how to write perspective essay

How to Write a Perspective Essay?

Understanding the Importance of Perspective Essays

A perspective essay is a powerful tool that allows individuals to express their thoughts and opinions on a particular topic from their unique standpoint. Unlike other types of essays, a perspective essay requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to convey personal experiences, observations, and beliefs effectively. By sharing different perspectives, individuals contribute to a diverse and inclusive society where ideas are valued and respected.

Choosing a Compelling Topic

When selecting a topic for your perspective essay, it's important to choose something that you are passionate about and have a strong opinion on. Whether it's a social issue, political ideology, or personal experience, your topic should resonate with your audience and make them eager to read your insights. Research the chosen topic thoroughly to ensure you have a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon.

Gathering Evidence and Conducting Research

Before diving into writing your perspective essay, it's crucial to gather relevant evidence to support your claims and arguments. Conduct thorough research using credible sources such as books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites. Take notes, highlight important information, and carefully analyze different viewpoints to strengthen your own perspective.

Structuring Your Perspective Essay

The structure of a perspective essay is similar to other types of essays. It consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of the topic and your stance. The body paragraphs, which are the core of your essay, should present your arguments, supporting evidence, and counterarguments. Finally, the conclusion should summarize your main points and leave the reader with a thought-provoking closing statement.

Writing with Clarity and Coherence

When writing your perspective essay, aim for clarity and coherence. Use clear, concise, and precise language to articulate your ideas. Structure your paragraphs logically, ensuring a smooth flow of thoughts. Support your arguments with relevant examples, anecdotes, or statistics to engage your audience and strengthen your position. Remember to acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints respectfully, demonstrating open-mindedness and critical thinking.

Formatting and Stylistic Considerations

While the content of your perspective essay is crucial, don't overlook the importance of formatting and style. Use appropriate heading tags, such as H2 or H3, for each section and subsection to improve readability and assist search engines in understanding the structure of your content. Enhance the visual appeal of your essay by using bullet points or numbered lists to break down complex information into digestible chunks. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout the text to optimize your chances of ranking higher in search engine results.

Editing and Proofreading

Once you've completed your perspective essay, take the time to review, edit, and proofread it carefully. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. Ensure your ideas flow smoothly and coherently. Remove any unnecessary repetition or tangential information. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or online communities to gain valuable insights and improve the overall quality of your essay.

Example Perspective Essay: The Power of Empathy

The following is an example of a perspective essay on the power of empathy:

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a remarkable human trait that holds immense power. In a world filled with turmoil and division, empathy acts as a bridge, fostering understanding, compassion, and connection. It enables us to step into someone else's shoes, see the world through their eyes, and recognize their struggles and challenges.

When we embrace empathy, we break down barriers and cultivate a sense of unity. It allows us to transcend our personal biases and preconceptions, opening our minds to a multitude of perspectives. Empathy promotes inclusivity and acceptance, nurturing a society where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued.

One powerful aspect of empathy is its ability to spark positive change. By understanding the experiences of others, we become motivated to take action and address social injustices. Through empathy, we recognize the need for equality, justice, and human rights. It fuels our determination to create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

In conclusion, writing a perspective essay is an opportunity to express your thoughts, opinions, and experiences in a unique and compelling way. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently tackle the task of writing a perspective essay. Remember to choose a captivating topic, conduct thorough research, structure your essay effectively, and write with clarity and coherence. By sharing your perspectives, you contribute to the rich tapestry of ideas that shape our society.

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How to Write Perspective Essay: Bringing Your Viewpoint

Table of contents

• 1 Understanding Perspective in Writing
• 2 Choosing a Subject for Your Perspective Essay
• 3 Techniques for Analyzing a Subject from Various Perspectives
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.3 Conclusion
• 5 Handling Conflicting Viewpoints in a Point-of-View Essay
• 6.1 Perspective Essay Example: “The World Through My Window”
• 6.2 Analysis of the Example
• 7 Crafting Perspectives: Key Takeaways

Embarking on the path of writing a perspective essay opens a window to the soul, revealing the depth of our perceptions and the breadth of our understanding. It is an invitation to introspect and articulate, to compare and contrast our inner landscapes with the vast world outside. Delving into perspective essays can be a transformative journey for any writer. This article offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of perspective writing.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The concept of perspective in writing highlighting its role in literature and essays.
• Distinguishing perspective essays from other essay types, emphasizing the role of personal viewpoints.
• How to select an engaging subject for perspective essays, with tips for unique angles.
• A step-by-step approach to writing a perspective essay, including structure and storytelling elements.
• We discuss methods for handling conflicting viewpoints and presenting a reasoned argument.

Continue reading to learn the secrets of creating a successful perspective essay.

Understanding Perspective in Writing

Like a kaleidoscope, shifting patterns with each turn, perspective in writing transforms the narrative landscape, offering a myriad of views and interpretations. Perspective in writing, especially in literature and essay writing, serves as a unique lens through which readers view the narrative or argument. It’s akin to wearing different glasses that change how we perceive the world in a story or essay. In literature, perspective often manifests through the eyes of the characters, influencing how the story unfolds. This concept becomes even more vital in perspective essays, as the writer’s viewpoint shapes the entire narrative.

A perspective essay differs fundamentally from other types of essays. While expository, descriptive, or argumentative essays focus on presenting facts, explaining ideas, or persuading the reader, a perspective essay dives into the writer’s personal viewpoint. It’s less about convincing the reader and offering a unique lens for viewing a topic. This type of essay enriches the reader’s understanding by showcasing a personal and subjective take on the subject matter.

Incorporating personal viewpoints and subjectivity is what sets perspective essays apart. This approach allows writers to infuse their narratives with personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions, offering a distinct flavor to the essay. It’s not just about presenting facts; it’s about weaving those facts with personal stories and insights. This style encourages readers to see the topic from a new angle, challenging their preconceptions. A well-written perspective essay example demonstrates this blend of personal insight and factual information, making it a powerful tool for expression and engagement.

When learning how to write a perspective essay, it’s crucial to understand that your viewpoint is the essay’s heartbeat. Unlike an essay on perspective that might discuss the concept, a perspective essay embodies it, giving readers a window into your world. This approach doesn’t just convey information; it invites readers into a conversation, fostering a deeper, more personal connection with the topic.

Choosing a Subject for Your Perspective Essay

Selecting a subject for a perspective essay is a crucial step that sets the tone for your entire piece. The key lies in choosing a topic that resonates with you personally, as this type of essay thrives on the depth and authenticity of your viewpoint. Start by considering issues or experiences that stir your emotions or provoke thought. It could be anything from a personal life event to a global issue you feel strongly about.

In perspective writing, the uniqueness of your angle is as important as the subject itself. Even common subjects can transform into compelling essays with a fresh viewpoint.

When considering topics, select the subjects you can explore in depth. Your essay should offer insight and depth, making a well-understood topic a safe bet.

Techniques for Analyzing a Subject from Various Perspectives

To fully grasp the essence of a subject, one must embark on a journey of exploration from every conceivable angle, peeling back layers to uncover the rich tapestry of insights beneath. Analyzing a subject from multiple perspectives requires a methodical approach, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced essay. Begin by identifying the core idea of your subject , and then examine it from different angles. This process involves looking beyond the obvious and questioning the underlying assumptions or beliefs associated with the subject .

Stepping into the shoes of others, we unlock the door to a world of varied perceptions, each offering a distinct piece of the puzzle that forms our understanding. One effective technique is to adopt various roles or personas . Imagine how individuals from different backgrounds, professions, or life experiences view your subject. For instance, a scientist, an artist, and a teacher would each bring a unique perspective to the same topic. This exercise broadens your understanding and helps uncover diverse viewpoints.

Another strategy involves historical and cultural analysis . How would your subject be perceived in a different era or culture? This approach offers depth, showing how perspectives can evolve over time or vary across societies. It’s crucial to research thoroughly to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in your analysis.

What is more, comparative analysis is also valuable. Compare and contrast your subject with similar or contrasting ideas. This method highlights the nuances of your subject, providing a richer perspective. For instance, when writing a perspective essay example about technology’s impact on communication, compare past and present communication methods to underscore the changes and their implications.

Lastly, engage with existing literature or discourse on your subject. What are experts saying? How do public opinions vary? Incorporating these into your essay adds credibility and depth. However, maintain a critical eye, assessing the validity and biases in these sources.

Applying these techniques allows you to dissect your subject comprehensively, bringing a well-rounded perspective to your essay. Remember, the goal is to present various viewpoints and weave them together coherently, offering a rich, multi-dimensional understanding of the subject.

