English 11: Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Directions: Select one of the topics below and following the Literary

Analysis Essay handout and sample essay, write your own literary analysis essay.

Specifics: Essays are to be typed, double spaced and follow the instructions in the essay set up handout. Length: Write until you’re finished! (At least 2 pages double spaced) Due Dates:

Topics and stories/poems/films chosen: Tuesday April 15th, 2008 Rough copy due: Friday April 18th, 2008 Good copy (typed and edited): Monday April 21st, 2008

Topics:

1. Compare or contrast the parent figures in any two works we’ve

read as a class.

2. Discuss the importance of word choice in any two of the poems we’ve read this semester.

3. Discuss how the concept of identity is addressed in any two works we’ve covered as a class.

4. Discuss the role of perception in shaping our identities in any

two works we’ve covered in class. 5. Explore the role of family in relation to shaping our identity as

presented by any two works we’ve covered.

6. Explore the concept of inner and outer self as addressed in any two works covered in class.

7. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with an author’s or poet’s perspective in one of the works covered in class.

8. Explore the similarities between any two works covered in class.

9. Create your own literary analysis topic for approval by the teacher.

Texts/films read/viewed in class: Gattaca

Dead Poets Society Richard Cory X

What You See is the Real You On the Sidewalk Bleeding Warren Pryor The Average

A Secret Lost in Water

This Winter Sundays The Unknown Citizen