?
The wrongs of the modern society in Fight Club by Palahniuk
Lessons learned from to kill a mockingbird themes
What is the role of youngsters in the development of a country?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Othello

Analyze how women are portrayed in “Othello”?
Racism and racial prejudice in Othello
Analyze the idea of jealousy and love in the play “Othello.”
The theme of ethnicity in William Shakespeare’s Othello
Discuss Othello's relationship with Desdemona.
Transformation of Othello in the play
Critical analysis of the tragedy of Othello
Explore the character of Desdemona.
Analyze the purpose of the play.
Discuss the issue of racial prejudice

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1984 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze the concept of “party” in the novel “1984”.
What role does Big Brother play within the novel?
Analyze the novel “1984” in the context of racial profiling.
The Utopian Society In 1984 By George Orwell
Outline the social hierarchy of Oceania
Relishing at Relics: The role of history in 1984
Analyze the book from the “Sci-Fi” aspect.
Analyze “1984” in the context of Carl Jung’s analytical psychology.
The theme of Betrayal in the Novel “1984” by George Orwell
The importance of memory in 1984

Macbeth Literary Analysis Essay Topics

The connection between language and gender in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
Analyze how figurative language is used in “Macbeth.”
Discuss Macbeth’s visions and hallucinations.
Analyze the political ambition of Macbeth
Examine Macbeth's mental deterioration throughout the play.
Analyze the play and discuss the characters that have a minor influence on the events of the story.
Analyze the struggle involve excellent and evil in MacbethAnalyze the root of evil in the play Macbeth
Provide an analysis of the salient images of sickness and health in the play
An explication on Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

How does Hamlet go through both an outer and inner conflict?
Discuss Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude.
Analyze the use of descriptions and images in Hamlet
Analyze the significance of Ophelia’s madness in this play
Examine what makes Polonius suitable as a chief counselor to Claudius
How “suicide” is the main theme of hamlet?
Literature Analysis: Hamlet’s appearance vs. reality
Analyze Gertrude’s love for Hamlet.
The historical background of the creation of the play
Analyze the character of Hamlet from the perspective of a hero and a villain.

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze philosophy in Frankenstein
Examine the role of suspense and foreshadowing throughout the novel.
Analyze what light and fire are trying to symbolize.
Analyze the nature of betrayal in the novel Frankenstein
Philosophy of dualism and materialism in Frankenstein
Roles of education & family in Frankenstein
Analyze the humanity of the monster in Frankenstein
What are the fears of Mary Shelley hiding in Frankenstein?
Analyze motivation of the characters in Frankenstein
Discuss the role of sickness in the novel

Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the relationships between parents and children in Romeo and Juliet.
Examine the role of women in Romeo and Juliet.
Analyze important scenes or quotes
Analyze the way love is being expressed in Romeo and Juliet.
Analyze the role played by destiny in Romeo and Juliet.
Discuss the passage of time throughout Romeo and Juliet.
Discuss two heroes and how it affects their decisions, behavior, emotions, etc.
How does Shakespeare present love in Romeo and Juliet?
Symbolism and foreshadowing in “Romeo and Juliet”
Discuss the part where Romeo declares himself

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay Topics

What are the central themes in The Great Gatsby?
Discuss female characters and their significance in the novel.
How does Gatsby represent the American dream?
The description of the Great Depression in the novel “The Great Gatsby.”
What is the American Dream as Fitzgerald describes it?
Fitzgerald’s presentation of different regions of America in the novel
Discuss the novel as a cautionary tale.
The gender roles are described in the film “The Great Gatsby.”
Discuss the novel’s theme that the desire for wealth corrupts the American Dream.
What is the hidden meaning of the novel’s title?

Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Topics

What is the role of women in the heroic culture of Beowulf?
A literary analysis of the qualities of a hero in the epic poem Beowulf
Does Beowulf glorify violence? Discuss why or why not.
Examine the poem and discuss some ways in which it portrays modern society.
What does the Grendel’s claw in Beowulf symbolize?
What are the symbolic meanings of the names in the poem?
Beowulf portrait of a society
Does Beowulf fall short of leadership skills in the story?
Describe the structure of the Beowulf medieval poem.
Analyze the importance attached to religion in Beowulf.