How to Write a Perspective Essay

Writing a perspective essay is an artful balance between expressing personal views and engaging the reader with a broader understanding of the topic. This type of essay transcends mere opinion by offering a unique lens through which the subject matter is explored.

Introduction

To start with your introduction, it should hook the reader and introduce the topic. Use a compelling statement or a thought-provoking question to pique interest. Clearly state your main argument or viewpoint here. This section sets the stage for your perspective and gives readers a glimpse into the essay’s focus.

Paragraph 1: Start with personal anecdotes or experiences related to your topic. These stories should be relevant and serve as a foundation for your perspective.

Paragraph 2: Next, delve into the specifics of your viewpoint. It’s crucial to expand on why you hold this perspective, linking it to broader themes, cultural contexts, or historical background.

Paragraph 3: Incorporate elements of storytelling such as descriptive language, emotional appeal, and vivid imagery. This approach enriches your essay, making abstract ideas tangible and relatable.

Paragraph 4: Acknowledge other viewpoints. Discuss how these differ from or align with your perspective.

Paragraph 5: Tie in theoretical concepts or references from external sources. This shows that your perspective, while personal, is informed and well-considered.

Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis in light of the evidence and discussions in the body. Offer a final thought or question to leave the reader pondering, adding depth to your conclusion and reinforcing your perspective’s impact.

Key Elements to Include:

• Personal Experiences and Reflections

Share personal stories and reflections to make your viewpoint more tangible and engaging. This approach adds depth to your perspective and helps establish a connection with the reader.

• Clarity and Focus

Be clear and focused in your writing. Avoid straying from the main point. Each paragraph should contribute to building your argument or shedding light on your perspective.

• Contrasting Viewpoints

Including contrasting viewpoints provides a comprehensive view of the topic. It demonstrates that you have considered the subject matter from multiple angles, adding credibility to your perspective.

• Narrative Techniques

Use descriptive language, metaphorical expressions, and emotional appeals to make your essay vivid and compelling. This not only keeps the reader engaged but also makes your essay memorable.

• Objective Analysis

While your essay is centered on your perspective, ensure you objectively present your arguments and contrasting views. Avoid bias and ensure that your essay is fair and balanced.

• Direct Engagement

Address the reader to create a conversational and engaging tone. This approach makes the essay more personable and relatable.

A perspective essay is a blend of personal insights and a well-rounded understanding of the topic. It requires introspection, research, and the ability to articulate thoughts in a coherent and engaging manner. By weaving personal experiences with factual information and theoretical concepts, your essay becomes a rich narrative that informs and resonates with the readers.

Handling Conflicting Viewpoints in a Point-of-View Essay

In a point-of-view essay, addressing conflicting viewpoints is essential for presenting a reasoned argument. Firstly, start by acknowledging these differing viewpoints without bias. Understanding and presenting these views demonstrates respect and depth in your analysis.

If you start with discussing opposing arguments, avoid dismissive language. Instead, analyze these views critically, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in a balanced manner. Then, logically present your counterarguments. Use evidence and reasoning to explain why your perspective offers a more compelling or comprehensive understanding of the topic. This approach strengthens your essay point of view and enhances your credibility as a writer. It’s crucial to maintain an objective tone throughout, focusing on logical reasoning rather than emotion.

By breaking down opposing views and building a well-reasoned argument, your essay becomes a thoughtful dialogue rather than a one-sided monologue, encouraging readers to consider your perspective.

Example of Perspective Essays

Crafting a perspective essay is akin to painting a landscape with words, where each stroke offers a different hue of insight and understanding. Such essays invite readers into the writer’s world, encouraging them to view familiar scenes through new eyes. By sharing personal viewpoints, reflections, and analyses, writers can transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences. This unique form of essay writing not only fosters a deeper connection between the writer and reader but also promotes a broader understanding of the subject at hand. Let’s delve into an example of a perspective essay, exploring its nuances and the techniques that make it both compelling and enlightening.

Perspective Essay Example: “The World Through My Window”

As I sit by the window of my fourth-floor apartment, the world below unfolds like a living tapestry. From this vantage point, the bustling city street transforms into a stage where each passerby plays a role in an unwritten play. The scene may appear mundane to a casual observer: people rushing to their destinations, cars honking, and the occasional dog walker. Yet, through my eyes, each element tells a part of a larger story about connectivity and isolation in the digital age. This perspective reveals more than just the physical distance between people; it highlights the paradox of our modern world. Here, in a crowded city, individuals navigate their paths, encapsulated in their thoughts or the screens of their smartphones. This observation leads me to ponder the role of technology in shaping our interactions. While it has the power to connect us across vast distances, it also has the uncanny ability to widen the gap between us, even as we stand shoulder to shoulder. Through the lens of my window, I witness the juxtaposition of connection and solitude. The elderly man who pauses to feed pigeons every morning at 8:00 am, seemingly cherishing this simple routine amidst the urban rush, symbolizes a longing for simpler times. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers laughs together, their attention shared between the physical and digital realms as they scroll through their feeds. This scene encapsulates the dual-edged sword of technological advancement, offering both a bridge and a barrier to genuine human connection.

Analysis of the Example

Delving into the analysis of a perspective essay sheds light on the intricate dance between personal reflection and universal truth, revealing how individual insights can mirror broader societal themes. This examination is crucial, not just for understanding the writer’s viewpoint but for uncovering the layers of meaning that resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds. By dissecting the example of “The World Through My Window,” we can appreciate the nuanced craftsmanship that bridges personal experience with collective consciousness. Here is what we analysed:

Initially, the essay’s introduction draws readers into a vivid tableau, setting the stage for a deep dive into the complexities of human connection in a digitized world. Importantly, descriptive imagery serves as the backbone of this narrative, enabling readers to visualize the bustling cityscape as more than a mere backdrop but as a character in its own right. This technique ensures that the essay’s themes are not only understood intellectually but felt viscerally.

Moreover, the strategic use of the window as a framing device acts as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing the writer’s observational detachment and inherent connectedness to the scenes unfolding below. Here, the transition from mere observation to profound reflection is seamless, demonstrating how physical spaces can echo the internal landscapes of our thoughts and emotions.

Reflectively, the essay navigates through the dichotomy of connection and isolation, highlighted by the poignant examples of the elderly man and the teenagers. These vignettes serve a dual purpose: they ground the essay’s abstract concepts in tangible reality and illustrate the nuanced impact of technology on human interactions. Furthermore, the transition between these examples is smooth, each serving to build upon the last, weaving a cohesive narrative thread that draws the reader deeper into the essay’s contemplative journey.

Finally, the reflective tone of the essay invites readers to engage in a dialogue with the text, prompting them to question and consider their own experiences with technology and connection. This interactive aspect of perspective essays is pivotal, as it transforms passive reading into an active exploration of both the self and society.

In essence, this analysis underscores the artistry behind crafting a perspective essay that resonates on multiple levels. Through deliberate descriptive imagery, metaphorical framing, reflective narration, and relatable examples, the writer achieves a harmonious balance between personal anecdote and universal insight. It’s this balance that elevates the essay from a mere narrative to a reflective mirror, offering readers a lens through which to examine their own views against the backdrop of the wider world.

Crafting Perspectives: Key Takeaways

In this comprehensive guide on writing perspective essays, we’ve explored essential strategies for conveying your viewpoint. Key takeaways include the importance of a well-structured approach, starting with a captivating introduction and flowing through a thoughtful body to a reflective conclusion. Employing storytelling, addressing the reader directly, and integrating personal reflections are pivotal in adding depth and relatability. Balancing your viewpoint with contrasting perspectives ensures a rounded and credible argument. Remember, the essence of a perspective essay lies in its ability to offer unique insights and foster a deeper understanding of the subject through your personal lens.

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How to Write a Perspective Essay That Will Impress Your Professor

By: Henrique Bertulino

Personal experiences make for great essays. When you use a personal experience to fuel your creativity, the writing process becomes much simpler. A perspective essay is an example of these types of essays. You're drawing on yourself, so the need to research is less. It saves you a lot of time, which a writing service, like essay or thesis help , can even help you further with.

Perspective Essay Example

Pro: concise and interesting, pro: well-structured, con: errors with sentence construction, some tips and tricks.

Everyone has different perspectives - it is just how the world works. Your subject matter will always be unique. In this article, instead of taking you step-by-step through the process of writing one, we will instead use a sample essay to show you what works and what doesn't.

