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120 Literary Essay Topics

Students may be assigned a literary analysis essay when taking an English, literature, or writing class. This essay aims to analyze a particular work or body of work within the context of literature.

Students giving this type of writing assignment often find that while they can understand the texts being studied, they have difficulty putting their thoughts about them into words. This can be frustrating because literary analysis requires both interpretation and evaluation, two skills that can be challenging to put on paper.

Fortunately, we’ve created an expert guide to help students write the best literary analysis essay possible. Additionally, we’ve included 120 literary analysis essay topics that offer a wide range of interesting options for students to choose from.

What Does Analysis Mean?

While students may have written essays with different purposes in the past, a literary analysis essay asks them to take a different approach. When students engage in literary analysis, they explore the text deeply and in detail. They are not simply summarizing the plot or retelling the story. Instead, they are looking at the how and why of the text, delving into its deeper meaning.

Students must learn how to go beyond simple surface-level analysis and move towards a more complex understanding of the text. This can be achieved by asking the right questions, such as:

How does the author use literary devices?
What is the author’s purpose in writing this text?
What are the underlying themes in the text?
What does the text reveal about the author’s point of view?

Answering these questions can help students move beyond simply understanding a text to being able to analyze it effectively.

Types of Literary Analysis Essays

There are three common types of literary analysis essays that students may be asked to write. Each has its own unique purpose and focus.

Character Analysis

In a character analysis, students are asked to analyze a character from a literary work. This could be a protagonist, an antagonist, or a minor character. This type of essay aims to help students understand the role that characters play in a work of literature. To do this effectively, students must pay close attention to how the author develops the character throughout the text.

For example, if a student were asked to write a character analysis of Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, they would need to consider how Gatsby is developed throughout the novel. This might involve looking at how Fitzgerald uses symbolism, narration, and dialogue to reveal things about Gatsby’s character.

Theme Analysis

A theme analysis essay focuses on a work of literature’s central theme. The purpose of this type of essay is to help students understand the theme’s role in the work as a whole. To do this effectively, students need to identify the work’s major themes and understand how they are developed throughout the course of the text.

For example, if students were asked to write a theme analysis of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, they might identify the book’s central themes of teenage angst and rebellion. They would then need to examine how these themes are developed throughout the course of the novel.

Symbolism Analysis

A symbolism analysis essay focuses on how a work of literature uses symbols to represent ideas or themes. The purpose of this type of essay is to help students understand how symbols are used to convey ideas and messages in a work of literature. To do this effectively, students need to be able to identify the work’s major symbols and understand their significance.

For example, suppose a student was asked to write a symbolism analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In that case, they might examine the ways in which the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the valley of ashes function as symbols in the novel.

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

When writing a literary analysis essay, it is important to be sure that you are clear about your thesis statement. Your thesis statement is the main point of your essay and should be concise and easy to understand. Some good examples of thesis statements for literary analysis essays include:

“In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses symbols to represent the teenage experience.”

“Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby reveals the theme of the corruption of the American dream.”

Once you have your thesis statement, you will need to support it with evidence from the text. This could be done through the use of quotes, examples, or other types of evidence. Be sure that you are clear on what your evidence is and how it supports your thesis.

Another important aspect of writing a literary analysis essay is organization. Your essay should be well-organized and flow smoothly from point to point. Each body paragraph should have a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph and supporting evidence to back it up. Be sure to transition smoothly between paragraphs to make your essay easy to follow.

Finally, the conclusion of your essay should sum up the main points of your argument and leave the reader with a clear understanding of your position. A good conclusion will also restate your thesis in different words than how it was stated in your introduction.

120 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Students stuck on a topic for their essay can use any of these 120 literary analysis essay topics to get inspired.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Symbolism

How does the author use symbols to represent ideas in the text?
What is the significance of the book’s title?
How do the book’s characters embody the themes of the text?
What objects or images appear throughout the book, and what do they symbolize?
How does the author use color to convey ideas in the text?
What is the significance of the book’s setting?
What does the narrator’s point of view reveal about the characters and events in the text?
How does the author use foreshadowing to build suspense in the story?
What motifs appear in the text, and what do they symbolize?
How does the author’s use of irony contribute to the text’s overall theme?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Theme

What is the book’s central theme? Why?
How does the author explore the book’s main theme?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s main theme?
How does the author develop the book’s secondary themes?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s secondary themes?
How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the theme in the text?
What characters embody the book’s central themes, and how do they represent them?
How does the author’s use of figurative language contribute to developing a theme in the text?
What events in the book support the main theme, and how do they contribute to its development?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the text?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Character

How do the book’s characters develop throughout the story?
How do the book’s characters contribute to the development of the plot?
How does the author use dialogue to reveal information about the book’s characters?
What physical traits do the book’s characters possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
What psychological traits do the book’s characters possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
How do the book’s characters interact with each other, and what does this reveal about them?
What motivates the book’s characters, and how does this contribute to the development of the plot?
How does the author’s use of point of view contribute to the development of the book’s characters?
What conflicts do the book’s characters face, and how do they resolve them?
How do the book’s characters change by the end of the story, and what does this reveal about them?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Plot

What is the book’s main plot?
How does the author develop the book’s main plot?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s main plot?
How does the author develop the book’s secondary plots?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s secondary plots?
How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
What events in the book support the main plot, and how do they contribute to its development?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
How does the author’s use of figurative language contribute to the development of the book’s plot?
What characters embody the book’s main plot, and how do they represent it?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Setting

How would a different setting affect the book’s plot?
How does the book’s setting contribute to the development of its characters?
What messages does the author convey about the book’s setting?
How does the author use the book’s setting to develop the book’s mood?
How do events in the book make the setting more or less real?
How does the author’s use of description contribute to the development of the book’s setting?
What physical traits does the book’s setting possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
What psychological traits does the book’s setting possess, and how do they contribute to the story?
How does the author use the book’s setting to develop the book’s theme?
What symbols are present in the book’s setting, and what do they represent?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About American Classic Literature

Compare and contrast the American Dream as it is portrayed in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman.
How does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in The Great Gatsby?
What similarities and differences exist between the characters in The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird?
In what ways does Harper Lee’s use of first-person point of view contribute to the development of Atticus Finch’s character?
How does J.D. Salinger’s use of figurative language contribute to the development of Holden Caulfield’s character?
What messages about society does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in All My Sons?
What messages about family does Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie convey?
What messages about love and relationships does Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf convey?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About British Literature

How does Shakespeare’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in Romeo and Juliet?
What messages about family does William Golding’s Lord of the Flies convey?
What messages about love and relationships does D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in Women in Love?
What messages about society does George Orwell’s Animal Farm convey?

Literary Analysis Topics About Poetry

How does the author’s choice of words contribute to the development of the theme in a particular poem?
What messages about society does the poem convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the poem?
What clues in the poem suggest the poet had a troubled life?
What physical traits does the poem’s speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the poem’s development?
What psychological traits does the poem’s speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the poem?
How would a different choice of words contribute to the development of the poem’s theme?
What different images does the author use in the poem, and how do they contribute to its development?
Compare and contrast the author’s use of imagery in two different poems.
How does the author’s use of sound contribute to the development of the poem?

Literary Analysis Topics About Theater

Examine how the playwright’s use of stage directions contributes to character development in the play.
How does the playwright’s use of dialogue contribute to the development of the theme in the play?
What messages about love and relationships does the play convey?
How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the development of the theme in the play?
What messages about family does the playwright’s use of figurative language convey?
How does the author’s use of point of view contribute to the development of the play’s characters?
In what ways does the playwright’s use of setting contribute to the development of the play’s plot?
What messages about society does the play convey?
How would a change in the play’s setting contribute to its development?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About YA Novels

Explore the main differences between the book and its film adaptation.
What messages about love and relationships does the novel convey?
Examine the use of adolescent slang in the novel and its effects on the development of theme.
Argue for or against including a particular novel in high school curriculums.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Speeches

Compare and contrast Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech with Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet
Explore the symbolism in Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”
Analyze the rhetoric in JFK’s “Moon Speech.”
What messages about society does Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman?” speech convey?
How does Frederick Douglass’s “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” speech contribute to his character development?
What physical traits does the speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the speech?
What psychological traits does the speaker possess, and how do they contribute to the development of the speech?
How would a different choice of words contribute to the development of the speech’s theme?
What different images does the author use in the speech, and how do they contribute to its development?
Compare and contrast the author’s use of imagery in two different speeches.
Does the intensity of the rhetoric in the speech contribute to its effectiveness?
How does the author’s use of sound contribute to the development of the speech?

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Books Turned into Movies

Explore the themes of capitalism in Fight Club.
Discuss how The Catcher in the Rye is an autobiographical novel.
Analyze the character of Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye.
Compare and contrast the book and film versions of The Great Gatsby.
Examine the use of color in The Great Gatsby.
Explore the theme of betrayal in The Great Gatsby.
Analyze the character of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby.
Compare and contrast the book and film versions of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Examine the use of point of view in To Kill a Mockingbird.
Analyze the character of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Non-Fiction Books

Compare and contrast two biographies of the same person.
Analyze a section of the US Constitution.
Compare and contrast two religious texts.
Analyze the historical effects of the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli.
Compare and contrast the ideas of Karl Marx and Adam Smith.
Analyze the thoughts of Rousseau on education.
Evaluate the methods used in a self-help book.
Review a political science text.
Compare and contrast the autobiographies of two different philosophers.
Compare and contrast the claims made in two history books.

With any of these 120 literary essay topics, you’ll be able to deep-dive into the world of literature and create an impressive essay on any text you’ve read.

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Literary Analysis Essay Writing

Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Ideas

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Good Literary Analysis Essay Topic Ideas

Literary analysis essay topics for different eras, additional literature analysis essay topics , how to choose a literary analysis essay topic , tips to write a compelling literary analysis essay.

You’re a literature student, and you’ve been assigned to work on a literature analysis essay, but you’re not sure which topic to go for. It’s a tricky situation!

We understand that choosing a worthy topic for a literary analysis essay is never an easy task. But don’t you worry!

For literature students, we know the importance of drafting an excellent literary analysis essay . And for an exceptional essay, one needs a standout topic.

That’s why in this blog, we have gathered more than 200 exciting and interesting literary analysis essay ideas for you to get started.

Read on!

