Tools of Analysis

Just as there are different types of waves – swells, pounders, ankle busters, and others – there are different types of essays – narrative, analysis, descriptive, and others. Perhaps the most difficult, but potentially the most interesting, type of essay to write is analysis.

To analyze another’s writing takes thoughtfulness, understanding, and imagination. You may wonder why I use the word imagination. The reason is simple. A good analysis often involves a new way to see the work analyzed – the kind of creative interpretation that comes from asking, “What if…?”What if the author has used the setting to define the characters? What if the author has magnified a small symbol to connect universal ideas? What if the plot is used only as a device to develop social or political commentary?

Once you pinpoint an idea, symbol, literary device, tone, or some other aspect of the work that you have chosen to analyze in your essay, keep to the path of proving whatever you have asserted in your thesis statement.

If you were to highlight your thesis statement in blue and every further idea connected to the thesis in blue, your topic sentences, examples, and details should show up in blue. Each lead in to a quote or paraphrase should be highlighted in blue. All your reflections, support, and commentary should be highlighted in blue. If they aren’t - because they do not have a connection to your thesis - you have wandered off topic, not a great way to develop your ideas. Color coding can provide a visual path to follow lines of reason and logic throughout your essay, all within the context of your thesis statement.

Read thoughtfully, use your considerable mental powers of concentration in order to understand what you read, and let your imagination guide you to a new way to regard a written work.

See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! My next entry is coming soon. ‘Til then, hang ten!