Everyone has different perspectives, and sometimes it is difficult to understand another person's point of view. Many people do the things they do mainly because they feel that their point of view is the right one. Personally, sometimes people usually do not want to think about others' personal perspectives since they know that they are just wrong with their own. Put simply, some people really know what they are doing is incorrect and do not wish to fix it. In my perspective of being upset with my good friend, I was angered that my good friend, who had been staying with me for the week throughout the summer, has not been picking up after himself.

I had to clean up all of his messes to make sure that our living quarters were not in complete disorder. It angered me mainly because I had to clean up following him along with myself. I feel that he needs to have contributed at least slightly to our scenario. We were away from our homes and in the same condition, and he just depended on me to be his personal "maid." My response to this situation that I was dealing with was that I was very short-tempered, and I also did not desire to speak with my friend all the. He got the feeling that something was wrong, but he did not give any thought to what was wrong.

My spouse and I tried to merely blow off the situation and see if he was going to eventually start helping out, but nothing improved. Finally, I told him that he needed to start helping around the place. He got extremely offensive, and he mentioned, "I thought that room services was washing our space." Some people expect points in life, and my friend was one of these people. My perspective changed once I looked at just how he had grown up.

He had his father and mother and his granny do almost everything for him. From performing the dishes to taking out the trash, this kid never performed a task in his entire life. Sometimes you just have to look at the different person's personal background and look at how they had been raised.

Obviously, it was not the right way to raise a child, but I couldn't control what he was accustomed to. Problems occur in perspective-taking all the time because not everyone is brought up the same. A large number of people originate from different backgrounds and different societies.

Most of us view issues differently and based on just how we were brought up. Sometimes your own perspective may not be the agreeable one, and that is the hardest thing to change, especially if you grew up with it.

Dissecting the Essay Sample: What Works and What Doesn't

Now that you are done with the essay, let us jump right into what we can learn from it. First, the pros:

The essay is on the short side, and this isn't difficult to read. Because it is written from the first-person point of view, it drops the reader right into the middle of things. In other words, by starting the perspective essay with their own perspective, the writer brings the readers into his mind space and challenges them to understand where he is coming from.

Another thing worth noting is the anecdote. The story is relatable and simple. Most of us know at least one person like that. By being recognizable and interesting, the essay holds the reader's attention, which is the most important thing.

You may need an expert service to produce a custom paper so that they can show you the basics. Essay structure is one of the most basic and most important things you need to get right if you want to come in first place for your academic writing. And this essay gets it right.

It starts out with an introduction, setting up the premise and expectations for the whole thing. The body paragraphs deal with the story and serve to keep the readers hooked while expanding on the thesis statement. Finally, the conclusion brings it all together - the initial argument, the story - and ties it all together by contextualizing the thesis statement with implications from real life.

That about settles it as far as pros are concerned. Let us now look at what the essay was not able to achieve:

The essay was clearly written by someone not wholly proficient in English. There are a lot of oddly placed words in this essay. There is nothing wrong with writing in a language you're not wholly proficient in, but a research paper has certain standards it needs to live up to. A few rounds of proofreading would be enough to get rid of the inaccuracies, so keep an eye on that.

Drawing upon your own well of experiences will make for unique term papers, this is true, but you need to be mindful of the following:

• Your memories are the basis for who you are today. They have significance to you, but the stories by themselves will not be able to affect change in others. You have to provide context and give explanations.
• Tied in with the previous point, you need to realize that your experiences are your own. Many people will not be able to relate to specific cultural things that you went through that they did not. Keeping the reader's attention becomes a priority in this case.

Writing a perspective essay and writing a creative essay is a challenging and rewarding experience. If you can get it right, your paper will be a show stealer! As long as you contextualize your subjective experiences with proper evidence and explanation, you will be well on your way to success. Make sure to format it right, proofread it at least thrice, and present it with confidence. That is all it takes to come first.

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This article is great and all, but I will most likely keep outsourcing any paper on perspective writing. I write most of my papers, but I usually need a rewrite all around a great right-up.

I think this article really helps out with a lot of information about perspective essays. As a college student, I know that writing from your memory or opinions can be quite easy since opinions will always vary. However, proficiency and good grammar are still major requirements in this form of writing.

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How to Write Brown’s Perspective Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Shane Niesen and Vinay Bhaskara i n a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Why this prompt is important, avoiding admission officers’ biases, why someone else should read your essay.

The second Brown University supplemental essay asks students to respond to the following prompt:

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words) 

In this article, we discuss why this prompt is so important, how to be aware of a reader’s bias, and why having someone else proofread your essay is essential. 

Brown’s second essay is all about being challenged by a perspective different from your own. One of the trickiest parts about this essay is to avoid focusing on presenting the two perspectives and the battle between them. This is not the point of the prompt. Brown admissions officers want to read about your perspective and your thought process when challenged. 

The goal of this prompt is to demonstrate how you think about the world, address challenges, and approach conflict. There is no avoiding conflict in life—over the past few years, for example, our society has experienced a great deal of friction due to opposing perspectives—so do your best to share your thought process around conflict. Dive into how you approach being confronted with differing opinions. 

There are a few questions that you can home in on for this prompt. You can write about your perspective, who challenged you, how it felt being challenged, and if that changed your perspective. This doesn’t mean you have to write about the exact time and place when your mind changed—maybe you felt even stronger about your beliefs after being challenged. The point is that you want to demonstrate that this confrontation had some sort of impact on you. 

Don’t be afraid to step away from the broader issues in our society or politics. Try to focus on a personal situation for this prompt. This will not only make you stand out from the crowd, but it will also help you avoid the biases of the admissions officers. Of course, admissions officers are aware that they will read the essays of students who share different perspectives than their own, but by writing about a personal conflict or issue, you’re more likely to avoid this issue entirely. 

Appealing to the admissions officers is a crucial part of your essay. You want the reader to like you or at least empathize with your perspective. This is why you should check yourself and your opinions while writing. You can do this by sharing your essay with someone else and asking for feedback. If that person tells you that they didn’t like how you talked about your opinion, that’s a sign that the admission officers won’t like it either. 

Ask your reader for feedback on the structure and content of your essay. A big mistake that students make is spending too much time narrating the problem rather than reflecting on the story. Your essay will ideally contain deeply personal topics, so most of it should focus on your emotions and headspace.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what is a perspective essay.

Hi everyone, I just came across a term 'perspective essay.' I haven't heard of this before, so can anyone give me a quick overview of what it is and how to write one? Thanks!

Hi there! A "perspective essay" refers to a type of paper that presents the writer's viewpoint or opinion on a specific topic as a form of personal reflection. The primary goal of a perspective essay is to show your unique perspective and establish a clear argument or position on the subject matter.

To write a perspective essay, follow these steps:

1. Choose a topic: Pick something you're passionate or knowledgeable about, as it makes for a more compelling read. Make sure the topic is not too broad, and it should be something that has room for debate or discussion.

2. Develop a thesis statement: This is the central point of your essay and should clearly state your perspective on the topic. Your thesis statement should be concise, well-defined, and easy to understand.

3. Organize your thoughts: Outline the structure of your essay before you start writing. This can help you ensure that your thoughts flow seamlessly from one point to the next and prevent you from drifting off-topic.

4. Write the introduction: Engage your readers by providing some context or background information about the topic. Then, present your thesis statement, which will act as the guideline for the rest of your paper.

5. Present your arguments: Use the body paragraphs to discuss your main points or arguments that support your thesis statement. Be sure to provide evidence by citing relevant sources, examples, or personal experiences to solidify your claims.

6. Address counterarguments: It's essential to offer a balanced perspective by considering opposing viewpoints. You can either dedicate a separate paragraph for counterarguments or address them throughout your body paragraphs. This allows you to demonstrate critical thinking and shows that your opinion is well-informed and well-reasoned.

7. Write the conclusion: Sum up your main points and restate your thesis in a different way. Leave your reader with a thought-provoking statement or question that encourages further discussion and reflection.

8. Revise and edit: Carefully review your essay for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. It's always helpful to have someone else proofread your work to identify any errors or areas that could be improved.

Remember that in a perspective essay, it's not about being right or wrong — it's about presenting your viewpoint effectively and persuasively. Good luck and happy writing!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Biogeography.News

How to write a (great) Perspective article

Like many journals, Journal of Biogeography ( JBI ) provides a specific forum for researchers to put forward new ideas (or dismantle old ones). In JBI , this article type is the Perspective . Our Author Guidelines state that Perspective papers “should be stimulating and reflective essays providing personal perspectives on key research fields and issues within biogeography”.