If you are a high school or a college student, and you’re having difficulty coming up with a good topic for your essay, choose from the topic list below.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics Middle School

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
Harry Potter’s powers in the Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Allegory in Lord Byron’s Vision of Judgement
Impact of Henry Miller and Gordon Byron’s life on their legacy
Comparative analysis of Dickens VS Thackeray
Canterbury Tales VS Decameron
The irony in Jerome’s stories
Mood expressions in Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Literary Analysis Essay Prompts 9th grade

The theme of friendship in Of Mice and Men
The role of symbols in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The portrayal of family relationships in To Kill a Mockingbird
The development of the protagonist in The Hunger Games
The use of foreshadowing in Romeo and Juliet
The impact of setting in The Giver
The role of courage in The Diary of Anne Frank
The theme of justice in The Odyssey
The influence of social class in A Wrinkle in Time
The importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for High School

The representation of justice in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird
Analyze the theme of friendship in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men
Explore the theme of identity in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series
The role of nature in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights
Discuss the concept of heroism in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
The use of foreshadowing in George Orwell's Animal Farm
The representation of mental health in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar
The impact of war on individuals in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried
The use of symbolism and allegory in Lois Lowry's The Giver
Discuss the role of cultural identity in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club

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Literary Analysis Essay Topics For College

Literary devices used in The Night by Elie Wiesel
The portrayal of the escape theme in Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer
The evolution of Celie's character in 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker
Jane Austen's critique of social class and marriage in Pride and Prejudice
Shed light on the theme of chaos in Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Examine the historical events of World War II and their significance in Elie Wiesel's “Night.”
The power of love in The Princess Bride by William Goldman
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Presentation of dreams in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
The Rocking Horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence

Literary Analysis Essay Prompts in Classics

The portrayal of fate in Romeo and Juliet
The portrayal of love in Romeo and Juliet
Concept of mortality in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet
Misogyny in Hamlet
Witchcraft in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth
The tragic flaws and character development of King Lear in William Shakespeare's play
The philosophical underpinnings of justice and governance in Plato's 'The Republic
Exploring the theme of civil disobedience and consequences in Sophocles' 'Antigone’
Exploring the conflict between illusion and reality in 'A Streetcar Named Desire'
The complex character relationships and moral dilemmas in 'Montana' by Larry Watson

Social Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Social injustice in Oliver Twist
Ethnicity in Burmese Days by Orwell
Torture and injustice in Night by Elie Wiesel
Vanity Fair - the culture of the 19th century according to Thackeray
The portrayal of the Civil Western Society in Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
The role of women in society in the 18th Century according to Jane Austen
Escape from society and its rules in Into the Wild by John Krakauer
The place of women in the society in Hamlet
Social status of women in the 17th century portrayed by Jane Austen in Emma
The wrongs of the modern society in Fight Club by Palahniuk

War and Peace Topics for Literary Analysis Essay

The portrayal of war and violence in the poems of Stephen Crane
Literary works during WWI
War setting in Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
The depiction of war in Homer’s plays
Toni Morrison’s views on the civil war
The war between demons and angels in Paradise Lost
War in the Mother Courage and Her Child by Bertolt Brecht
The portrayal of war and peace by George Orwell
Concept of war in A Fable by Faulkner
Steinbeck’s presentation of injustice in The Grapes of Wrath

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Movies

Comparison between the book and film “Sense and Sensibility.”
The portrayal of women in the “Little Women.”
Imitation of society and class in “The Great Gatsby.”
The ideas of love and trust in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
The good and evil in “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Femininity in Sense and Sensibility
The role of Saruman and Gandalf
Spirituality and religion in “Lord of the Flies.”
Oskar’s struggle to find a sense of home in “The Tin Drum.”
Jealousy and male pride in “The Dead.”

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for the Subject of Race

“Waiting for the Barbarians” by J.M. Coetzee
Race and Injustice in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird
Race and fellowship in Melville’s Moby Dick
“Under The Feet Of Jesus”
Description of culture and tradition in “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid
Interracial relationship in Back to Life by Wendy Coakley
Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by McMorris
The Art Of Love by Hong Ying
Multiculturalism in the Captain Underpants series by Dev Pilkey
Imitation of slavery in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

General Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Focalization techniques in When I Lay Dying
Historical background of Duma’s Novels
The use of imagery in Walt Whitman’s works
Male and female characters in Beowulf
Character analysis of Emmy in Vanity Fair
Character analysis of Rebeca in Vanity Fair
The complicated relationship between mother and daughter in Beloved
Beauty standards in The Bluest Eye
Comparison in the portrayal of death by Keats and Blake
The idea of death in Renaissance literature

1984 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Roles of genders in the novel
What role does the Ministry of Truth play in the story?
The theme of subversion of love in 1984
The importance of memory in 1984
Totalitarian society in George Orwell's 1984
Analyze the role O'Brien plays in Winston's life
An in-depth analysis of the novel 1984 by George Orwell
How is the historical background reflected in 1984?
Lack of privacy in 1984
Propaganda and totalitarianism in Orwell’s “1984”

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

A theme of revenge in Hamlet
Explore Hamlet’s relationship with Ophelia
Explore Hamlet’s mental state
Discuss Hamlet's relationship with Gertrude
Ghost in Hamlet
Was Hamlet truly mad?
Is Hamlet a villain or a hero?
How does Shakespeare present the idea of madness in Hamlet?
Is Hamlet’s love for Ophelia genuine?
Tragedies in Hamlet VS Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the development of characters during the play
Examine the role of women in Romeo and Juliet.
What is the role of history in Romeo and Juliet?
Analyze the Romeo and Juliet play
Romeo and Juliet: Fate or Free Will?
Why did Juliet warn of danger?
Rosaline in Romeo and Juliet
The love language of Romeo and Juliet
A fate analysis essay on Romeo and Juliet
The death of Romeo and Juliet

Macbeth Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Macbeth’s mental state
The role of morality in the play “Macbeth”
Describe the use of figurative language in Macbeth
The symbolism of blood in Macbeth
Applying imagery in Macbeth to advance the story
Lady Macbeth character analysis
What role did social hierarchies play in the play?
Analysis of gender roles in Macbeth
Role of women in Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Is Lady Macbeth a dominant heroine?

Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Why is Beowulf a work of Christian propaganda?
What is the main idea of the story?
The meaning of rings in Beowulf
Which of Beowulf's fights was most heroic?
How do Beowulf’s heroic qualities affect the story?
Discuss the digression's role in Beowulf
Analyze the significance of the mead hall in Beowulf.
The difference between Beowulf and Modern-Day Heroes
Beowulf’s personality traits in the epic story
Analysis of Beowulf's symbols and their importance

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze what fire is trying to symbolize.
Frankenstein: The theme of guilt
Discuss any romantic elements in “Frankenstein”
The family relationship in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Who is more human, Frankenstein or the monster?
Romantic and gothic Frankenstein elements
Sacrifices for ambitions in the novel Frankenstein
Relationship between Victor and Frankenstein
Romanticism in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Family Values and Frankenstein

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Discuss the novel as a cautionary tale
The meaning of wealth in the novel
What is the novel’s title meaning?
Explain how the novel demonstrates the characteristics of modernism
Explore the symbolism of the “green light” in “The Great Gatsby”
Discuss the role of women in the 1920s society as portrayed in “The Great Gatsby”
Dreams are the main theme in “The Great Gatsby”
What makes The Great Gatsby great?
The Great Gatsby: Winter Thoughts
What role does money play in Fitzgerald’s novel?

The Crucible Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Relate the Crucible to modern society
Analyze the most important theme of 'The Crucible.'
What are the dynamics of puritanism?
Examine the importance of religion in 1953 in work
The use of fear tactics in “The Crucible”
John Hale in The Crucible
Morality and The Crucible
The Crucible Critical Lens
The sinful confessions in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

History of the Fireman in Fahrenheit 451
Discuss the roles of both nature and technology play in Fahrenheit 451
The use of Parallelism in Fahrenheit 451
Analyze the three parts of Fahrenheit 451
Discuss the dual image of fire in the novel
How relevant is Fahrenheit 451 today?
The role of Clarisse McClellan in “Fahrenheit 451”
Analyze Mildred Montag
Discuss the usage of literary quotes in Fahrenheit 451
Examine the novel's main title

Literary Analysis Essay Topics For Othello

Examine the portrayal of women in ‘Othello’
A true reason for Othello's demise
Consider Othello’s suicide
The real motives of Iago in Othello
Women's roles in Shakespeare’s Othello and Hamlet
Gender roles and racism in “Othello”
Discuss Othello's relationship
Analysis of The Film “Othello” By Oliver Parker
Explore themes of love and betrayal within Shakespeare's work of literature, “Othello”
How was Emilia treated by the men in the play “Othello”?

Lord of The Flies Literary Analysis Essay Topics

The symbolism of the conch shell and its significance in the novel
Analyze the themes of civilization versus savagery in “Lord of the Flies”
Explore the character development of Ralph and Jack in the story
Discuss the role of fear and the “beast” in the boys' descent into chaos
The portrayal of innate human nature and its consequences on the deserted island
Analyze the role of Piggy and his glasses as symbols of knowledge and reason
Analyze the use of irony in the story and its implications for the characters
Discuss the themes of power and leadership in the struggle for dominance
Examine the relationship between the boys' names and their personalities
The role of the island's setting in shaping the events and characters of the story

Literary Analysis Essay Topics For The Catcher In The Rye

Analyze the novel from the perspective of Bildungsroman
Analyze literary devices used in “The Catcher in the Rye”
Discuss the theme of death in the novel
Analyze the theme of self-discovery from the novel
Describe the story's topic of loneliness
Analyze growing up in the novel
Why does Holden love the Museum of Natural History?
The Role of Dialogue in The Catcher in the Rye
Describe the novel's portrayal of phoniness and naivety
Describe the character of Holden

If you want time-specific topics, then here is our collection sorted according to the time period:

Literary Essay Topics: Ancient Greek & Roman Literature

The role of fate in Greek tragedies
The depiction of heroism in Homer’s epics
The influence of Greek mythology on Roman literature
The concept of justice in Plato's works
The portrayal of women in Ancient Greek drama
Roman views on power in Virgil’s Aeneid
The role of gods in Homer's Odyssey
The function of the chorus in Greek theatre
The impact of Stoicism in Roman literature
The theme of revenge in Greek tragedies

Literary Essay Topics: 19th and 20th Century

The theme of industrialization in Victorian literature
The role of women in 19th-century novels
The use of symbolism in Edgar Allan Poe’s works
The concept of existentialism in 20th-century literature
Modernism and its impact on narrative structure
The representation of war in World War I poetry
The role of nature in Romantic poetry
The theme of alienation in Franz Kafka’s works
The use of stream of consciousness in Virginia Woolf’s novels
The exploration of class in Charles Dickens’ novels

