Choose a topic that will dig deeply into the piece of literature. The topic can focus on the characters in the story, the plot, themes, recurrent metaphors or symbolism or anything else that will address certain questions or concerns about the piece of work. Brainstorming ideas for topics can be a great way to get started.
Choose a thesis statement. Ask a question about the text and then attempt to answer it. For instance, if the work deals with religious themes then ask how these themes are relevant to various aspects of the story (character, plot, etc.). Remember that a thesis statement is not a question, but an answer to the question the reader might have about the work.
Look for evidence within the work itself that will support the thesis. This can include passages within the text. Make sure that the evidence is only relevant to the thesis. Mark down or highlight passages in the book that are relevant, then include these examples in the essay with an explanation as to why they support the essay’s thesis.
Look for outside analytical evidence that will support the thesis. This depends on whether the assigned essay will allow for outside research materials. Research analytical works based on the original source or for quotes from the author discussing the work. Again, choose only information that will support the thesis.
Determine how many main points will be included in the essay. This all depends on the length of the essay that has been assigned. If the essay is only five pages long, include only enough points that will reach that page-limit goal. If the essay is longer, determine whether the work chosen will provide enough points to accomplish that goal. If the topic doesn’t provide enough points for the assigned essay or is too broad to fit within the assigned page limits, then consider another topic that will meet the requirements.