Across the senior editorial board, we’re always a little surprised that we don’t get more Perspective submissions since most of the biogeographers we know are brimming with personal perspectives, many of which immediately spill out over a coffee, beer or zoom call. Of course, going from a good idea to a finished article is rarely straightforward and writing your first Perspective article can be a daunting prospect – even more so if English is not your native language.

The good news is that writing a Perspective can be exceedingly enjoyable and a refreshing change from the limitations of a standard research article. Moreover, it is not a ‘black box’; there are several general principles that can help you to craft ‘stimulating and reflective essays’. Like research articles, the best Perspectives have a clear U-shaped narrative (Figure 1) that start with a clear justification of why a research area/topic needs re-evaluating and finishing with the potential implications of your new perspective for the development of the field.

One of the best things about Perspective articles is you have enormous flexibility in how you write them. Nevertheless, when planning the article, we find it useful to divide the article into several basic components:

• The Introduction This ought to include an engaging explanation of the problem/challenge you are addressing (this can be conceptual, practical, methodological… anything really!). Generally speaking, the more important/fundamental the problem, the harder it is to convince the referees that your new perspective is valid! But the potential rewards are also greater, so give your best idea a go! Almost by default, you need to contrast your new perspective with the standard or alternative solution/model/explanation, i.e. the “text-book explanation” that most scientists would agree with. This standard explanation needs to be carefully layed-out without creating a ‘straw man’ (e.g. misrepresenting the alternative argument to make your argument look better)! Finally, introduce your new perspective and give a convincing explanation of why you think it is needed.
• Substantiating your new perspective It’s not enough to simply state your new perspective. You also need to provide convincing evidence in favour of, or at the very least consistent with, your argument, citing examples and demonstrating ways in which your new perspective can be applied. This does not need to be an exhaustive synthesis of relevant studies, but it should be sufficient to support your argument and to, at a minimum, demonstrate that existing approaches to the problem are insufficient.  Be careful to not cherry pick the literature such that you selectively ignore evidence contrary to your view. Instead, embrace challenging data, and use them to explore limitations and possibilities.
• Conclusions After discussing the evidence it is important to outline the relative strengths of your new perspective as compared to the standard/alternative perspective and to discuss the potential implications of your approach for future developments in the field.

And don’t forget your figures! It’s a decent estimate that a picture is worth a thousand words. A sweet graphic demonstrating the differences between the conventional and your new improved approach will also be worth a whole pile of citations. So, having made a compelling intellectual argument in the text, don’t sell your idea short visually. Design an eye-catching intuitive graphic that’ll get included in social media, in other people’s talks, as well as future papers and text-books. (Advice on preparing figures can be found at https://journalofbiogeographynews.org/2020/07/15/figures-the-art-of-science/ .)  

How to get started : When planning a Perspective paper (for any journal), consider starting with a simple plan, e.g. a bullet-pointed outline, that includes: (i) the problem; (ii) the standard approach; (iii) the new perspective; (iv) the key evidence, and; (v) the main conclusion. Of course, there are many other ways to structure an argument and experienced writers will often create a compelling narrative that doesn’t fit into a standard structure. The point is, a strong structure can be a huge help if you are unsure how to start, or to help organize your thoughts.  Another tip is, if you’re unsure about the merits of an idea, write to the editorial board.  Contact an associate editor in a closely allied field and write to the Reviews Editor, Richard Ladle, and/or the editor-in-chief Michael Dawson < contacts >.  We’ll be happy to give you preliminary feedback and guidance.

We hope the short explanation above has shown you that writing a Perspective article is not fiendishly difficult or the preserve of well-seasoned biogeographers with long academic records. A new Perspective is as much about novelty and disruption as it is about experience. Here at Journal of Biogeography we believe that debate and discussion, diverse viewpoints and challenges to orthodoxy are essential if the discipline of biogeography is going to maintain its vibrancy and societal relevance. In this respect we encourage submissions from all biogeographers, but especially early stage researchers and those working in regions of the world historically under-represented in biogeography.

Written by: Richard Ladle Research Highlights Editor

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7 thoughts on “ How to write a (great) Perspective article ”

Can I get to see a sample of perspective type news article, it will be a great help.

Thanks Pragya

Great Post!!! your article is very helpful for me . your ideas of worth are very useful and helpful for me.all the information for worth is very valid. Great post I must admit, keep sharing more…

Thank you for the writing tips.

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Thanks for your guidance of perspective. — from a fresh neuroscientist

Very Helpful for Newbie here! Thank you! Godspeed!

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How To Write a Critical Perspective Essay

When you are faced with an essay title that incorporates the phrase “deliver a critical perspective on…”, the temptation can be to think that this means finds fault with a concept. However, in academic terms, taking a critical perspective means being able to demonstrate knowledge of different attitudes, interpretations, and viewpoints on the subject, and from this, being able to deliver a considered and informed opinion. In effect, a critical perspective essay requires to you to be able to show that there may be multiple ways to approach the main subject under discussion, but also to pick out, through analysis, which is the most viable perspective.

Sounds easy enough doesn’t it? If you follow our guide to producing the perfect critical perspective essay than yet it really is easy. An easy way to understand critical examination and thus arrive at a critical perspective is to remember that critical examination or evaluation picks out what is relevant or noteworthy to ensure understanding of how a thing (framework, hypothesis, phenomenon) works.

The aim of a persuasive essay is to convince your reader that your opinions and perspectives are correct. This can be done with a combination of emotive language and hard evidence to back up your viewpoint. You have to make the reader believe in the value of your opinion or standpoint, and sometimes to make the reader act. Fortunately, there are a number of techniques and approaches that can be used to ensure your persuasive essay presents a coherent, logical argument that cannot be denied by the reader.

In terms of structure, persuasive essays are relatively simple. Your arguments or opinions need to be clearly stated, reinforced, and backed with facts and evidence. Your summation, or conclusion should ensure that the reader is very clear about where you stand on the issue, so you need to be consistent throughout.

Planning your critical perspective essay

Stage one is identifying what it is you are being asked to critically evaluate and then take a perspective on. Typical essay titles include, “Discuss critical perspectives on the role censorship in modern music”, “Critically evaluate the main perspectives on the impact of social media on body image and state your own views on the subject”. In both cases, you are being asked to look at both sides of the argument and identify your own views.

Stage two requires identifying the key sources that will form the framework and rationale for your perspective. Whilst a critical perspective essay is essentially your own viewpoint, it is important to demonstrate how you have arrived at that view, based on research, evaluation of the evidence and an objective assessment of the facts.

Stage three draws up an outline of the arguments /points you wish to make in your essay and put them in a logical order. Chronologically works well but so does giving greater importance to key themes and then moving into sub-themes.

Writing your Critical Perspective Essay

Introduction.

Your introduction should be clear and unambiguous in stating the topic under question. Frequently a good essay will use either a clear statement (declarative) or a question which reflects the essay title. This tells the reader what you are discussing. The second part of the introduction should draw in your reader and motivate them to read more, as well as a clear statement of your own perspectives and how you intend to prove that they are correct (a thesis statement). Your introduction should conclude with a brief background to the topic and current views in the area. What this achieves is placing your work and perspective into a clear context for your reader.

The body text of your essay should have a focus of one paragraph per point / argument or topic so that the flow of information and argument is consistent. This is where an effective plan can help you clearly structure your essay. For each paragraph, you should introduce the main point/theme you are discussing before moving on to an explanation of your perspectives and why they are accurate in terms of the context of the work.

The explanation should then be followed by presentation of evidence that backs up your point of view. Here you can use quotes, statistics and other illustrative evidence but always ensure that your sources are credible and from trustworthy sources, as well as being correctly cited in the text and listed at the end of the work. An important element of every paragraph, and one most frequently missed by students is the linking of paragraphs, both to the opening statement and to the next point. Without linking the paragraphs an essay lacks cohesion and logical flow.

There are some key tips for critical perspective essay writing that help to reinforce the view you are trying to put across. These include repetition, which means making similar points in a range of ways, with different evidence. Repetition of points is not appropriate, but re-stating or reaffirming a perspective is crucial to ensuring that the reader comes to the same opinion as you.

A further valid approach is to indicate understanding of opposing perspectives. These should be stated, again with appropriate evidence from reliable sources. However, you should also add in reasons, backed by evidence as to why these perspectives are incorrect, which again reaffirms your own critical perspective.

The conclusion of your critical perspective essay should deliver a summation of all the points, bringing them together and reaffirming your original statement of opinion. A strong conclusion can ensure that your readers will be swayed by your arguments and thus take the same perspective on the issue that you have evidenced as being accurate.