Literary Essay Topics: Contemporary Era’s Literature

The portrayal of mental health in modern novels
The theme of identity in post-9/11 literature
The role of technology in contemporary storytelling
The impact of globalization on modern fiction
The representation of race in contemporary literature
The exploration of social justice issues in recent works
The role of women in 21st-century literature
The effects of postmodernism on narrative techniques
The concept of dystopia in modern literature
Climate change as a theme in contemporary fiction

If you still haven’t found a topic, then don't fret because we are not done with our list. Here are some additional topics that we think might be interesting for you:

Interesting Literary Analysis Essay Topics

War, existentialism, and love in “A Farewell to Arms”
Sense of sin in The Scarlet Letter
Analyze the use of biblical allusions and religious symbolism in William Golding's novels
Analyze the symbolism of the “white whale” in Melville's work of literature, “Moby-Dick”
Lies and deceit in “The Godfather”
Analyze the portrayal of fear and the human psyche in William Golding's novels
The symbols used to describe nature by William Wordsworth
Comparison between urban and rural settings of nature in the dystopia of Huxley
Decay and revival in post-apocalyptic Novels
A religious and spiritual journey in “Jude the Obscure”

Poetry Literary Essay Topics

The use of imagery in romantic poetry
The role of meter and rhythm in Shakespeare’s sonnets
The portrayal of nature in Wordsworth’s poetry
The theme of love in Emily Dickinson’s works
The impact of free verse in modern poetry
The exploration of time in T.S. Eliot’s poetry
The role of symbolism in Sylvia Plath’s poems
The influence of war in Wilfred Owen’s poetry
The use of personification in Victorian poetry
The representation of dreams in 20th-century poetry

Literary Analysis Topics in Non-Fiction

The role of persuasion in political speeches
The theme of identity in autobiographies
The impact of narrative style in personal essays
The use of imagery in nature writing
The analysis of bias in journalistic writing
The exploration of social issues in modern non-fiction
The relationship between fact and opinion in editorials
The role of humor in memoirs and autobiographies
The effect of historical context in biographical works
The theme of personal growth in self-help books

Literary Analysis Topics for Women’s Literature

The portrayal of female empowerment in modern literature
The theme of motherhood in 20th-century women’s fiction
The depiction of women’s struggles in Victorian novels
Feminist interpretations of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The exploration of gender roles in 19th-century literature
The theme of rebellion in women’s poetry
The role of sisterhood in women’s novels
The representation of women’s voices in contemporary literature
The intersection of race and gender in women’s fiction
The theme of sexual identity in modern women’s literature

Literature Analysis Topics for Themes on Death

The portrayal of death in Shakespeare’s tragedies
The theme of immortality in Emily Dickinson’s poetry
The exploration of grief in modern novels
The concept of the afterlife in Greek mythology
Death and the human condition in existential literature
The use of death as a symbol in Gothic fiction
The portrayal of suicide in 19th-century literature
The impact of war on the theme of death in poetry
Death and redemption in Christian-themed literature
The acceptance of death in the works of John Keats

Literature Analysis Topics for Themes of Man and Nature

The role of nature in Walden by Henry David Thoreau
The depiction of wilderness in 19th-century American literature
The exploration of man's relationship with nature in Romantic poetry
The theme of survival in nature in contemporary fiction
Nature as a mirror of the human soul in classic literature
The environmental message in modern literature
The conflict between industrialization and nature in Victorian novels
The role of nature in shaping human identity in literature
The theme of harmony with nature in Native American literature
The depiction of nature as a force of destruction in dystopian novels

Literature Analysis Topics Exploring Uncommon Themes

The theme of technology and humanity in speculative fiction
The exploration of madness in Gothic literature
The role of dreams in surrealist fiction
The theme of isolation in modernist works
The depiction of memory and perception in contemporary novels
The impact of language on identity in postcolonial literature
The theme of freedom versus fate in existential novels
The use of absurdity in theatre of the absurd
The theme of existential angst in 20th-century poetry
The representation of the supernatural in magical realism

To select a good and worthy topic for your literary analysis essay, follow the tips provided below:

Always go for an interesting topic for an engaging piece of paper
Look for an idea with available research material to support your analysis
Ensure your topic allows for an in-depth analysis rather than a surface-level summary
Choose an idea that challenges you to think critically and make meaningful connections
Avoid overly broad topics; instead, focus on a specific aspect or element of the work.
Choose an idea that best reflects your stance on the chosen work.
Analyze the topic deeply before you start writing about it
Balance personal interest with the potential appeal to your target audience
Make sure that the theme of the work is visible in your essay topic

Here are some tips for you to pen down a compelling literary analysis essay!

Essay writing is an essential part of academics. Students always require some tips and tricks to draft perfect essays and score good grades.

To make your literary analysis essay impeccable, follow the tips provided below:

Thoroughly read the chosen literary work
Identify the main themes, settings, and characters
Understand the purpose of the work
Pay attention to the tools and techniques used by the author to deliver the message
Pick an interesting literary analytical essay topic for your essay.
To write an analytical essay effectively, draft a perfect literary analysis essay outline
Develop a strong thesis statement
Craft strong topic sentences to guide and structure your analysis effectively
Prove and support all your statements using phrases and quotes from work
Write your literary essay from the third-person perspective
Write in the present tense
Avoid writing a plot summary of the work
Use multiple literary terms to write your essay professionally
Always cite properly

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435 Literary Analysis Essay Topics and Prompts [2024 Upd]

Literature courses are about two things: reading and writing about what you’ve read. For most students, it’s hard enough to understand great pieces of literature, never mind analyzing them. And with so many books and stories out there, choosing one to write about can be a chore.

But you’re in luck!

This article by our Custom Writing service experts presents a list of the most interesting and creative literary analysis topics. Additionally, you will find here:

helpful essay prompts;
a writing guide with simple tips;
a literary analysis example.

This comprehensive article can be helpful not only for university or college students but also to students of high and middle school.

🔝 Top 10 Literature Topics for High School
🔮 Top 10 Literary Topics for College
📜 Topics from Different Eras
🖋️ Poetry Analysis Topics
🎭 Shakespeare Essay Topics
📚 English Literature Topics: Different Authors
💡 Non-Fiction Literature Topics
⭐ Other Ideas
🖊️ Literary Analysis Prompts
✍️ Writing Guide
📃 Essay Example

🔗 References

🔝 top 10 literature essay topics for high school.

The role of religion in King Lear  
Milk symbolism in Beloved  
Is there gender inequality in Iliad ? 
Social issues of The Little Match Girl  
Gender roles in The Great Gatsby  
Frankenstein : historical background 
How is loyalty presented in Beowulf ?
Flower symbolism in A Rose for Emily
Politics in Titus Andronicus  
The presentation of power in Ozymandias

🔮 Top 10 Literary Analysis Essay Topics for College

Nature symbolism in Young Goodman Brown  
Childhood trauma in God Help the Child  
The consequences of Macbeth’s ambition 
The historical context of The Scarlet Letter  
Presentation of misery in The Chimney Sweeper
The supernatural in The Fall of the House of Usher  
What does Dorian Gray’s portrait represent? 
How is the true inner self discovered in Demian ? 
Natural beauty in I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud  
Endurance as a theme of The Old Man and the Sea

📜 Literary Analysis Essay Topics: Different Eras

Topics in ancient greek & roman literature.

Works of literature from Ancient Greece have a timeless quality. This is why they are still taught in schools centuries later. After thousands of years, there is little that hasn’t already been written about these works. That’s why we’ve gathered the only most outstanding topics that you will definitely find interesting:

Justice in Plato’s The Republic . Plato is perhaps the most influential thinker in the Western World. Accordingly, writing about his powerful philosophical dialogs is a challenging task. Most teachers will assign only portions of The Republic . We suggest you write about the theme of justice, but you can choose to focus on any other aspect of the dialog.
Determination in Sophocles’ Antigone. Antigone is one of the masterworks of the Greek playwright Sophocles. In this tale of royal succession, key themes include civil disobedience, natural and human law, and faithfulness.
Odysseus as an atypical hero in The Odyssey . The Odyssey by Homer is considered one of the most important poems in Classic literature. Odysseus is a unique epic hero facing an unusual challenge: his goal is not to win battles but to reconnect with his family. He has to rely on his wit rather than sheer power to achieve it. In your essay, explain how Odysseus differs from other heroes in Greek mythology.
Ethical principles in Aesop’s Fables . Aesop’s Fables represent a unique example of Ancient Greek literature. The stories written by a slave have become a cultural phenomenon centuries later. Even today, the morals of his works stay relevant.
The influence of Greek tragedy on modern theater. Sophocles’ and Aeschylus’ plays can still be found in the repertoire of many theaters. Moreover, their works often serve as inspiration for contemporary playwrights.
The tragedy of Oedipus in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex . Oedipus is one of the best-known classic tragic heroes. In killing his father and marrying his mother, he fulfilled the prophecy of the Oracle. Through this play, Sophocles explores the themes of destiny and human flaws.
The variety of genres in the Metamorphoses. Millennia after Ovid’s Metamorphoses were written, scholars still argue about the genre of this work. Ovid blended historical events with fiction and experimented with the tone and themes of the poem.
The role of gods in Homer’s epic poems. In Homer’s Iliad and The Odyssey , gods often determine the outcomes of paramount events and change heroes’ destinies. They can become powerful allies or dangerous foes of humans. Explore how divine interventions change the course of the story in both epic poems. Focus on Athene, Apollo, Aphrodite, Hera, and Poseidon.
Cicero’s legacy in Western politics and philosophy. Cicero’s letters are widely recognized as some of the most significant works of Latin literature. John Locke , Voltaire, and Martin Luther are among the figures inspired by him. Cicero’s philosophy teaching also impacted revolutionary movements in France and America in the 17 th century.

Literary Essay Topics: 19th and 20th Century

Many great literary works in the English language were created in the golden era of the 19 th and 20 th centuries. These works, ranging from epic novels to short poems, shed light on the themes that define the Anglophone world’s spirit.

