Writing and Analysis of Literature

Analyzing Theme

Begin your analysis by stating your thesis.

Example: In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the

struggle for female equality presents itself as a strong central theme of the novel.

Topic Sentence

Every paragraph you write should have a topic sentence.

A topic sentence states the claim or argument of that particular paragraph.

Example: Many times throughout the novel, Jane finds herself arguing for her own equality as a woman.

Support

In every paragraph you should support your argument with textual evidence.

A supporting sentence refers to sentences containing quotations or summaries from the text.

Example of Support

In chapter twelve, Jane contemplates the characteristics expected of

women. The text reads “Women are supposed to be very calm generally:

but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise of their faculties and a field for their efforts just as much as their brothers do; they

suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute stagnation precisely as men

would suffer”.

Analysis

With analysis, you are telling your reader how you want them to understand the support you have used.

Example: Thus, Jane asserts her belief that

women, like men, deserve equal opportunities to learn and express themselves.

Putting it together In Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, the struggle

for female equality presents itself as a strong central theme of the novel. Many times throughout the novel Jane finds herself arguing for her own equality as a woman. “In chapter twelve, Jane contemplates the characteristics expected of women. The text reads “Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise of their faculties and a field for their efforts just as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute stagnation precisely as men would suffer”. Thus, Jane asserts her belief that women, like men, deserve equal opportunities to learn and express themselves.

Another example

Another aspect of the novel that helps express the struggle for female equality is Jane’s confidence. On page 216 of the novel Jane tells Mr. Rochester “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am free human being with an independent will; which I will now exert as I leave you”. In this passage Jane demonstrates her self assurance by passionately speaking her true feelings to a man who has a higher social position in her society.