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the use of quotations from literature in Fahrenheit 451.
Discuss the role of nature with specific references to animals and water.
What is the role of censorship in Fahrenheit 451?
Examine the psychological complexity of Captain Beatty.
The similarities between Fahrenheit 451 and Modern Society
Totalitarianism and censorship in 1984 and Fahrenheit 451
Utopia through materials in Fahrenheit 451
The problems in the novel Fahrenheit 451
Why are burning books bad?

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Tips for Choosing the Literary Analysis Essay Topic

You should keep the following points in mind when you can choose the analytical essay topic:

Be knowledgeable of all relevant issues before choosing the topic.
Know your audience’s interest in mind.
Choose a topic that interests you.
Avoid picking boring and complex topics.
Choose a topic that you have enough information available on.
Pick a topic according to the type of essay.
Read short stories and literary works to get ideas from them.
Identify literary devices of the work of literature.

Now, your topic-selection phase becomes easy with these tips. So, choose the best literature topic for your essay and start writing.

Writing a literary analysis essay is not easy at all. It takes time and commitment to make sure your essay shines above others.

However, if you need a professional writer’s help, simply consult 5StarEssays.com . We offer the best writing services, and all your write my essay requests are processed fast.

So, contact us now and get top-notch research papers, essays, thesis, etc., at the best rates.

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Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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Literary Analysis Essay - Ultimate Guide By Professionals

Write a Perfect Literary Analysis Essay Outline

Thesis Statements for a Literature Assignment

A thesis prepares the reader for what you are about to say. As such, your paper needs to be interesting in order for your thesis to be interesting. Your thesis needs to be interesting because it needs to capture a reader's attention. If a reader looks at your thesis and says "so what?", your thesis has failed to do its job, and chances are your paper has as well. Thus, make your thesis provocative and open to reasonable disagreement, but then write persuasively enough to sway those who might be disagree.

Keep in mind the following when formulating a thesis:

A Thesis Should Not State the Obvious
Use Literary Terms in Thesis With Care
A Thesis Should be Balanced
A Thesis Can be a Blueprint

Avoid the Obvious

Bland: Dorothy Parker's "Résumé" uses images of suicide to make her point about living.

This is bland because it's obvious and incontestable. A reader looks at it and says, "so what?"

However, consider this alternative:

Dorothy Parker's "Résumé" doesn't celebrate life, but rather scorns those who would fake or attempt suicide just to get attention.

The first thesis merely describes something about the poem; the second tells the reader what the writer thinks the poem is about--it offers a reading or interpretation. The paper would need to support that reading and would very likely examine the way Parker uses images of suicide to make the point the writer claims.

Use Literary Terms in Thesis Only to Make Larger Points

Poems and novels generally use rhyme, meter, imagery, simile, metaphor, stanzas, characters, themes, settings and so on. While these terms are important for you to use in your analysis and your arguments, that they exist in the work you are writing about should not be the main point of your thesis. Unless the poet or novelist uses these elements in some unexpected way to shape the work's meaning, it's generally a good idea not to draw attention to the use of literary devices in thesis statements because an intelligent reader expects a poem or novel to use literary of these elements. Therefore, a thesis that only says a work uses literary devices isn't a good thesis because all it is doing is stating the obvious, leading the reader to say, "so what?"

However, you can use literary terms in a thesis if the purpose is to explain how the terms contribute to the work's meaning or understanding. Here's an example of thesis statement that does call attention to literary devices because they are central to the paper's argument. Literary terms are placed in italics.

Don Marquis introduced Archy and Mehitabel in his Sun Dial column by combining the conventions of free verse poetry with newspaper prose so intimately that in "the coming of Archy," the entire column represents a complete poem and not a free verse poem preceded by a prose introduction .