The conflict between good and evil in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes . Sherlock Holmes—a character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle—is deemed the most renowned fictional detective of all time. The Adventure of the Speckled Band is the favorite Holmes story of both the author and readers. Accordingly, many students prefer to study this short story, which analyzes the themes of chaos.
Lord of the Flies as an allegory of modern society. Students of all ages have read Lord of the Flies , the classic novella by William Golding that highlights the dangers of groupthink, the conflicts between rationality and irrationality, and morality and immorality.
The arbitrary nature of time and history in The Princess Bride . William Goldman’s The Princess Bride is such a charming story that it was adapted into an even more famous film. The key theme explored in this book is the power of love to conquer all.
The theme of money and greed in The Rocking Horse Winner . D. H. Lawrence is one of the masters of 20 th -century English literature, and his short story The Rocking Horse Winner clearly reflects his skill. In this tale of a struggling family, the themes of money and greed are thoroughly described as a young boy uses clairvoyance gained on a rocking horse to predict race outcomes.
Is Of Mice and Men a classic tale of struggle? The American writer John Steinbeck captured the hardships ordinary people faced during the Great Depression. The main recurring theme among Of Mice and Men characters is striving after dreams, often futilely, as demonstrated by them all: from George and Lennie to Candy and Curley’s wife.
The themes of reality and fantasy in A Streetcar Named Desire . Tennessee Williams’s masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire is perhaps the most prominent American dramatic play. The central theme examined in this provocative work is the contemporary dependence of women on men.
Comparison of Ivan and Alexei in The Brothers Karamazov. The conflict between faith and doubt is arguably the main topic of Dostoevsky’s work, and The Brothers Karamazov is a perfect example of it. Alexei is a zealous Orthodox Christian who believes in miracles. His brother, Ivan, rejects the concept of divine transcendence and embraces atheism.
Charles Dickens’ ambivalent attitude towards the poor. Dickens is widely considered an advocate of the marginalized people’s rights and social change. Indeed, many of his impoverished characters are likable. However, Dickens also believes that the poor can be dangerous to society. Some of the works you can discuss are Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities , and Barnaby Rudge .
Magic realism in One Hundred Years of Solitude . Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece, One Hundred Years of Solitude, is written in the genre of magical realism. Marquez tells a fictional story of the Buendia family, blending daily routine with unusual events, effectively blurring the line between reality and fiction.
The differences between dystopian worlds in 1984 and A Brave New World . George Orwell and Aldous Huxley created the two most remarkable dystopian novels of the 20 th century. In both of them, the government has complete control over society, which is obtained through different strategies. In your paper, you may scrutinize the policies in 1984 and A Brave New World .
On the Road as the landmark novel of the Beat Generation. Jack Kerouac and other members of the Beat movement challenged the typical American middle-class lifestyle in their works. On the Road embodies the main principles of their philosophy. Some of the themes to research are freedom, spontaneity, and nonconformity.
The role of the changing narrative in Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury . The Sound and the Fury is often praised for its experimental form. Four narrators tell the story from dissimilar standpoints and in contrasting tones. Explore how the changing narrative impacts the overall perception of the novel.
Folklore, religion, and myth in Toni Morrison’s works. Toni Morrison is generally acknowledged as one of the most distinguished contemporary Black American writers. Her books are inspired chiefly by her African heritage and Western mythology. Some of the novels to examine are Beloved and Song of Solomon .
Expression of war experiences in American fiction. Wars in the 20 th century had a deep impact on American literature. Many writers participated in armed conflicts. Hemingway , Vonnegut, Salinger, and O’Brien are some of the authors who reflect on their war experiences in semi-autobiographic novels and short stories.

Contemporary Literature Essay Topics

Excellent books are still being written! Once in a while, your instructor may ask you to examine a more recent work. Here are a few great books to pick for your next essay.

The theme of overcoming obstacles and poverty in Reservation Blues . Sherman Alexie’s novel Reservation Blues tells the story of a group of young men from the Spokane Indian reservation. They obtain the enchanted guitar of a legendary bluesman. Aside from overcoming obstacles, this book highlights many other themes of Native American life.
Family obligations in Montana 1948 by Larry Watson . This novella is set in the Western American state of Montana, where a young man’s family struggles to survive. You may research the theme of family obligations in conjunction with loyalty and justice.
The presentation of grief in The Lovely Bones . In Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones , the protagonist Susie dies violently. And then, her spirit proceeds to watch over the investigation of her disappearance and her family members’ lives.
Self-sacrifice as one of the central themes of Harry Potter . You may also choose to write about any other theme of the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. But remember: when you analyze a book that was turned into a movie, make sure to actually read the book!
Cultural and religious references in Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo. One of the most acclaimed novels in recent years, Lincoln in the Bardo deals with the themes of death and the afterlife. A Tibetan concept of bardo inspires Saunders’ work, but the author also borrows ideas from other cultures and religions.
The theme of cultural assimilation in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah. In her third novel, Adichie draws upon her personal experiences to tackle the issues African immigrants face when they move to the US. Explore the effects of immigration on the protagonist’s personality, views, and behavior.
Hypocrisy as the central theme of Ian McEwan’s Amsterdam. In Amsterdam , McEwan explores the contrast between public figures’ statements and their personal lives. None of the major characters in the novel act in accordance with their ethical standards. We suggest you focus on the figures of Clive, Vernon, and Julian.
Paul Beatty’s The Sellout : Satire on racial stereotypes. Beatty employs satire and irony to tackle some of the most pressing current issues in American society. The Sellout can be used as an encyclopedia of stereotypes associated with African Americans. Explore how the author uses literary devices to highlight their absurdity.
Cloning ethics in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go . In the dystopian world of Never Let Me Go, cloning is a common practice. However, clones are used only as organ donors; they are not perceived as human beings. Explain how Ishiguro uses the narrative to challenge this social norm. For example, his characters can make art and fall in love.
Comparison of the New and Old Gods in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. In American Gods , the narrative is based on the idea that humans created deities. The Old Gods in mythology represent the forces of nature, and The New Gods represent technologies that shape modern society. Discuss the similarities and differences between these two groups.

🖋️ Literary Analysis Essay Topics: Poetry

Many of the great works of literature are poems. Writing about them requires a special approach. Here’s a tip: don’t be afraid to quote the poem heavily and give several alternative interpretations. But first, check out this list of excellent topics:

A real-life war experience in Crane’s War is Kind . An American poet and writer Stephen Crane wrote the acclaimed American Civil War novel The Red Badge of Courage . But not everyone knows that he also wrote a collection of poems entitled War is Kind . Through these poems, he delved deep into the themes of war and violence based on his experience in the Spanish–American and Greco–Turkish Wars.
The theme of religion in John Donne’s sonnets. At the opposite end of the poetry spectrum, you can find the Elizabethan-era Englishman, John Donne. His works were written mainly in the form of sonnets focused on the themes of love, social criticism, death, and religion.
Mysticism in William Butler Yeats’s poetry. The occult, spiritualism, and Irish mythology profoundly influenced Yeats’ work. Many of his poems are preoccupied with the Apocalypse, immortality of the human soul, and the spirit world. Start your research with The Second Coming and Sailing to Byzantium.
Allusions in Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven . The Raven is widely recognized as one of the most famous poems of all time. It contains numerous references and allusions to the Bible, folklore, and other literary works. Examine and quote Poe’s sources of inspiration.
The meaning of The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost . Robert Frost’s poetry is often praised for his rich metaphorical language. The Road Not Taken is a quintessential piece that’s often misunderstood. In your essay, you may explore its alternative interpretations.
The evolution of blank verse in English poetry. Blank verse emerged in English poetry in the 16 th century. Since then, it has been utilized by some of the most noteworthy poets. While its main features have remained unchanged, many prominent authors experimented with its form. For instance, you could analyze the use of blank verse in the poetry of Shakespeare , Milton, and Wordsworth.
Main themes and features of Beat poetry. The Beat movement played a pivotal role in the cultural processes in the post-war US. Beat poetry is noted for rebellion, transgression, and experiments with form. Some of the authors to check out are Allen Ginsberg , Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti , and Gary Snyder.
The narrator in Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself . Unlike many poets of his time, Whitman rejected the dichotomy of body and soul. In Song of Myself , the narrator represents the union of the “temporary” human body with the immortal soul. Consider exploring Whitman’s philosophy behind the notion of “self” in the poem.
William Blake’s influence on British and American poetry and culture. Blake’s contemporaries largely disregarded his poetry. Yet, his impact on the later generations is hard to exaggerate. His values and ideas inspired the Pre-Raphaelites, the Beat Generation, and some of the prominent figures of the American music scene, like Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison.

🎭 Literary Analysis: Shakespeare Essay Topics

Romeo and juliet essay topics.

How many of Romeo and Juliet personal responses and analysis essays have already been written? Probably too many to count. But there’s still room for more. Romeo and Juliet essay examples can help you find a creative idea for a paper about the play. Another option is to check out the top Romeo and Juliet themes below:

How does fate affect the love plot in Romeo and Juliet ?
Concept of contrasts in the language of the play.
The significance of time in Romeo and Juliet
The tragic love theme of Romeo and Juliet as a cliché for romantic fatalism
Mercutio as a personification of loyalty
Montagues and Capulets: the conflict between generations
How is irony incorporated in the play?
The role of the family in Romeo and Juliet
The social and historical context of the play
Nurse’s role in the death of Romeo and Juliet

Hamlet Essay Topics

This play by Shakespeare may be the most widely assigned play in the English courses. Here are the top Hamlet essay topics worth discussing.

The theme of disillusionment in Hamlet
Mistreatment of females in Hamlet as a depiction of misogyny in Shakespeare’s times
How has the tragedy’s theme of insanity affected modern literature?
What role does melancholia play in Hamlet ?
The connection between friendship and treachery in the character of Laertes
Comedic elements in Hamlet
The impact of Gertrude and Claudius’ marriage on Hamlet’s revenge
What is the symbolism of The Mousetrap play?
The impact of introspection on Hamlet’s revenge
Analysis of the Denmark setting in Hamlet

Macbeth Essay Topics

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the last (and shortest) of the three big Shakespeare plays every high school student reads. As with Shakespeare’s other tragedies, Macbeth explores meaningful themes that can be researched in literary essays.

The corrupting impact of ambition in Macbeth
Supernatural elements in Macbeth
The significance of loyalty and betrayal to the plot
What does sleep symbolize in the play?
Why is Macbeth a victim of fate?
The role of darkness as a setting in Macbeth
Is blood a symbol of guilt in Macbeth ?
The causes of Macbeth’s mental decline
The impact of Macbeth’s hallucinations on his character development
Minor characters’ contributions to the play’s action

Lady Macbeths real name was Gruoch and Macbeth’s real name was Mac Bethad Mac Findlaich.