Some Key phrases for a critical perspective essay

To ensure your essay is clearly persuasive, include some of the following words and phrases:

• I am certain that…
• It clearly follows that…
• Regardless…
• Although it may seem…
• Considering…. this clearly indicates that …….
• I believe that…
• By the same token…
• Furthermore…

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Last updated on Nov 14, 2022

Point of View: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Perspectives

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Martin Cavannagh

Head of Content at Reedsy, Martin has spent over eight years helping writers turn their ambitions into reality. As a voice in the indie publishing space, he has written for a number of outlets and spoken at conferences, including the 2024 Writers Summit at the London Book Fair.

About Tom Bromley

Author, editor, tutor, and bestselling ghostwriter. Tom Bromley is the head of learning at Reedsy, where he has created their acclaimed course, 'How to Write a Novel.'

Point of view (POV) is the narrative perspective from which a story is told. It’s the angle from which readers experience the plot, observe the characters’ behavior, and learn about their world. In fiction, there are five types of point of view: first person, second person, third person limited, third person omniscient, and fourth person.

This guide will look at each point of view, and provide examples to help you understand them better. Let’s dive in.

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First person

First person narratives are quite common and relatively intuitive to write: it’s how we tell stories in everyday life. Sentences written in first person will use the pronouns I , we , my , and our . For example:

I told my mother that we lost our passports.

First person can create intimacy between the reader and the characters, granting us direct access to their emotions, psyches and inner thoughts. In stories where the protagonist’s internal life is at the fore, you will often find a first-person narrator.

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Having a single fixed narrator can limit the scope of a story 一 the reader can only know what the narrator knows. It’s also said that a first person narrator is biased, since they provide a subjective view of the world around them, rather than an objective one. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and intentionally unreliable narrators are fascinating literary creatures in their own right. 

Genres that commonly use a first person POV

Young Adult . Introspective coming-of-age narratives often benefit from a first-person narrative that captures the protagonist’s voice and (often mortifying) internal anxieties. Some examples are novels like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins , The Fault in Our Stars by John Green , and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

Science Fiction . In sci-fi novels, a first person perspective can nicely convey the tension and awe associated with exploring unfamiliar environments and technologies. Some examples of this approach include Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Memoir . The first person is perfect for memoirs, which allow readers to relive life events with the author. Some pageturners in this genre are Open by Andre Agassi, Educated by Tara Westover, and Becoming by Michelle Obama. 

As you might expect, after first person comes…

Second person

Second person narratives are far less common in literature — but not entirely unheard of. The pronouns associated with second person include you , your , and yours , as in:

You instruct the chief of police to bring the prisoner to your office.

Second person POV is all about putting the reader directly in the headspace of a particular character: either the main character or a secondary figure. When mishandled, this POV can alienate readers — but when executed well, it can create an intimate reading experience like no other.

Since this POV requires quite a lot of focus for most readers, it’s often suited to shorter, lyrical pieces of writing, like poetry. It can also be used alongside other points of view to provide variety in a longer novel, or to indicate a change of character (see: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin).

Genres that commonly use a second person POV

Creative Fiction . Short stories, poetry, and screenplays can benefit from the immediacy and intimacy of the second person. Two examples are The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, or Pants are Optional by Aeris Walker 一 a brilliant piece from Reedsy’s Short Story competition. 

Nonfiction . In self-help in particular, the second person can be used to ‘enter the reader's mind’, establish rapport, and guide them through a transformation process. For example, in Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now many teachings are conveyed through a series of questions and answers written in second person.

Now that you have seen how second person narratives work, let’s meet some third person limited narrators and see how they handle things.

Third person limited

Everyone has read a third person limited narrative, as literature is full of them. This POV uses third-person pronouns such as he , his , she , hers , they , and their to tell a story:

She told him that their assessment of the situation was incorrect. 

Third person limited is where the narrator can only reveal the thoughts, feelings, and understanding of a single character at any given time — hence, the reader is “limited” to that perspective. Between chapters, many books wrote in this POV switch from character to character, but you will only hear one perspective at a time. For instance:

“ She couldn't tell if the witness was lying.”

The limited third person POV portrays characters from a bit of distance, and asks the readers to engage and choose who they’re rooting for 一 but this POV poses a challenge for authors when trying to create truly compelling characters . A limited perspective definitely adds intrigue, but writers should bear in mind that being able to tell only one side of the story at a time can limit their ability to reveal important details.

Genres that commonly use a third person limited POV

Romance . A love story always has two sides, and the third person point of view is ideal for authors who wish to convey both. Examples in this genre include Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer.

Thriller . In suspense-driven plots the limited third person POV works well, since it’s fun to try and solve a mystery (or mysterious characters) alongside the protagonists. Two examples are Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, or Nine Perfect Strangers by Moriarty Liane. 

A solid story structure will help you maintain a coherent point of view. Build it with our free book development template.

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If you’re done with the intimacy of “close” viewpoints, perhaps we can interest you in another kind of third-person POV — a God’s-eye view of storytelling.

Third person Omniscient

The third person omniscient is as popular as the limited one, and uses the same pronouns. The difference, however, is that the narrator is “all knowing” — meaning that they’re not limited to one character’s perspective, but instead can reveal anything that is happening, has happened, or will happen in the world of the story. For example:

He thought the witness was honest, but she didn't think the same of him .

It’s a popular point of view because it allows a writer to pan out beyond the perspective of a single character, so that new information (beyond the protagonist’s comprehension) can be introduced. At the same time, it heavily relies on the voice and authority of the narrator, and  can therefore take some focus away from the character.  

Genres that commonly use a third person omniscient POV

Fantasy fiction . In elaborate fantasy worlds, being unencumbered from a character’s personal narrative means that the narrator can provide commentary on the world, or move between characters and locations with the flick of a pen. You’ll see this approach in action in Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.

Literary fiction . An all-encompassing perspective can allow authors to explore different character quirks, but also interpersonal dynamics between characters. Leo Tolstoy does this masterfully in his great classics Anna Karenina and War and Peace .

And now, let's look at our final (and most underused) narrative perspective: the fourth person POV...

Fourth person

The fourth person POV is a narrative perspective that tells a story with a collective voice. It uses the pronouns we , us , our , and ours  to represent multiple characters speaking as a single narrator.

We live beneath the shadows, beneath the bones and the dust and the earth, only leaving at night to claim what is rightfully ours .

Just like other narrative perspectives, fourth person POV can be used throughout an entire book or in addition to at least one other POV. For example, the speculative novel On Such a Full Sea by Chang-rae Lee is entirely told in the fourth person POV, while the Booker Prize-longlisted novel The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh uses two POVs: the first person POV and the fourth person POV.

Now that we have established the basics of the major points of view, let’s dig a little deeper. If you’re ready for a closer look at POV, head over to the next post in this guide to learn more about first person perspective.

5 responses

Aysha says:

19/04/2020 – 19:56

The Book Thief would be considered First Person POV, similar to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, right? Thank you for the wonderful information. It gave a lot of insight into choosing which POV would be most suitable for a particular story. Pretty clear-cut.

Sasha Anderson says:

31/05/2020 – 10:41

I sometimes have difficulty telling the difference between third person limited and omniscient. For example, in the quote from I am Legend, the sentence "If he had been more analytical, he might have calculated the approximate time of their arrival" sounds very omniscient to me, because Robert wasn't, and didn't. Is there an easy way to tell that this is limited rather than omniscient, or does it not really matter as long as it reads well?

Lilian says:

18/06/2020 – 05:15

This was a very helpful piece and I hope it's okay to share the link for reference.

↪️ Martin Cavannagh replied:

18/06/2020 – 08:51

Of course! Share away :)

18/06/2020 – 05:44

It deal with the challenges associated with POV in writing. I like that it clearly distinguishes between third person limited POV and third person omniscient POV as most beginner writers are guilty of abrupt and inconsistent interchange in the two leading to head hopping. Greattach piece, I muse confess.

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How to Decide Which Perspective to Write From

Point-of-view matters in a narrative. The right perspective will allow your reader to fall into your story, suspending their disbelief and ensuring they become invested in the characters and their fates.

There are three main types of perspective: first , second , and third . Each has their own rules, style, and differences.

First-Person Perspective

This is a story told from the point-of-view of a character within the story, using an ‘I’ or ‘we’ perspective. The first person is the one who is speaking. The narrator puts across the world as they see it. The writer portrays scenes through a character’s eyes.

It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

First-person perspective puts the reader inside a character’s mind. In this example, the narrator is considering their impression of their father. Everything shared in this sentence is subjective and based on experience, not fact, thereby offering depth of character through opinion.