Note the difference between this thesis and the first bland thesis on the Parker poem. This thesis does more than say certain literary devices exist in the poem; it argues that they exist in a specific relationship to one another and makes a fairly startling claim, one that many would disagree with and one that the writer will need to persuade her readers on.

Keep Your Thesis Balanced

Keep the thesis balanced. If it's too general, it becomes vague; if it's too specific, it cannot be developed. If it's merely descriptive (like the bland example above), it gives the reader no compelling reason to go on. The thesis should be dramatic, have some tension in it, and should need to be proved (another reason for avoiding the obvious).

Too general: Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote many poems with love as the theme. Too specific: Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote "Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink" in <insert date> after <insert event from her life>. Too descriptive: Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink" is a sonnet with two parts; the first six lines propose a view of love and the next eight complicate that view. With tension and which will need proving: Despite her avowal on the importance of love, and despite her belief that she would not sell her love, the speaker in Edna St. Vincent Millay's "Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink" remains unconvinced and bitter, as if she is trying to trick herself into believing that love really does matter for more than the one night she is in some lover's arms.

Your Thesis Can Be A Blueprint

A thesis can be used as roadmap or blueprint for your paper:

In "Résumé," Dorothy Parker subverts the idea of what a résumé is--accomplishments and experiences--with an ironic tone, silly images of suicide, and witty rhymes to point out the banality of life for those who remain too disengaged from it.

Note that while this thesis refers to particular poetic devices, it does so in a way that gets beyond merely saying there are poetic devices in the poem and then merely describing them. It makes a claim as to how and why the poet uses tone, imagery and rhyme.

Readers would expect you to argue that Parker subverts the idea of the résumé to critique bored (and boring) people; they would expect your argument to do so by analyzing her use of tone, imagery and rhyme in that order.

Citation Information

Nick Carbone. (1994-2023). Thesis Statements for a Literature Assignment. The WAC Clearinghouse. Colorado State University. Available at https://wac.colostate.edu/repository/resources/writing/guides/.

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120 Literary Essay Topics

Students may be assigned a literary analysis essay when taking an English, literature, or writing class. This essay aims to analyze a particular work or body of work within the context of literature.

Students giving this type of writing assignment often find that while they can understand the texts being studied, they have difficulty putting their thoughts about them into words. This can be frustrating because literary analysis requires both interpretation and evaluation, two skills that can be challenging to put on paper.

Fortunately, we’ve created an expert guide to help students write the best literary analysis essay possible. Additionally, we’ve included 120 literary analysis essay topics that offer a wide range of interesting options for students to choose from.

What Does Analysis Mean?

While students may have written essays with different purposes in the past, a literary analysis essay asks them to take a different approach. When students engage in literary analysis, they explore the text deeply and in detail. They are not simply summarizing the plot or retelling the story. Instead, they are looking at the how and why of the text, delving into its deeper meaning.

Students must learn how to go beyond simple surface-level analysis and move towards a more complex understanding of the text. This can be achieved by asking the right questions, such as:

How does the author use literary devices?
What is the author’s purpose in writing this text?
What are the underlying themes in the text?
What does the text reveal about the author’s point of view?

Answering these questions can help students move beyond simply understanding a text to being able to analyze it effectively.

Types of Literary Analysis Essays

There are three common types of literary analysis essays that students may be asked to write. Each has its own unique purpose and focus.

Character Analysis

In a character analysis, students are asked to analyze a character from a literary work. This could be a protagonist, an antagonist, or a minor character. This type of essay aims to help students understand the role that characters play in a work of literature. To do this effectively, students must pay close attention to how the author develops the character throughout the text.

For example, if a student were asked to write a character analysis of Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, they would need to consider how Gatsby is developed throughout the novel. This might involve looking at how Fitzgerald uses symbolism, narration, and dialogue to reveal things about Gatsby’s character.

Theme Analysis

A theme analysis essay focuses on a work of literature’s central theme. The purpose of this type of essay is to help students understand the theme’s role in the work as a whole. To do this effectively, students need to identify the work’s major themes and understand how they are developed throughout the course of the text.