Shakespeare wrote many more plays beyond the big three listed above. Here are a few more topics and works that show the range of the Bard.

The theme of madness in King Lear . Shakespeare’s King Lear is one of the longest works by the Bard. Many actors feel that the title role is one of the most challenging available for an actor because of the character’s gradual descent into madness. Accordingly, “madness” is perhaps the best topic related to this play.
The presentation of love and adoration in Sonnet 18 . Shakespeare’s sonnets make excellent essay topics because they are so concise but rich in meaning. Love and devotion, which are expressed in Sonnet 18 and throughout his other sonnets, serve as great critical analysis essay topics.
The theme of the crown in Shakespeare’s Henry IV
Sexuality, sensuality, and spirituality in William Shakespeare’s sonnets
Ambition in Hamlet and Macbeth : choices of men and women characters
The use of disguise in The Twelfth Night
Different faces of love in Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays
Appearance as the most potent disguise in Shakespeare’s plays
The use of satire in William Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies
The line between acting and real life in Hamlet
Parallels between Shakespeare’s King Lear and Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex
The use of allusion in The Tempest
The complexity of the female character in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra
Archetypal female characters in Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets
William Shakespeare’s authorship: style, vocabulary, themes, and dates
The role of Shakespeare in the world of literature
How does William Shakespeare use the meter in his plays?
The depiction of the supernatural in Macbeth , The Tempest , and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The theme of race and ethnicity in Othello
Personal identity in Hamlet and Henry IV

By the way, you can find all of Shakespeare’s works on our website for free.

📚 English Literature Essay Topics: Different Authors

Some can find it easier to focus on particular authors and their works. Are you one of them? Here are possible topics for those who like traditional approaches.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics: Geoffrey Chaucer

Chaucer’s works of the French and Italian periods
Primary themes and motifs in Troilus and Criseyde
Women’s virtues, as seen by Chaucer and his contemporaries
Gender: conventions and innovations in Geoffrey Chaucer’s works
Chaucer’s role in the development of a heroic couplet
Chaucer’s use of the vernacular language: nobility and nation
Religious morals in The Canterbury Tales
The roots of class conflict in The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer’s influence on modern English dialects
The critique of clergy in The Canterbury Tales
The influence of medieval Italian poetry on Chaucer’s work
Central themes in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Book of the Duchess
The comparison of Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde and Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida
Elements of comedy in The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer as a pioneer of rhyme royal in English poetry
Chaucer’s primary sources of inspiration in Roman poetry: Ovid and Virgil
The depiction of the middle class in The Canterbury Tales

Literary Essay Topics on John Keats

Different shapes of death in John Keats’s works
What was wrong with Keats’s Otho the Great ?
Byron’s influence on Keats’s style and themes
The uniqueness of John Keats’ imagery
Keats’s letters and their influence on the English literature
Greek classics as a source of inspiration for Keats
Keats’ stance on social and political issues of his time
The importance of nature in Keats’ odes
The themes of melancholy and isolation in Keats’ poetry
Keats’ perception of art and its role in Ode on a Grecian Urn
The polemics on Keats’ statement “Beauty is truth”
The values of Romanticism in Keats’ poetry
Keats’ concept of negative capability and its examples in his poetry
The differences between the Romantic poetry of Keats and Coleridge
Keats’ attitude towards Christianity and pagan mythology

Literature Essay Topics on Oscar Wilde

A perfect wife as depicted in An Ideal Husband
The Picture of Dorian Gray as the aesthete’s manifesto
Wilde’s essential inspirations and the development of his views
The Picture of Dorian Gray : will beauty save the world?
Oscar Wilde’s personal traits in his characters
The Picture of Dorian Gray : Lord Henry’s morality or immorality
Irony, sarcasm, and satire in Oscar Wilde’s works
The use of metaphors in The Ballad of Reading Gaol
The Picture of Dorian Gray : was the young man innocent?
Conventions and innovations in Oscar Wilde’s fairy stories
Oscar Wilde as the most celebrated master of paradox
Play on words in Oscar Wilde’s major works
Christian theme in De Profundis
The Importance of Being Earnest as the critique of Victorian society
The role of the Dance of the Seven Veils in Wilde’s Salome
Wilde’s aesthetic philosophy in his essay The Critic as Artist
The Soul of Man under Socialism : an expression of Wilde’s political views
Wilde as one of the key figures of the Decadent movement
Women characters in Oscar Wilde’s comedies
The theme of sacrifice in Wilde’s short stories
The dichotomy of body and soul in The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Fisherman and His Soul
The recurring motifs in Oscar Wilde’s comedies

George Orwell Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Orwell’s imagery in the depiction of totalitarian regimes
George Orwell’s background: inspirations for themes and symbols
Orwell’s views on the English language and literature
The historical context of 1984 and Animal Farm
The role of the media in Orwell’s characters’ lives
The character of the Big Brother in 1984
Naturalism and imagery in The Road to Wigan Pier
Why was Animal Farm regarded as controversial in the 1950s?
Orwell’s religious views in Lear, Tolstoy, and the Fool
Winston Smith’s journey to freedom in 1984

💡 Literary Analysis Topics in Non-Fiction

The world of literature goes far beyond William Shakespeare and fiction in general. Here is a bunch of more literary analysis paper topics for other great works of literature that deal with real-life events.

Religious faith and dehumanization in Night . Elie Wiesel’s classic memoir of the Holocaust is a difficult book for many students to read. And yet, you may need to write a Night by Elie Wiesel essay at some point. Religion and dehumanization are prominent themes that can serve as great topics.
The power of nature in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild . The story chronicles the journey of 22-year-old Christopher McCandless from modern society into a 2-year trip in the wilderness of the western United States. This work of non-fiction explores the themes of escape, community, and the power of nature. (Warning: things do not end well for McCandless along the Stampede Trail of Alaska.)
Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King as a source of inspiration for modern politicians and activists. Based on his Letter from Birmingham Jail , MLK’s Why We Can’t Wait is a study of the origins of the civil rights movement in the US. Analyze how activists and politicians can use ideas from this book in the 21 st century.
The themes of religion and technological progress in The Education of Henry Adams. In his autobiography, Henry Adams explores the influence of religion and technological progress on society. In the industrial world, technology has become a new religion. You may contrast and compare technological and religious societies in Adams’ work.
The banality of evil in Hannah Arendt’s Eichmann in Jerusalem. Hannah Arendt offers an original perspective on the nature of war crimes. According to her, ordinary people are capable of the most terrible deeds under specific circumstances. In your essay, explore Arendt’s concept of “the banality of evil.”
The role of photography in modern society, according to Susan Sontag. In her book On Photography , Susan Sontag explores how the role of this medium has been changing throughout the 20 th century. Analyze her arguments to establish the relationship between photography and political and social processes.
A Room of One’s Own as a manifesto of women’s literature. A Room of One’s Own reflects the women’s position in the literary scene. Woolf concludes that women’s writing capabilities match those of men. However, they often fail to reach their full potential because of the flawed structure of a male-dominated society.
Haruki Murakami’s Underground: a study of Japanese society. For Underground , Murakami conducted a series of interviews after the terrorist attack on the Tokyo subway. Rather than focusing on the act itself, the author uses this opportunity to explore the social issues that plague Japanese society.
T. S. Eliot’s literary criticism and views on poetry. T. S. Eliot is one of the most important literary critics and theorists of the early 20 th century. His theories and arguments have largely shaped the New Criticism movement in literature. Analyze the ideas expressed in Tradition and the Individual Talent and Hamlet and His Problems .

⭐ Literary Analysis Topics: Other Ideas

Literary essays don’t have to be devoted to analyzing a particular work. They may also include textual analysis essays, literary interpretations, critical response essays, and topic analyses. Here are some excellent options for you to consider:

Character development of various protagonists. You may write an analytical essay describing and interpreting changes in the central characters of different novels. Try to be precise, provide examples, and prove the significance of these changes. You can consider the development of Soames in The Forsyte Saga or the title character in David Copperfield .
Context analysis of a historical period. Your analysis paper can be devoted to the settings of the short story, play, poem, or novel. Make emphasis on the role of the context in explaining the characters and the key ideas. For example, you can explore the wartime setting in Gone with the Wind .
Analysis of genre conventions. Another good choice is to dwell upon the practices used by various authors belonging to the same literary genre. You can write a critical essay about a realistic, romantic, gothic, or any other kind of novel and the author’s ability to meet or challenge genre expectations.
The impact of an author’s life on their legacy. The background of a novelist, short-story writer, poet, or playwright may also be of great interest to the reader. However, it is not enough to narrate the author’s life: you must be able to connect it with their style and themes. The most demonstrative analysis examples may include Henry Miller, Ernest Hemingway , and Lord Byron.
Comparative analysis of two authors. It is also a good idea to compare several authors. A critical evaluation essay may estimate their impact on the development of their genre. If these authors come from different backgrounds, it is also possible to evaluate how the culture they belonged to made a difference. For example, write about Dickens vs. Thackeray or Joyce vs. Woolf.
Comparative analysis of two texts. If you don’t want to compare authors, you may try comparing two literary works on the same topic or belonging to the same epoch or genre. For example, try analyzing the similarities and differences between Canterbury Tales and Decameron .
Analysis of a literary work’s structure. Analysis topics may include the stream-of-consciousness technique, theater of the absurd, etc. The idea is to show how new expressive means transformed the traditional approach to plot building and character development.
The role of irony in short stories. If you are to analyze a short story, you may describe how the author uses irony to communicate their message. Show how it creates meaning and what underlies it. Numerous authors employ irony as the major tool in their short stories, including Jerome K. Jerome and Salinger.
Analyzing the climax in a novel. Describing how the author builds the plot to reach the culmination is a good option for a novel critical analysis essay. Track how the tension is created and how it is released when the climax is reached. For example, you can try analyzing the climax in To Kill a Mockingbird .
Mood expression in a novel of your choice. Your essay may investigate how the vocabulary and grammar chosen by an author contribute to the text’s atmosphere. You can consider analyzing Lolita or Sons and Lovers .
The role of dialogue in plays. Your critical paper may highlight what means the playwright uses to make the characters’ speech expressive. For example, examine Oscar Wilde’s plays or Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot .
Stage directions in plays. You may also want to pay attention to the importance of the author’s notes and scene directions in a play. They are particularly crucial in modern drama. Consider analyzing Beckett’s Waiting for Godot or Shaw’s Heartbreak House.
The use of allegory in poems. It’s an excellent topic for poem analysis. You can suggest your own literary interpretation of an allegory or consider why the author opted for this device. For example, consider analyzing the allegories in Vision of Judgement .
An open ending in a novel. Suppose the work under analysis doesn’t have a conflict resolution. In that case, your critical evaluation essay can give arguments for the author’s choice and interpret its meaning and possible continuation scenarios. For example, you may analyze an open ending in Joyce’s Finnegans Wake.
Comparison of critical opinions on a novel. If the piece you have read ranks among the best-known works in the world, it would be a good idea to compare literary criticism examples related to this work. You may select two different critics and juxtapose their views. For example, try comparing critical opinions on Mrs. Dalloway .
Analyzing side characters in literary works. If your task is to analyze a character, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should write about a protagonist. A more creative approach would be to pick a static character that doesn’t go through any transformations throughout the book and suggest why the author made them this way. One option is to write about side characters in Vanity Fair .
The narrative voice in novels. It can be challenging yet enjoyable to describe the narrative voice and focalization techniques that help the reader see the events in a certain way. It is especially complicated when a text has several points of view. For example, you may choose to analyze the narrative voice in Faulkner’s Absalom! Absalom! or As I Lay Dying .
The narrators in literature. The previous topic can be narrowed: you can take a work written from a first-person point of view and draw parallels between the author and the main character. For example, you can consider writing about the narrator in Moby Dick .
The cultural background of Dumas’ novels. In the case of historical novels, an analytical paragraph may be devoted to the historical and cultural background. Any of Alexandre Dumas’ novels, such as The Three Musketeers , may serve as perfect literature examples to write about.
Imagery used by various poets. You can analyze specific images that poets use in their works. For example, try analyzing how Walt Whitman uses industrial imagery in his works.