Second-Person Perspective

This is a story told from the point-of-view of the reader assuming a character role within the story, using a ‘you’ perspective. The second person is the one who is being spoken to. The narrator talks to and instructs the reader. The writer includes the reader in the narrative.

You hear the car after an hour and a half. During that time you’ve been here in the darkness, sitting on the small telephone seat near the front door, waiting. Iain Banks, Complicity

Second-person perspective puts the reader inside the story. Here, the narrative puts the reader in the mind of a murderer by having them assume that role in the story.

Third-Person Perspective

This is a story told from the point-of-view of an outsider telling the story of other characters, using a ‘he’ or ‘she’ or ‘they’ or ‘it’ perspective. The third person is the one who is being spoken about. The narrator is not part of the tale. The writer can explore different characters and multiple perspectives.

Their commander was a middle-aged corporal—red-eyed, scrawny, tough as dried beef, sick of war. He had been wounded four times—and patched up, and sent back to war. Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse-Five

Third-person perspective puts the reader amongst multiple characters in the story. In this extract the reader goes from the focus of a group of characters to describing their corporal, to then finding out about that character as if drifting into his memories.

Choosing a Point-of-View

When deciding which perspective to write from, there are two questions to ask.

Is the narrator part of the story?

If they are, then there will be at least an element of first-person perspective to the narration, though they may not be the protagonist, and they could decide to include the reader as a second-person . If they are not, the story will be told from a third-person point-of-view .

Who is the narrator?

When you are telling an anecdote, you do so in your own voice, even if you were present or part of the yarn you are spinning. You don’t make up the story—it is true—though you might embellish certain aspects or make alterations for dramatic purposes. You could reorder events, add in or cut out people that were involved, or take any manner of artistic licences with the tale, yet at its core it remains an anecdote of what happened. That is because you are the narrator, not the author.

When writing fiction, you are inventing characters and sending them off to undertake a plot. You are not telling the story, your narrator is—whether they are part of it or not.

Your narrator exists in their own right. You need to get their voice right and you allow them to tell the story in their own way. Whether your narrator is part of the story or not, consider how they wish to narrate. If your narrator is part of the story, the story should be told from a first-person perspective . If the narrator wants to include the reader, the story should be told from a second-person perspective . If the narrator is telling a tale of other characters, the story will be from a third-person perspective .

Whichever your narrator decides, you—as the writer—need to capture the narrator’s voice and allow them to tell the story in their own way. Otherwise, it will be you telling a story, and that won’t work if you are also the person inventing the story.

Often, writers use narrators who have voices similar to their own, and occasionally find that an ‘author voice’ creeps in. This is where the writer’s own opinion or thoughts manifest on the page and is a big distraction from the story. The great advantage of separating the narrator from the author, no matter the perspective, is that this is less likely to happen. The thoughts will be the narrators, not the writers, and so will be in-keeping with the tale being told.

Whenever I write a story, I like to think of my narrator as a character who is recounting the tale. I am the one writing it down—capturing it—as they are telling it to me. They could be of a different background, they might not be human, sometimes they are slightly drunk; whatever the case, each story has a different narrator. Some are formal, others are not. Whoever they are, I cannot write the story properly without knowing their voice. Narrators are characters. You are creating their truth—who, what, where, when, why—but it is up to them to decide the how, so let them. They could speak in a similar way to you, but they might not. They may take considerable liberties as they tell the story, but so be it. It’s their telling that matters.

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Step-by-step guide on how to write a highly impressive and effective critical lens essay to earn top grades.

Unleashing the true essence of literature, a critical lens essay delves deep into the realm of literary analysis, exploring the layers beneath the surface. By employing a critical lens, readers embark on a journey towards deciphering a text’s hidden messages, constructing an analytical perspective that transcends the conventional meaning. Embarking on such a venture requires a skillful blend of literary prowess and brainstorming techniques. With this handy guide, you’ll find a treasure trove of strategies and insights to navigate the intricate web of analysis, unlocking the true potential of your critical lens essay.

Excellence in crafting a critical lens essay lies in the art of interpretation and analysis. By adopting a unique lens through which to view a text, readers expose themselves to an array of interpretations and perspectives. Armed with this newfound insight, the essayist can dissect the intricate web of symbols, themes, and literary devices strewn across the pages, intertwining them to form a cohesive analysis. Captivating the reader with a compelling argument and thoughtful analysis underscores the importance of employing meticulous thought when embarking on this intellectual pursuit.

Approaching the construction of a critical lens essay should be akin to delicately weaving together a tapestry of ideas and concepts. An essay of this nature demands a panoramic view of the text, exploring not only the surface-level narrative but also the hidden meanings and salient themes lurking within. Examining the characters, their motivations, and the author’s underlying message allows the essayist to challenge preconceived notions and offer fresh insights. As you embark upon this engaging journey, remember that every word you pen contributes to the intricate mosaic of ideas that is your unique interpretation.

Approaching a Crucial Perspective Composition

When it comes to tackling a significant perspective essay, a thoughtful and strategic approach can make all the difference. This type of essay requires you to analyze and interpret a specific quote, known as the critical lens, by considering different perspectives and providing your own insight. To excel in this task, it is essential to understand the nuances of the critical lens and develop a structured approach to effectively convey your thoughts and analysis.

To begin with, familiarize yourself with the critical lens you will be working with. Take time to carefully deconstruct the lens and understand its underlying message. Identify the two literary works that can be used to support or reject the lens. This will form the foundation of your essay and influence your subsequent analysis.

Once you have a firm grasp on the critical lens and the literary works that will be incorporated, it is crucial to develop a clear thesis statement. The thesis statement should succinctly state your perspective on the lens and how it can be interpreted through the chosen literary works. This statement will guide the direction of your essay and provide structure for your arguments.

As you progress into the body paragraphs, make sure to fully analyze each literary work in relation to the critical lens. Remember to include specific examples and quotes from the texts to support your analysis. In addition to explaining how the texts align with or challenge the lens, consider the broader implications of these connections. Explore the underlying themes, messages, and character motivations that are relevant to the lens.

Lastly, conclude your essay by summarizing your arguments and reiterating your thesis statement. Leave the reader with a final thought that encompasses the overall significance of the critical lens and the literary works. Ensure that your conclusion reinforces the message you conveyed throughout the essay and leaves a lasting impression.

By approaching a crucial perspective essay with a well-defined plan and a deep understanding of the critical lens and the literary works, you can effectively analyze and interpret the given quote. Be sure to take the time to develop a strong argument, support it with pertinent evidence, and present your ideas in a clear and concise manner. With a strategic approach, you can craft a compelling essay that showcases your critical thinking skills and understanding of the texts at hand.

The Significance of Comprehending the Quotation

One of the crucial aspects of writing a critical lens essay lies in understanding the significance of the chosen quote. The quote serves as the foundation of the essay, shaping the overall analysis and interpretations that follow. By comprehending the quote, a writer can effectively develop a well-structured essay that showcases their ability to critically analyze and evaluate various literary works and perspectives.

When approaching a critical lens essay, it is essential to carefully examine the quote and break it down into its core elements. This involves deciphering the underlying meaning, identifying key terms, and considering the context in which it was originally written. By gaining a thorough understanding of the quote, a writer is equipped to explore its implications within the framework of the literature being analyzed.

Additionally, comprehending the quote allows writers to establish a clear focus for their essay. It enables them to define the central idea or theme that will guide their analysis and shape their argument. By understanding the quote, writers can develop a coherent and logical structure that supports their interpretation and evaluation of the chosen literary works.

Furthermore, understanding the quote helps writers to establish credibility and authority in their essay. By demonstrating a deep understanding of the quote and its relation to the literature, writers can present a well-informed analysis that engages readers and garners their trust. This is particularly important in critical lens essays, as the writer is required to provide a thoughtful and balanced evaluation of the literary works in question.

In conclusion, the importance of understanding the quote in a critical lens essay cannot be overstated. It forms the foundation of the essay, guiding the analysis and interpretations that follow. By comprehending the quote, writers can effectively develop a well-structured essay that showcases their ability to critically analyze and evaluate various literary works and perspectives.

Choosing the appropriate literature to support your analysis

One of the crucial aspects of writing a critical lens essay is selecting the right texts to support your analysis. The literature you choose should align with the quote, allowing you to explore the various perspectives and ideas present in the texts. By carefully considering the content and themes, you can effectively incorporate textual evidence to develop a strong argument.

When selecting the literature, it is vital to choose works that have a diverse range of ideas and perspectives. This will allow you to present a well-rounded analysis and demonstrate your understanding of different viewpoints. Consider choosing texts that provide contrasting opinions or present distinct themes, as this will make your argument more nuanced and compelling.

