Why write an analytical essay on To Kill a Mockingbird

Students undertaking literature courses often analyze various kinds of literature as part of their coursework. An analytical essay requires students to review and critically analyze a written work. The story “To Kill a Mockingbird” is an example of several kinds of literature that depicts how discrimination affected many families living in the southern parts of the US during the 1930s.

The story highlights how different characters undergo significant changes despite living in an environment where discrimination was widely practiced. Harper Lee book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” presents the theme of courage using a small family living in Maycomb county to depict courage in their fight against racial discrimination.

How to start an analytical essay: Tips on how to start

Analytical essays help the target audience understand the overall composition of the story by scrutinizing the literature including the characters. An analytical essay is divided into different sections to provide evidence about the authors’ perspective based on his understanding of the text. A good analytical essay needs to capture the audience interest; the author should use startling statements.

Some background information related to the theme should be presented to help the audience understand the author’s area of focus. A good analytical essay presents a critical review, including artistic styles used by the author to present the theme. It is important to identify which section of the book is to be analyzed and also the significance of the theme according to the original author.

Outline example of analytical essay

INTRODUCTION

• Explain the significance of the book.
• A brief background of the theme and how the background connects to the theme.

BODY PARAGRAPHS

• Describe the specific elements used by the author to advance his theme in the story.
• Present examples to justify the authors’ choice of element.
• Describe the role of the main characters and how the characters enhances the plot.
• Describe the author’s strengths and weaknesses.

CONCLUSION

• Review the book and justify the significance of the book.
• Some of the lessons learned from the story.

How to write a thesis for an analytical essay on To Kill a Mockingbird

The thesis statement states the main ideas of an essay. A thesis statement is what the author wants to justify. For example, a good thesis statement for an analytical essay about “To Kill A Mockingbird,” with the central idea of courage, the thesis statement can be as follows:

Courage is evident throughout the story; for example, Atticus constant fight against racism and Mrs. Dubose overcoming her addiction to morphine demonstrates courage amidst fear.

How to write an introduction

A good introduction needs to inform the audience what to expect in the following paragraphs. The first sentence of an essay should be clear and precise. The reader should be able to understand what the author intends to discuss by reading the introduction.

Tips on how to write an introduction and a thesis

The introduction needs to include the original author’s name and the main theme; the introduction needs to convey the writer’s position concerning the original author’s ideas. The introduction should indicate the main ideas to be discussed by presenting a thesis statement. An eye-catching introduction will attract the reader’s attention; therefore, the first few sentences of the introduction should be clear and precise. An analytical essay structure should contain the authors’ perspective on the subject, the purpose and the target audience as part of the introduction.

How to write body paragraphs: Tips on body writing

The body paragraphs should expand on the essay introduction by supporting the thesis statement. The body paragraphs have to present evidence to prove the claim by using specific text examples in order to justify the authors’ position.

A five-paragraph analytical essay should contain three major parts, the introduction, essay body and the conclusion. The body paragraphs should contain at least three paragraphs to explain the main essay idea. The body paragraphs should also present a detailed explanation of the authors’ claims, including the strategies used.

When analyzing literature, the author should discuss each chapter or analyze specific sections to present his claims. It is important to describe the rhetorical strategies used and explain if they are effective or not. The analysis needs to provide examples to support the author’s position.

How to finish an analytical essay: Tips on conclusion writing

The conclusion is the last part of an essay that sums up all the argument to remind the reader of the main purpose of the essay.

Conclusion means reminding the reader of the discussion. Therefore, the conclusions should contain brief sentences as a summary of what has been discussed. A good conclusion outlines the main issues discussed and linking the discussion to prove the claims made in the thesis statement. A good conclusion needs to connect the main idea with a broader argument or compare the argument using a broader perspective. When concluding an essay, the main focus should be on the discussion presented in the introduction and the essay body. The author should not present any new ideas when concluding. The author needs to discuss his position after the analysis and the implications of his findings.

Analytical essay revision

After completing the essay draft, it is important to review the essay to make it look professional. The essay needs to be free from any grammatical errors. Revision means checking for proper use of pronouns, subject agreement, proper sentence structure, and punctuations. Ensure that the language is simple; avoid unnecessary words that might confuse the reader.

Analytical essay on To Kill a Mockingbird (Sample)

Harper Lee’s story “To Kill A Mockingbird” presents a realistic story dating back to 1930s that resonate today. The most important theme of the story is about courage. To Kill A Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, talks about a small town in the southern part of the 1930s, focusing on Maycomb county where the struggles of life are evident. Some of the notable characters like Atticus Finch, Jem and Scout present how discrimination affected many people living in the south.

Harper explores the moral nature of humans, especially the struggle between discrimination and tolerance. Courage is evident throughout the story; for example, Atticus constant fight against racism and Mrs. Dubose overcoming her addiction to morphine demonstrates courage. The novel reveals not only prejudice but also examines the nature of prejudice and its consequences. The story setting and the period in which the story was written convey the struggles of many characters to fight racial discrimination. This involves the persecution of innocent people, especially during Tom Robinson’s trial. Courage is evident in several parts of the book, for instance, the children Jem and Scout stands up to face their fears.

Jem’s and Scout’s bravery is noticeable in one of the scenes where they follow Atticus Finch in court during the rape trials to witness how he defends Tom Robinson. Scout displays heroism when addressing Walter Cunningham without fearing any repercussions of his actions. To Kill A Mockingbird proves how several characters had hope and courage amid rampant discrimination; they overcome fear to defend their position in the society. The novel shows the reader how courage can impact on others.