Profound Literary Analysis Topics in Women’s Literature

Literary analysis on the topics of gender and women in society is critical to understanding the modern world. Here are a few powerful essay topics in this area.

The disruption of traditional gender roles in The Color Purple . According to New Republic, this National Book Award-winning work is considered a cultural touchstone for African American women . It features many heavy themes, such as sexism and racism. Keep in mind that this book is not for the faint of heart.
The themes of family and generational differences in Alice Walker’s short story Everyday Use . The short story is about heirloom possessions passed down from one generation of women to another.
Social standing and wealth as the two key themes in Pride and Prejudice . The protagonist of this book, Elizabeth Bennet, must choose between two suitors. One is an amiable man. The other is better established in society but has a colder personality.
Marriage and social status in Emma . Emma is the tale of a young woman less interested in securing her own marriage than her sisters. You can analyze the constraints placed upon women in 17 th -century society as reflected in this book.
Women’s role in society and gender roles according to The Great Lawsuit . The Great Lawsuit is often considered one of the most important early feminist works. The author, Margaret Fuller, argues that gender equality is a crucial aspect of a progressive society. She describes an ideal relationship between a man and a woman as an intellectual companionship.
Dystopia and feminism in A Handmaid’s Tale. In A Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood describes a world where women’s societal role is reduced to producing children. This work largely follows the traditions of classic dystopian novels written by Orwell and Huxley. Explore how the presence of the feminist discourse makes Atwood’s work stand out.
Gertrude Stein’s experiments with form and style. Gertrude Stein’s work is notable for her distinctive avant-garde style. Stein was an avid art collector, and trends in visual arts influenced her writings. Her narratives are characterized by the original use of tenses, repetitions, and archaisms.
The stream of consciousness in Virginia Woolf’s work . Virginia Woolf was one of the first writers to systematically use the stream of consciousness in her works. The narratives of her novels, such as Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, are rooted in the descriptions of characters’ emotions and thoughts.
Political writings of Mercy Otis Warren. Mercy Otis Warren is famous for her political poems and plays written during the American Revolution. Explain how she used political satire to criticize the British rule. Start your research with the plays The Adulateur, The Defeat, and The Group .
Gender inequality in Jane Eyre . Widely recognized as one of the most successful works of women’s literature, Jane Eyre was a revolutionary novel for its time. It depicts the struggles of women in their fight for independence and equality in patriarchal Victorian society .
The blend of fiction and reality in The Yellow Wallpaper. Charlotte Perkins Gilman wrote The Yellow Wallpaper to document the trauma and stress she had experienced due to “rest therapy” prescribed to her by a psychiatrist. Back then, women suffering from depression were discouraged from any intellectual activity, as it was thought that “domestic life” would benefit them. In Gilman’s story, this treatment ultimately drives the protagonist to insanity.
Cleopatra in literature: from Geoffrey Chaucer to Margaret George
The depiction of Eve in Milton’s Paradise Lost
Archetypical female and male characters in Beowulf
Emmy’s submissiveness and Rebecca’s quick-wittedness in Vanity Fair
William Makepeace Thackeray’s Becky Sharp as an antihero
Becky Sharp as seen by Thackeray’s contemporaries and modern readers
Women empowerment and independence in Jane Austen’s novels
Women’s love and death: Shakespeare’s Ophelia and Wilde’s Sibyl
A Room of One’s Own : a woman’s manifesto still relevant now
First female voices in the Middle Ages: Aelia Eudocia Augusta
The Brontë sisters: Lady writers who broke the rules
Gender roles as depicted by Maugham in Theatre
This is the woman’s world: feminist utopias and dystopias
Female writers: themes explored in the 1910s vs. 2010s
Women characters’ virtues and vices in the 19th century
Women of color: themes of violence, discrimination, and empowerment
A Doll’s House as seen by Ibsen’s contemporaries
Is Ibsen’s A Doll’s House still relevant today?
Beauty standards as women’s oppression in The Bluest Eye
The complexity of the mother-daughter relationship in Tony Morrison’s Beloved
The evolvement of masculinity from medieval to postmodern literature
Masculinity in The Garden of Eden by Ernest Hemingway
Masculinity, identity, and queerness in Tennessee Williams’s works
Gender roles in utopias and dystopias: More and Huxley
Sexuality and gender stereotypes in Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire
Charles Dickens’s depiction of aging men and women
Fairy tales as sources of gender stereotypes

Powerful Literary Analysis Topics within the Subject of Race

Colonialism in J. M. Coetzee’s Waiting for the Barbarians . A short Waiting for the Barbarians summary should capture the narrative of the escalation of tensions between a fictional colonial town and its surrounding indigenous population. When the protagonist helps a native woman, he begins to doubt the humanity of colonialism.
The portrayal of racism in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness . Heart of Darkness is the chilling tale of young Marlow’s voyage up the Congo River. There he meets the wicked ivory trader Kurtz. The book explores the themes of imperialism and racism. It also questions the civility of Western society over supposedly “savage” indigenous people.
The conflict between man and nature in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . Mark Twain is one of the greatest American writers and satirists. But his masterpiece The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn delved into themes that would make some of the most serious literary analysis essay topics, such as the theme of freedom vs. slavery.
The theme of prejudice in To Kill a Mockingbird . Harper Lee’s novel was an instant classic upon release. To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the American South, and, like many books by Southern authors, it explores the themes of race and justice.
Anti-slavery narrative and racist stereotypes in Uncle Tom’s Cabin . Uncle Tom’s Cabin was one of the first universally acclaimed novels to tackle slavery. However, it is often criticized for its stereotypical portrayal of Black characters. Hence, it remains one of the most controversial pieces of American literature.
De Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk as the precursor of the Civil Rights movement. De Bois’ essays have largely laid the groundwork for the campaigns for racial equality in the 20 th century. He argued that African Americans deserved fundamental rights the White population had: voting, getting a higher education, and being treated fairly according to the law.
The notion of Black pride in A Raisin in the Sun . Lorraine Hansberry’s famous play touches upon topics of racial identity and pride inspired by real events. A Black family wants to purchase a house in a White neighborhood, but they are dissuaded from buying it. Eventually, they refuse to accept the buyout offer and move to their new place as planned.
Jefferson as a folk hero in A Lesson Before Dying . In A Lesson Before Dying , Ernest J. Gaines tells a story of a young Black man wrongfully accused of murder. Treated by White people as a sub-human, Jefferson completely loses his self-esteem at some point. However, with the help of a local Black teacher, he regains his pride and meets death with dignity. Explain how Jefferson’s transformation makes him a folk hero.
The impact of discriminatory laws on the life of African Americans in Fences. August Wilson’s Fences explores how discriminatory laws and attitudes defined the life of African Americans before the Civil Rights Movement. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a talented baseball player whose life is ruined because he didn’t get a chance to play in the professional league due to racial restrictions.
Internalized racism in Morrison’s Song of Solomon . In her book Song of Solomon , Toni Morrison explores the issue of internalized racism. Hagar and Macon Dead are the characters to study. Macon Dead, a Black entrepreneur, hates people of color and wants to leave his community. Hagar envies women with a lighter skin tone, as she sees them as superior to her.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings : A story of hatred and trauma. Maya Angelou is renowned for her autobiographical novels dealing with challenging topics like racism, trauma, and violence. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings addresses the issues she faced growing up as a Black child in a White neighborhood.