Additionally, it is important to choose texts that have a depth of meaning. Look for works that provoke thoughtful analysis and can be interpreted in various ways. Texts with complex characters, intricate plots, and rich symbolism often provide ample material for critical analysis. By selecting texts with depth and complexity, you will have more material to support your analysis and demonstrate your ability to engage with complex ideas.

Furthermore, consider the literary techniques used in the texts. Pay attention to the language, imagery, symbolism, and narrative structure employed by the authors. These techniques can enhance your analysis and provide evidence for your interpretations. Choose texts that utilize literary devices effectively and align with the quote, as this will help you construct a persuasive argument.

In conclusion, choosing the right texts is crucial for a successful critical lens essay. By selecting literature with diverse perspectives, depth of meaning, and effective literary techniques, you can support your analysis and develop a strong argument. Carefully consider the themes, ideas, and content of the texts, ensuring they align with the quote and allow for a comprehensive exploration of different viewpoints. With the right selection of literature, you will be able to critically analyze the quote and provide a well-supported argument.

Analyzing the literary devices and techniques

In this section, we will explore the different literary devices and techniques used in writing and how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of a text. By understanding and analyzing these devices, readers can gain a deeper insight into the themes and ideas presented by the author.

One common literary device is symbolism, which involves the use of symbols to represent deeper meanings or ideas. Symbols can be objects, characters, or even actions that carry a symbolic significance. By analyzing the symbolism in a text, readers can uncover hidden meanings and themes that may not be immediately apparent.

Another important technique is foreshadowing, which is the use of clues or hints to suggest future events or outcomes. By carefully examining the foreshadowing in a text, readers can anticipate and understand the unfolding of the story, as well as the motivations and actions of the characters.

One of the most powerful literary devices is imagery, which involves the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental images in the reader’s mind. By analyzing the use of imagery, readers can engage with the text on a sensory level, experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures described by the author.

Another technique that authors employ is irony, which involves a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. By recognizing and analyzing the use of irony in a text, readers can gain insight into the author’s point of view and the themes of the work.

These are just a few examples of the many literary devices and techniques that authors use to convey their ideas and messages. By analyzing these devices, readers can deepen their understanding and appreciation of a text, and develop their own interpretations and insights.

Creating a strong and coherent argument

In order to write a compelling and persuasive critical lens essay, it is crucial to create a strong and coherent argument. This means presenting a clear and logical line of reasoning that supports your interpretation of the quote and the texts you have chosen to analyze. A strong argument is one that is well-supported by evidence, well-reasoned, and effectively conveys your main ideas.

One key element in creating a strong argument is providing evidence to support your claims. This can include quotations from the text, examples from real life or other works of literature, and any other relevant information that helps to validate your point of view. The more evidence you provide, the more convincing your argument will be.

Another important aspect of creating a strong argument is logical reasoning. This means organizing your thoughts in a clear and structured manner, making sure that each point flows logically from the previous one. It is also important to anticipate and address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints, showing that you have thoroughly considered different perspectives and have a strong response to them.

In addition to presenting a coherent argument, it is essential to convey your main ideas effectively. This involves using clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex terminology that may confuse your reader. It also means using rhetorical devices such as repetition, parallelism, and analogy to enhance the persuasiveness of your argument.

Finally, a strong and coherent argument requires a strong and confident tone. This means expressing your ideas with conviction and authority, while also acknowledging any limitations or weaknesses in your argument. It is important to strike a balance between confidence and humility, demonstrating that you have fully thought through your argument and are open to constructive criticism or alternative interpretations.

In summary, creating a strong and coherent argument is crucial in writing a successful critical lens essay. By providing evidence, employing logical reasoning, conveying your main ideas effectively, and adopting a confident tone, you can persuade your reader to accept your interpretation of the quote and the texts you are analyzing.

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How to Write in the Second Person Point of View: Definition & Examples

by Alex Cabal

Learning how to write in the second-person point of view offers a powerful and unique way of connecting with your readers. By breaking down the fourth wall and addressing the reader directly, you make the reader feel like they’re living in the world of your story.

We’ll illuminate the nuances of second person by defining this elusive narrative choice, exploring how it compares to other viewpoints in fiction writing, and looking at examples of stories and books that have used second-person point of view successfully.

Here’s a quick example of second-person point of view to get started:

Your eyes drink in the page as you read an article to learn how to write in the second-person point of view. Maybe you’re wondering, are you strong enough to master this wild card of the writing craft? Is second person the best way for you to tell your story? You feel the tension in your shoulders ease. Finally, you begin to believe there is hope for your fiction writing. You decide to read the full article in order to learn how to master this interesting choice of perspective.

What is the second-person point of view?

Second-person point of view (or PoV) is a literary technique in which the author creates a sense of intimacy by directly addressing the reader or audience as “you.” It’s an uncommon perspective that treats the protagonist as if they’re in the real world. Second-person PoV stories allow the reader to immerse and live fully in the world of your story.

By writing in the second-person narrative voice and speaking directly to the reader, you immerse them in the plot as if they’re experiencing it for real.

So you, as the writer, must craft a narrative where the reader feels as if they’re telling their own tale. It’s a very intimate and close approach to writing a story, and when done well, can be a unique, nontraditional, and immersive experience.

Because there’s no distinction between the reader and the character, this perspective can be difficult to master and calls for a lot of trust from your audience. They want to know that even if you take them deep into danger and darkness, you’ll bring them back out safely by the end.

First, second, third, and fourth-person point of view

You have four narrative choices when selecting which point of view to use for your story. Each of these uses different word choices within the text to position the reader’s perspective.

First person PoV: “ I rode the bicycle.”

Second person PoV: “ You rode the bicycle.”

Third person PoV: “ He rode the bicycle.”

Fourth person PoV: “ We rode the bicycles.”

The point of view can change the tone of an entire piece. The most common points of view in literature are third and first, or the habitual “He, she, they” and “I.” But every once in a while we’re tempted to reach for second person, or “You,” to address readers. Consider the following examples:

First person vs. second person:

First-person point of view: “Walking down the path, I come to a fork. No signs are telling me where to go, so I decide to take the path to the beach.”

Second-person point of view: “You walk down the path and come to a fork. There are no signs to tell you where to go, so you decide to take the path to the beach.”

Second person vs. third person:

Second person: “You asked him whether he really meant it when he told you he thought your sister resembled a vulgar manatee.”

Third person: “Jen asked Adam if he really meant it when he said that he thought her sister resembled a vulgar manatee.”

Second-person point of view is a powerful perspective with the ability to influence your reader in ways that first and third person can’t. As you can see in the previous examples, second person puts the reader directly into the action— you chose the path to the beach; you asked him the question.

Is the second-person point of view an omniscient point of view?

In general, the second-person view in a fictional story is omniscient.

With “you” as the authoritative voice of the story, the reader is seeing and understanding everything directly from the main character’s perspective. But the reader isn’t the narrator—they’re the protagonist. The narrator is someone who can see and hear everything the main character is thinking.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t surprise your reader! The narrator knows everything about this world—but they may hold some information back until the very end.

Why choose second-person point of view?

Using a second person voice within a story narrows the gap between the narrative and the reader. When done successfully the reader feels as if they’re fully present within the story, and are experiencing it first-hand.

Reasons for choosing the second-person perspective include:

Immersion : In a second-person narrative, the reader becomes the heart of the story. Rather than having a world and its events described to them, the reader gets to actually live it.

Interaction : This is generally done with “choose your own adventure” novels, where the writer constructs a second-person narration that allows the reader to make choices for how the story will unfold.

Instruction : Other forms of second-person point of view may include directions for how to do something, such as a tutorial that walks the reader through a series of steps.

Advantages of second-person point of view

A few advantages of second-person writing include:

The intimacy of the second-person narrative voice can encourage a reader to deeply empathize with the story, and maybe even offer them an experience from a new perspective they may not have encountered otherwise.

A second-person perspective can create a highly immersive, sensory experience for the reader, as they see themselves directly experiencing the story the writer has created.

Because stories are not often told in second-person point of view, this perspective can be a unique and engaging experience for your readers. It can distinguish your story from the work of other writers and make the act of reading it incredibly powerful and memorable.

Second-person point of view provides writers the opportunity to try on and explore a new perspective and style of writing. Writing from a perspective that you’re not familiar with can be a great way to enhance your writing skills and force you to stretch outside your creative comfort zone.