For example, if students were asked to write a theme analysis of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, they might identify the book’s central themes of teenage angst and rebellion. They would then need to examine how these themes are developed throughout the course of the novel.

Symbolism Analysis

A symbolism analysis essay focuses on how a work of literature uses symbols to represent ideas or themes. The purpose of this type of essay is to help students understand how symbols are used to convey ideas and messages in a work of literature. To do this effectively, students need to be able to identify the work’s major symbols and understand their significance.

For example, suppose a student was asked to write a symbolism analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In that case, they might examine the ways in which the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the valley of ashes function as symbols in the novel.

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

When writing a literary analysis essay, it is important to be sure that you are clear about your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is the main point of your essay and should be concise and easy to understand. Some good examples of thesis statements for literary analysis essays include:

“In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses symbols to represent the teenage experience.”

“Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby reveals the theme of the corruption of the American dream.”

Once you have your thesis statement, you will need to support it with evidence from the text. This could be done through the use of quotes, examples, or other types of evidence. Be sure that you are clear on what your evidence is and how it supports your thesis.

Another important aspect of writing a literary analysis essay is organization. Your essay should be well-organized and flow smoothly from point to point. Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and supporting evidence to back it up. Be sure to transition smoothly between paragraphs to make your essay easy to follow.

Finally, the conclusion of your essay should sum up the main points of your argument and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your position. A good conclusion will also restate your thesis in different words than how it was stated in your introduction.

120 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Students stuck on a topic for their essay can use any of these 120 literary analysis essay topics to get inspired.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Symbolism

How does the author use symbols to represent ideas in the text?
What is the significance of the book’s title?
How do the book’s characters embody the themes of the text?
What objects or images appear throughout the book, and what do they symbolize?
How does the author use color to convey ideas in the text?
What is the significance of the book’s setting?
What does the narrator’s point of view reveal about the characters and events in the text?
How does the author use foreshadowing to build suspense in the story?
What motifs appear in the text, and what do they symbolize?
How does the author’s use of irony contribute to the text’s overall theme?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Theme

What is the book’s central theme? Why?
How does the author explore the book’s main theme?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s main theme?
How does the author develop the book’s secondary themes?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s secondary themes?
How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the theme in the text?
What characters embody the book’s central themes, and how do they represent them?
How does the author’s use of figurative language contribute to developing a theme in the text?
What events in the book support the main theme, and how do they contribute to its development?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the text?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Character

How do the book’s characters develop throughout the story?
How do the book’s characters contribute to the development of the plot?
How does the author use dialogue to reveal information about the book’s characters?
What physical traits do the book’s characters possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
What psychological traits do the book’s characters possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
How do the book’s characters interact with each other, and what does this reveal about them?
What motivates the book’s characters, and how does this contribute to the development of the plot?
How does the author’s use of point of view contribute to the development of the book’s characters?
What conflicts do the book’s characters face, and how do they resolve them?
How do the book’s characters change by the end of the story, and what does this reveal about them?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Plot

What is the book’s main plot?
How does the author develop the book’s main plot?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s main plot?
How does the author develop the book’s secondary plots?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s secondary plots?
How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
What events in the book support the main plot, and how do they contribute to its development?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
How does the author’s use of figurative language contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
What characters embody the book’s main plot, and how do they represent it?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Setting

How would a different setting affect the book’s plot?
How does the book’s setting contribute to the development of its characters?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s setting?
How does the author use the book’s setting to develop the book’s mood?
How do events in the book make the setting more or less real?
How does the author’s use of description contribute to the development of the book’s setting?
What physical traits does the book’s setting possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
What psychological traits does the book’s setting possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
How does the author use the book’s setting to develop the book’s theme?
What symbols are present in the book’s setting, and what do they represent?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About American Classic Literature

Compare and contrast the American Dream as it is portrayed in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman.
How does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in The Great Gatsby?
What similarities and differences exist between the characters in The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird?
In what ways does Harper Lee’s use of first-person point of view contribute to the development of Atticus Finch’s character?
How does J.D. Salinger’s use of figurative language contribute to the development of Holden Caulfield’s character?
What messages about society does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in All My Sons?
What messages about family does Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie convey?
What messages about love and relationships does Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf convey?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About British Literature

How does Shakespeare’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in Romeo and Juliet?
What messages about family does William Golding’s Lord of the Flies convey?
What messages about love and relationships does D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in Women in Love?
What messages about society does George Orwell’s Animal Farm convey?