Death-Related Literature Essay Topics

Death in works of dying writers: Keats and Blake
Death in Milton’s poetry: imagery and symbols
Emily Dickinson’s fascination with decay, degradation, and death
John Keats’s and William Shakespeare’s depictions of death
Views on death in the Renaissance literature
Murder and suicide in Shakespeare’s tragedies Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet
Depictions of death in Postmodernist literature
Aging as seen in medieval, Renaissance, and Postmodernist literature
Death and decay in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
Love, life, and death in Huxley’s dystopian society
Murder in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men
Herman Melville’s Moby Dick : The concepts of life and death
Simon’s death in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies
Kate Chopin’s ironic take on death in The Story of an Hour
Seneca’s life and philosophy: Death as liberation
The role of death in existentialism
The theme of death in Ernest Hemingway’s works
The depiction of heaven and hell in Richard Matheson’s What Dreams May Come
The concept of free death in Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy
Gothic writers’ fascination with death
Hades: The realm of the dead in Greek mythology

Literary Analysis Essay Topics: Man and Nature

Dehumanizing nature: Robinson Crusoe and Lord of the Flies
Struggles with nature: Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and Paulsen’s Hatchet
Nature’s wonders and dangers in Emily Dickenson’s works
Natural forces: from Homer to H. G. Wells
Power of natural forces in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest
The depiction of nature in Fears in Solitude by Coleridge
William Wordsworth’s poetic language and symbols used to describe nature
Nature in Brave New World : urban and rural settings
Nature in post-apocalyptic novels: decay and revival
The role of nature in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
The conflict between man and nature in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
Post-apocalyptic fiction as the critique of industrial society
Environmentalism in Ursula Le Guin’s works
Personal life and climate change in Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior
The role of nature in John Steinbeck’s East of Eden
The emergence of eco-fiction—a new genre in world literature
Nature in Romanticism: Comparison of Shelley’s, Wordsworth’s, and Keats’ poetry
Natty Bumppo’s and Judge Temple’s conflicting views on nature in James Fenimore Cooper’s The Pioneers
The impact of country life on the character development in Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses

Literary Essay Topics on Religion

Religious influences: biblical themes and allusions in Beowulf
Religion as another burden in The Bluest Eye
Views on religious conventions in Milton’s Paradise Lost
Jonathan Swift’s satirical view of religions in Gulliver’s Travels
The role of religion in Charles Dickens’s works
The evolvement of religious beliefs in John Dryden’s works
Religious controversies as depicted in John Milton’s Paradise Lost
A spiritual journey in Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure
Biblical references in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick
Alternative narrative of the Biblical events in Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita
The meaning of Friedrich Nietzsche’s statement “God is Dead”
Billy’s Christian values in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five
The figure of Moses in Biblical and Quranic narratives
Influence of The Pilgrim’s Progress on British and American literature
Buddhist and Hindu motives in Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha
Immanuel Kant’s critique of the arguments for the existence of God and his discussion of morality
Soren Kierkegaard ’s critique of Christianity
Christian narratives and metaphors in C.S. Lewis’ works

Literary Analysis Topics: Justice and Judgment

The Hunchback of Notre Dame : who was the monster?
Justice and judgment in To Kill a Mockingbird
The role of judgment in Jane Austen’s novels
Judgment in Toni Morrison’s God Help the Child
A view of justice in John Milton’s Paradise Lost
Justice in dystopian novels: works of Orwell and Huxley
Judgment and guilt in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter
The difference between justice and revenge in Aeschylus Oresteia
The genre of legal thriller in American literature
The themes of guilt, responsibility, and punishment in Bernhard Schlink’s The Reader
Justice and judgment in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment
Courtroom drama in American and British literature
Behavior modification experiment as an alternative to a prison sentence in Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange
Jeremy Bentham’s concept of panopticon prison and its critique in the works of other authors
Michel Foucault’s critique of the Western penal system
The role of the judgment of Paris in the Trojan War according to Greek mythology
Depiction of racial injustice in the works of African American authors

Literature Essay Topics on Good & Evil

A dichotomy of good and evil in the Middle Ages
Monsters and heroes in Beowulf : Beowulf, Hrothgar, Grendel
Wilde’s aesthetics: ugly is worse than evil
John Milton’s Satan : the good, the bad, and the beautiful
Victorian literary tradition: societal norms and personal happiness
Villains in the 19 th – and 20 th -century literary works
The good and the bad: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Evil forces of death in The Fall of the House of Usher
Presentation of good and evil in The Tempest characters
The contrast between Thrushcross Grange and Wuthering Heights
Young Goodman Brown : a conflict between morality and temptation
The Creature and the humans in Frankenstein

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on War & Peace

Depiction of war in Shakespeare’s plays
The war between archangels and demons in Paradise Lost
War in Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children
War and peace in George Orwell’s 1984
Margaret Mitchell’s and Toni Morrison’s views on the Civil War
War as a part of human nature in Faulkner’s A Fable
Steinbeck’s exploration of injustice in The Grapes of Wrath
Wrongs of the modern society in Palahniuk’s Fight Club
The themes of war and nationality in Michael Ondaatje’s The English Patient
The Civil War as the background for Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
Main themes in Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front
Depiction of war in Alexandre Dumas’ historical novels
The Cold War in John Le Carre’s novels
The political context of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible: The Cold War and McCarthyism
Depiction of war in children’s fiction
Leo Tolstoy’s views on history in War and Peace
Anti-militarism in Ernest Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms
Literature as a tool of cultural influence during the Cold War: The case of Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago

Literary Essay Topics on Vices on the Society

Thackeray: the culture of the 19th century as Vanity Fair
Dickens’s perspectives concerning social injustice in Oliver Twist
Ethnicity, discrimination, and identity in Orwell’s Burmese Days
Vices of totalitarian societies in George Orwell’s 1984
Injustice, torture, and dehumanization in Elie Wiesel’s Night
Vices of society in Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
J’Accuse: Emile Zola’s letter as critique of antisemitism and corruption
The emergence of transgressive fiction as a protest against conventional society
Critique of consumer society in Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New World
Social satire and political commentary in Harold Pinter’s later plays
Ray Bradbury’s science fiction as a means of social criticism
The emergence of dystopia: Evgeny Zamyatin’s We
Arthur Koestler’s Darkness at Noon as a critique of the totalitarian society
Claudius as an embodiment of human vices in Robert Graves’ I, Claudius
Geoffrey Chaucer’s critique of the wrongs of society in The Canterbury Tales

Interesting Literature Topics to Analyze: Literary Influences

Percy Bysshe Shelley’s interpretation of the Prometheus myth
William Shakespeare’s borrowings from ancient Greek writings and myths
Myths as a source of inspiration for Byron and Keats
Virginia Wolf’s fascination with Greek literature and Hellenism
James Joyce’s interpretation and use of Homer’s The Odyssey
Salome : Oscar Wilde’s retelling of a biblical story
John Milton’s exploration and interpretation of a biblical story
The influence of Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works
Biblical motifs in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Don Quixote as an inspiration for Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot
Beowulf’s impact on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit
Shakespearean myths in Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Literature Essay Topics: Various Genres

The evolution of horror fiction: from Mary Shelley to Stephen King
The place of fantasy in the modern literature
Why have fantasy novels gained such popularity today?
Fantasy novels by Tolkien and Martin: styles, imagery, themes
Major elements of modern fantasy novels and stories
The origins of fantasy fiction: the earliest works
The evolution of adventure fiction: from Homer to Fleming
Horror fiction: Stoker’s Dracula vs. Shelley’s Frankenstein
Theologus Autodidactus as an example of science fiction
Merging scientific and poetic elements in science fiction poetry
Comparing tragicomedies of Ancient Greece and 20th-century Europe
Significant features of a tragicomedy in postmodernist and metamodernist writings
Primary components of a coming-of-age novel: female and male perspectives
Elements of the coming-of-age novel in London’s Martin Eden
Satire in contemporary British and American literature
Satire or cynical humor: exploring Bierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary
Literary devices in naturalistic writing: Emile Zola’s approach
Elements of an antinovel in Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy
Early examples of short stories: Charles Dickens’s style
Timeframes and symbols in Jonathan Nolan’s Memento Mori
Dystopian fiction in the 20th and 21st centuries
Coming-of-age novel or American dream novel: The Great Gatsby
The role of education and the media in dystopias
Crime fiction: is it pulp reading or high literature?
The suspense in Agatha Christies’ and Arthur Conan Doyle’s writings
The vampire in the 19th-century and 21st-century literature

Literary Topics: Uncommon Themes in Literature

Allegory and choice of animals in Orwell’s Animal Farm
Allegories in Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily
Multiculturalism and allusions in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon
Faulkner’s metaphors in The Sound and the Fury
Imagery in Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem The Raven
Music and enigma in The Raven
The role of personification in William Blake’s poetry
Comparing Ancient Greek and William Shakespeare’s iambic pentameter
The function of trochaic meter in Shakespeare’s works
Symbolism and imagery in William Blake’s poem Ah Sunflower
Symbols and metaphors in The Picture of Dorian Gray
Flower symbolism in D.H. Lawrence Odour of Chrysanthemums
Color as a symbol of Morrison’s God Help the Child
Symbolism in Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas
Satire in Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden
Jane Austen’s personal traits in the narrator of Persuasion
Early forms of the stream of consciousness: Jane Austen’s style
Epistolary novels: works of Bram Stocker and Mary Shelley
Slave’s narrative in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon
Peculiarities of addressing the reader in Shakespeare’s sonnets
Virginia Wolf’s stream of consciousness: narration or confession?
The narrator in Somerset Maugham’s Of Human Bondage
Authorial intrusion as a way to entice readers

🖊️ Literary Analysis Prompts: Top 21

We’ve gathered a total of 21 excellent literary analysis prompts for you. They cover a wide variety of genres and epochs, so you’ll surely find something that suits your needs. Check them out to gain inspiration for your assignment or project!

The Cask of Amontillado Literary Analysis Prompt

The central theme of The Cask of Amontillado is revenge. In your essay, you can analyze how suspense contributes to the revenge plot.
You may also explore the story’s tone and how it helps to build tension.
Alternatively, you can focus on the Gothic elements and their impact on the story’s atmosphere.

A Rose for Emily Literary Analysis Prompt

There are several important symbols in A Rose for Emily , such as a strand of hair, Emily’s house, or the ticking watch. You can dive deeper into their meaning and significance.
You may also focus on the story’s themes. They include death and conflict between generations.
Try analyzing literary devices Faulkner uses, including metaphors, irony, and personification. How do they contribute to the story’s mood?

The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Prompt

One of the central themes featured in The Story of an Hour is freedom. Analyze what kind of freedom is discussed and how free the main character really is.
You may also explore Kate Chopin’s writing style. For example, focus on how irony complements the story’s plot and tone.
Another aspect that you can focus on is symbolism . Notable examples include time, death, and heart trouble.

Tell-Tale Heart Literary Analysis Prompt

Analyze why Edgar Allan Poe chose to tell the story in the first person. How does it contribute to the gloomy tone?
Or, you may focus on the story’s themes : guilt, confinement, and mental health. How are they represented?
Finally, you can examine the symbols in Tell-Tale Heart , such as the house, the bed, the bedroom, and the eye. Try to find out the meaning behind them.

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Prompt

Explore the use of animal imagery and the lack of nature descriptions in the novel.
You can also focus on the harmful effect of technology and its contribution to the dystopian world of Fahrenheit 451 .
The story’s central theme is censorship vs. freedom of speech. You may explore this conflict in your essay.

Prompt for a Literary Analysis of The Canterbury Tales

Analyze the themes of The Canterbury Tales . These include deceit, the church’s corruption, and the importance of company.
Focus on examining the writing style. Try to clarify how it contributes to the tales’ tone and atmosphere.
You may also research the symbols, such as clothing, appearance, and spring. If you’re curious about this literary work, check out our article on the symbols in The Canterbury Tales .