Disadvantages of second-person point of view

A few disadvantages of second-person writing include:

Some readers may be uncomfortable with second-person point of view. It can require a level of empathy and imagination that not all readers are willing to invest in—some readers want to be told a story rather than experience one.

If your reader dislikes your narrator or the voice of either the protagonist or the narrator, they’ll immediately disengage with the story. There is less room for nuance than there is with third or even first-person characters. If the reader dislikes the choices the character makes, they may struggle to empathize with or invest in the story at all. In this instance, third-person point of view may be a better choice.

Reaching publication for a second-person work can be challenging. Professional editors and publishers may be wary of any book told from this perspective, as it is an uncommon narrative choice that readers may not be familiar with or prepared to commit to.

Tips for writing in second-person point of view

Consider the following tips when writing a second person narrative:

Avoid repetitive language and overusing the second-person pronoun “you.” It may help to break up some of the text with the imperative form—that is, instructing the reader to take the next step in the story. For example:

Explicit example: “You look out the window at the snow-covered mountains.”

Implied example: “Look out the window at the snow-covered mountains.”

Consider using present tense in your writing. Present tense makes the story feel more immediate and engaging, rather than reflective.

Make sure to adhere to the old adage “ show and not tell ” to develop a highly rich sensory experience for the reader that they can see, feel, and imagine themselves in.

A second-person perspective may be best suited to short stories, rather than long-form work. Try getting comfortable in this type of writing in a smaller space before attempting it in a larger one.

Play with using different points of view in different chapters and with different characters to create a highly dynamic and complex story. For example, in a crime or thriller novel, you may use the second-person PoV to describe the actions and thoughts of the person who committed the murder, and third-person PoV for the detective who is solving the mystery.

Ensure that the narrator is a full-fledged character with a rich and detailed identity. If your second-person narrator is doing things and making choices, your reader, as that character, will want to empathize and better understand the motivations, preferences, goals, and driving forces for those choices and actions.

Stream of consciousness writing—or an inner monologue that tells a story—can be an effective technique when crafting a second-person narrative. This is used to explore the inner workings of a character’s mind and describe actions as they unfold.

Should you write your story in second person?

Second-person narration is an unusual and rewarding tool in fiction writing, but it may not be the right choice for every story. Here are a few things to consider when searching for the perfect narrative voice.

The length and scope of your story

Are you writing a short story, poem, novella, novel, or book series? How much time, space, and characterization will this plot encompass? Second-person language is effective for drawing a reader into your writing, but it can be demanding and draining on them as well.

Readers naturally think in first-person pronouns—“I’m exhausted”—or third-person pronouns—“He’s exhausting.” The pronoun “you” can feel jarring or alienating, which is why it should be used with care.

This is why the trick of interspersing second-person point of view with third- or first-person narration can be an effective way to engage this narrative voice. It breaks up the unusual PoV choice in a compelling and manageable way.

If you’re writing an entire novel that remains focused on just one character all the way through to the end, a first-person perspective or a third-person limited point of view might be a stronger choice.

Your story’s effect on the reader’s emotions

What are you trying to achieve by using this narrative point of view? A fiction writer can use both first and second person to have a conversation with the reader, while third person keeps the reader at a distance.

The second-person narrative voice takes the intimacy of first-person narrative even further—in this narrative point of view, there is no distance between the reader and the story. Your reader isn’t just watching the plot happen—they’re living it. This can take them to some uncomfortable places as the narrator describes their own actions back to them, but it can also offer a sharp and visceral reading experience.

Your story’s message and underlying theme

Using second person can be a great way to encourage the reader to examine their own preconceptions and biases. The reader starts to ask themselves, “Would I really make this choice?” “What would I do if this happened to me?”

By bringing them so directly into the piece, you engage them on a conscious level with the material. This is especially useful for things like political or social commentary.

At its foundational level, second-person PoV serves as an invitation for the reader to come fully into a piece with all of their baggage, all of their expectations, and, for a moment, to become fully immersed as a character in the work.

Examples of second-person point of view in novels

For a deeper look at using second-person PoV in writing, let’s look at a couple famous examples of books that have effectively used this technique.

The Dark by John McGahern

John McGahern’s short novel is a depressing portrait of a young boy growing up in Ireland. Half of the chapters are written in second person while the rest are split between third and first, with a smattering of chapters where the voice is so passive it doesn’t even seem to have a perspective. And the chapters aren’t chosen at random, either; each change in PoV serves a purpose.

The first-person chapters, which account for only three out of the thirty chapters, are all ones where Mahoney, the young protagonist, is enjoying himself.

The third-person chapters are all instances of brutal humiliation, failure and abuse.

The second-person chapters are all instances where Mahoney is trying to amp himself up or change his life.

McGahern juggles these viewpoints to alternately distance his protagonist and the reader from the horrors of the book, then invite the reader into Mahoney’s head to witness his pleasures and growth.

This is a perfect example of using contrasting points of view to enhance a novel. It’s an effective tool and really works to highlight the emotional turmoil of Mahoney’s life by inviting the reader to experience the protagonist’s struggle to defend himself, and his eventual triumph. At the same time, the third-person chapters serve to show Mahoney’s trauma while not overwhelming the reader with it.

Redshirts by John Scalzi

A more consistent use of second person is in the “codas” of John Scalzi’s Redshirts .

After the novel’s plot finishes, the reader is presented with a series of short stories—codas—following one of the minor characters through the aftermath of the novel, and each in a different point of view. One of these follows a young man who was in a coma for the entirety of the novel, and is just now coming awake to realize that things don’t exactly add up.

Having constructed the piece in second person, Scalzi invites the reader into the novel to directly experience the rude awakening of this supporting player. And it works as a fun device to more fully integrate the audience into the reading experience and vividly reflect his confusion and curiosity.

A few more books that use the second-person PoV include:

The Malady of Death , by Marguerite Duras

Bright Lights, Big City , by Jay McInerney

Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas , by Tom Robbins

Stolen , by Lucy Christopher

How to Become a Writer , by Lorrie Moore

Examples of second-person point of view in short stories

Short stories are a faster read, allowing you to gain an insight into how different authors approach the second-person point of view. Consider the following short stories as a starting point for more context, and for understanding how you can incorporate the second person PoV into your own story or novel.

“A Cure for Ghosts,” by Eden Royce

“All the Colors You Thought Were Kings,” by Arkady Martine

“Black Box,” by Jennifer Egan

“Conversation of Shadows,” by Yoon Ha Lee

“Little Man,” by Michael Cunningham

“Chimeras,” by Jae Steinbacher

“On the Day You Spend Forever With Your Dog,” By Adam R. Shannon

“The Sorcerer’s Unattainable Gardens,” by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor

And just for fun, here is a list of second-person point of view children’s books:

Princess Island , by Shannon Gilligan

Song of the Old City , by Anna Pellicioli

It’s Up to You, Abe Lincoln: How I Made the Biggest Decisions of My Life , by Tom and Leila Hirshfeld

The Cave of Time , by Edward Packard

Space and Beyond , by R. A. Montgomery

Use second person to push the limits of your writing

Whether you’re approaching a short story, novella, novel, exploring poetry or song lyrics, or just looking elevate your business writing, second-person perspective can be an exciting and genre-bending narrative technique. You can smash through walls between you and the reader in ways that are out of reach with other points of view.

In your next writing session, try stretching your creative muscles with second-person PoV.

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What is Point of View? Definition & 8 Types of Point of View

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Third Person Omniscient Point of View: The All-Knowing Narrator

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How to Write a Perspective Essay?

Writing a perspective essay begins with choosing a topic, determining the thesis statement for the essay, choosing a specific point of view and backing up the essay with concrete examples, illustrations and questions. An excellent perspective essay must have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. It is advisable for the writer to edit the essay and delete any superfluous or unnecessary information.

The first step is choosing a specific topic for the essay. When defining the topic of the perspective essay, an author must dwell on a particular topic assigned. The writer can also focus on something he feels strong about or a topic he has given thought to recently. The second step is determining the thesis point of the essay. The whole description must base on the thesis statement. Additionally, a clear point of view must be used, based on the topic and narration. Perspective essays must be in first-person point of view because they concern personal experiences. The last step involves the use of examples, anecdotes or research to enable the readers to feel what the author experienced. They should communicate the writer’s perspective on the chosen topic.

The author must remember to organize the essay into a clear introduction, body and conclusion. The conclusion must rhyme with the introduction of the essay. It is imperative to edit the essay for coherence and other grammatical issues. Excellent essays must be free from unnecessary information.

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• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

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The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, August 14). How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide. Scribbr. Retrieved August 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/literary-analysis/

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