This literary analysis essay lesson teaches students in grades 7–9 how to write a clear, structured analytical essay about a work of literature.

Designed for beginners, this resource provides step-by-step instruction and a model essay to guide students through the writing process.

This lesson is on writing an analytical essay on a work of literature. It is intended as a beginner lesson for 8th graders and high school freshmen, or upper-level 7th graders. After detailed explanation it includes a sample copy of a beginning literary analysis essay based on a prompt from the classic short story "The Monkey's Paw."

Writing literary analysis is a very different kind of essay writing, and it is often difficult to get started for junior high or freshman students. Experienced teachers have read too many so-called analysis papers that are are basically plot summaries!

This lesson contains:

• A clear explanation on what literary analysis is -- and is not

• Definition and explanation of a thesis statement

• Definition and explanation of text evidence

• Pointers for brainstorming and planning an essay

• A link to the short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W Jacobs (public domain)

• A sample prompt (topic) based on this story

• Suggestions for brainstorming and planning for this prompt

• A complete sample essay based on this prompt

WHAT STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

• How to structure a literary analysis essay

• How to respond to a literary prompt

• How to support ideas with evidence

• How to write clear introductions and conclusions

• How to analyze theme and meaning in a text

WHY THIS RESOURCE WORKS:

• Designed for beginning literary essay writers

• Provides both instruction and a model example

• Breaks down complex writing skills into manageable steps

• Builds confidence in analytical writing

PERFECT FOR:

• Writing instruction

• Literary analysis units

• Essay preparation

• Test prep (state assessments, EOC-style writing)

• Middle school and early high school classrooms