Literary Analysis Topics About Poetry

How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the theme in a particular poem?
What messages about society does the poem convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the poem?
What clues in the poem suggest the poet had a troubled life?
What physical traits does the poem’s speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the poem’s development?
What psychological traits does the poem’s speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the poem?
How would a different choice of words contribute to the development of the poem’s theme?
What different images does the author use in the poem, and how do they contribute to its development?
Compare and contrast the author’s use of imagery in two different poems.
How does the author’s use of sound contribute to the development of the poem?

Literary Analysis Topics About Theater

Examine how the playwright’s use of stage directions contributes to character development in the play.
How does the playwright’s use of dialogue contribute to the development of the theme in the play?
What messages about love and relationships does the play convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the play?
What messages about family does the playwright’s use of figurative language convey?
How does the author’s use of point of view contribute to the development of the play’s characters?
In what ways does the playwright’s use of setting contribute to the development of the play’s plot?
What messages about society does the play convey?
How would a change in the play’s setting contribute to its development?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About YA Novels

Explore the main differences between the book and its film adaptation.
What messages about love and relationships does the novel convey?
Examine the use of adolescent slang in the novel and its effects on the development of theme.
Argue for or against including a particular novel in high school curriculums.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Speeches

Compare and contrast Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech with Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet
Explore the symbolism in Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”
Analyze the rhetoric in JFK’s “Moon Speech.”
What messages about society does Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech convey?
How does Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech contribute to his character development?
What physical traits does the speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the speech?
What psychological traits does the speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the speech?
How would a different choice of words contribute to the development of the speech’s theme?
What different images does the author use in the speech, and how do they contribute to its development?
Compare and contrast the author’s use of imagery in two different speeches.
Does the intensity of the rhetoric in the speech contribute to its effectiveness?
How does the author’s use of sound contribute to the development of the speech?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Books Turned into Movies

Explore the themes of capitalism in Fight Club.
Discuss how The Catcher in the Rye is an autobiographical novel.
Analyze the character of Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye.
Compare and contrast the book and film versions of The Great Gatsby.
Examine the use of color in The Great Gatsby.
Explore the theme of betrayal in The Great Gatsby.
Analyze the character of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby.
Compare and contrast the book and film versions of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Examine the use of point of view in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Analyze the character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Non-Fiction Books

Compare and contrast two biographies of the same person.
Analyze a section of the US Constitution.
Compare and contrast two religious texts.
Analyze the historical effects of the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli.
Compare and contrast the ideas of Karl Marx and Adam Smith.
Analyze the thoughts of Rousseau on education.
Evaluate the methods used in a self-help book.
Review a political science text.
Compare and contrast the autobiographies of two different philosophers.
Compare and contrast the claims made in two history books.

With any of these 120 literary essay topics, you’ll be able to deep-dive into the world of literature and create an impressive essay on any text you’ve read.

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What Is a Literary Analysis?
A literary analysis is when a writer analyzes literature by looking at the characters in the story, the theme of the story, the tone and rhythm present in the writing, the plot and the various literary devices used within the story. Most li...
What Is a Literary Analysis of the Poem “Lochinvar” by Sir Walter Scott?
“Lochinvar” is a study of human relationships and the moral struggles involved in correct roles and duties. In both form and content, the language of the poem creates an ongoing theme of conflict and challenge between the different characte...
What Should a Summary and Analysis of a Poem Contain?
A summary and analysis of a poem contains the classification of the poem, such as epic, narrative or descriptive, the themes of the work and the literary devices used throughout. A good place to start in a summary and analysis of a poem is ...
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