Prompt for a Literary Analysis of Barn Burning

Consider examining the conflict between loyalty to one’s family and obedience to the law.
Focus on scrutinizing the symbols of Barn Burning , such as the soiled egg and fire.
You can also highlight the role of darkness in the story. Dive deeper into its contribution to the tone of Barn Burning .

Make sure to check out our Barn Burning study guide to learn more facts about the story.

Death of a Salesman Literary Analysis Prompt

Examine how the author covers the American dream theme in Death of a Salesman . What is the characters’ interpretation of the American dream?
You can also try analyzing the symbols in the play, such as diamonds, seeds, the rubber hose, and Linda’s stockings.
You may also concentrate on studying the mythological figures connected with the story. Dive deeper into the comparisons to the Greek gods, such as Hercules and Adonis.

Want to know more? Check out our Death of a Salesman study guide .

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Prompt

In your paper, you can focus on the symbols of Frankenstein , such as darkness and fire. Why are they essential?
Another aspect you can concentrate on is the point of view. Mary Shelley writes from the viewpoints of 3 diverse characters. What does it help to achieve?
You can also explore the novel’s themes: sublime nature, family, creation, and dangerous knowledge. Check out our article on the themes in Frankenstein to learn more about them.

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Prompt

There are numerous themes in Hamlet that you can scrutinize in your essay, like revenge, the supernatural, death, corruption, and politics.
You can also focus on the symbols of the story and their importance. They include Hamlet’s dark clothes, the skull , and the weather.
One of the motifs in Hamlet is misogyny. You can analyze its representation in the play.

To understand the play better, check out our Hamlet study guide .

Hamlet has been translated into Klingon.

Prompt for a Literary Analysis of Night by Elie Wiesel

One of the themes of Night is silence. You can explain why it is critical and what it represents.
You can also focus on the symbolism of night and fire . Try to find out the meaning behind them.
Consider discussing the characters in the novel and their behavior in dramatic situations. Check out our article on characters in Night to learn more.

Othello Literary Analysis Prompt

One of the central themes of Othello is isolation and its dangers. Examine how it is portrayed.
Another theme you can analyze is that of justice. Try highlighting how the characters are driven by the desire to do always the right thing.
Consider exploring the famous metaphors from the play, such as jealousy being a “green-eyed monster.”

If you want to comprehend this literary work better, make sure to check out our Othello study guide .

Pride and Prejudice Literary Analysis Prompt

When it comes to the themes in Pride and Prejudice , you can focus on integrity, love, family, gender, class, and reputation.
Another central theme of the novel is marriage. Discuss the value of marriage and its connection to social status and money.
In your paper, you can elaborate on the symbolism of dancing and its meaning.

Don’t forget to look through our study guide on Pride and Prejudice to learn more about the novel’s elements.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Literary Analysis Prompt

Consider analyzing the motifs of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : games, the color green, and the seasons.
Apart from the motifs, you can also research the themes of nature, chivalry, Christianity, courtesy, and truth. To learn more about them, examine our article on the themes of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight .
Finally, you may study the symbolism of the green girdle. It’s a critical element of the poem and deserves special attention.

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Essay Prompt

One of the most popular symbols of The Great Gatsby is the green light. You can concentrate on exploring its iconic status in world literature.
One of the central themes of The Great Gatsby is the American dream . Analyze how it is depicted and the author’s attitude to it.
Another idea for an essay is to write about the novel’s characters: Jay Gatsby, Nick Carraway, the Buchanans, and others. Make sure to read our article on The Great Gatsby characters to grasp them better.

The Lottery Literary Analysis Prompt

What role do family ties play in The Lottery ? You can dive deeper into this motif and scrutinize its meaning and importance.
Another central theme of The Lottery is tradition. Your work can focus on how dangerous it is to follow conventional practices blindly.
The lottery itself is the key symbol of the story. You could explain what it represents. And remember to check out our analysis of The Lottery to learn more.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis Literary Analysis Prompt

One of the major themes of Metamorphosis is psychological distance. You can highlight how the main character’s transformation leads to his alienation.
Explore the story’s recurring symbols, such as food, the father’s uniform , and the portrait of a woman wearing furs.
Another point that you can elucidate is the motifs of the story. They include transformation and sleep.

You’re welcome to read our The Metamorphosis study guide for deeper insight into the story.

The Necklace Literary Analysis Prompt

Analyze the story’s themes. Some examples are greed, the deceptiveness of appearances, and vanity. Check out our article on The Necklace’s themes to learn all about them.
You can also interpret the symbolism of the necklace . Try to dive deeper into how a piece of jewelry is linked to high status and wealth.
Explore how the class conflict is presented in The Necklace . You might also explicate the author’s views on it.

The Odyssey Literary Analysis Prompt

In your essay, focus on the epic’s main themes: vengeance, hospitality, and loyalty.
Homer uses many epithets in The Odyssey to describe the sea, such as “wine-dark.” Look into what they may represent.
Another good point for discussion is the symbolism. Consider discussing the significance of the wedding bed, the sea, eagles, and food.

To appreciate the poem better, check out our The Odyssey study guide .

The Yellow Wallpaper Literary Analysis Essay Prompt

The wallpaper is the central symbol of the story. In your writing, try to uncover its significance and how it affects the protagonist.
You can also review how Charlotte Perkins Gilman uses different types of irony in the story. Examples include dramatic, verbal, and situational irony.
You can also interpret The Yellow Wallpaper’s themes. Some of them are self-expression, mental illness, gender roles, miscommunication, and the role of women.

Don’t forget to check out our study guide if you want to know more.

Wuthering Heights Literary Analysis Prompt

Explore the symbolism of moors, nature, and ghosts. Emily Bronte uses these symbols to represent not only abstract ideas but also characters’ personalities.
You can also examine the central themes of Wuthering Heights. Some of them are love and passion, class conflict, revenge, and the supernatural.
Another point worth writing about is nature imagery and how the author uses it to represent the characters’ personalities. To learn about it, make sure to check out our Wuthering Heights analysis .

✍️ Writing a Literary Analysis: Step by Step

Now, after you’ve decided on your topic, it is time to write your analysis.

Don’t know where to start? Well, we got your back! Here are some steps for you to write a great literary essay.

Step #1. Carefully read the text and think of possible topics. Is there anything that stands out? What did you personally find interesting? Focus on what you will enjoy researching and writing about.
Step #2. Think of the text’s idea. Find out the main point of the literary work. Pay attention to the settings, plot, dialogue, tone, writing techniques, figures of speech, and character development.
Step #3. Now, it’s time to create a thesis statement . Try to make it clear but debatable.
Step #4. After you are done with the thesis, try to find more evidence in the text and organize it. Make sure your thesis interprets the evidence you found.
Step #5. Create a rough draft. Making an outline and a bubble map can help organize your ideas and draw the connections between them.
Step #6. You can now revise your rough draft. Don’t forget to proofread your essay and check your punctuation, writing style, transitions, grammar, and paper structure. Make sure your thesis is stated clearly, and your evidence supports it.

If you wish to learn more, you can check out our guide on how to write a literary analysis.

Best Tips for Writing a Literary Analysis

There are many things to keep in mind when writing about literature. But there’s no need to worry: we are here to help you. Here are the four components that will help to make sure you get an excellent grade on your essay:

Make sure you refer to the literature you write about in the proper format. For example, the titles of plays and full-length books should be italicized, while poems and short stories should be in quotation marks. You may consult Purdue University’s excellent citation guides to be on the safe side.
Ensure that the quotes are properly attributed with the correct page numbers.
Avoid directly quoting or borrowing arguments from previously published literary analysis samples. Using the same forms of argument and language is a form of plagiarism.
Remember that you need a brief introduction with a clear thesis statement, distinct body paragraphs, and a cohesive conclusion. If you find it hard to write concisely, feel free to use our essay shortener to save time.

📃 Literary Analysis Example for Free

Looking for a fully-formatted literary analysis example? Look no further! Download our excellent sample in PDF format below.

The Little Match Girl is a short story by Hans Christian Andersen. It’s a touching tale about a poor girl who spends New Year’s Eve working on the streets, dreaming of a better life, and warming herself by lighting matches she failed to sell. Some of the main themes include loneliness, struggle, and cruelty.

We hope that you found some inspiration to take your essay on the next level. Let us know what literary studies topic you like the most and other literary analysis ideas you have!

❓ Literary Analysis Essay FAQs

If you’re writing a literary analysis, make sure you don’t summarize the text you are analyzing. Instead, focus on your thesis and the supporting evidence. You should also avoid using phrases such as “in my opinion.”

A literary analysis should always include information on the text’s components. They include plot, setting, themes, motifs, imagery, tone, and character analysis. Don’t forget to write about the way the author uses these elements and how they contribute to the overall work.

The introductory part of your literary analysis should include a thesis statement that conveys the structure of your essay. Don’t forget to mention the author and provide background information about the text. Remember to start your body paragraphs with a topic sentence.

A literary analysis is usually 5-paragraphs long. The introduction and conclusion consist of one paragraph each, while the main body has three.

A literary analysis is a type of writing assignment containing an analysis of a literary piece. In a literary analysis, you should evaluate and interpret the work by analyzing its plot, setting, motifs, themes, characters, and style.

100 Literary Essay Topics

Table of Contents

Writing a literature research paper can seem like an uphill task for many students. It is almost impossible to go through school without writing at least one literary essay. Well, you don’t have to worry anymore. We are here to help! The first step to writing a great literary essay is selecting a great topic, and that is where we come in. We provide you with topics, questions, and ideas that you can analyze in-depth and create an outstanding essay from. And best of all, we can also help you write your essay or research paper.

Have You Been Researching on How to Select the Best Literary Essay Topic?

There are many ways that you can select a literary topic for your essay. One way is by selecting a literary style as your topic. This way you can discover and analyze works within this literary style and describe the features of this style. Another way is by selecting a specific author and studying their works. When doing this, be careful not to turn your essay into a biography. Concentrate on the literary legacy of the author and how their works impacted their life and the lives of others. You can also compare their works at the beginning and end of their literary career. Another way to select a topic is to focus on a single work of literature. This requires in-depth research and analysis, but it can be very rewarding to provide your exclusive research on a classic literary work.

List of Literary Essay Topics

Here are some topics that can help you get started on your paper. Feel free to use any you like!

Role of e-books in literature today
Evolution of language
Revolutionary authors of the 20 th century
The dark humor in literature
Utopian and dystopian literature
The relevance of Shakespearean writings today
Materialism in The Great Gatsby
Effect of new technologies on writing
Justice and Revenge in Hamlet
Racism, as seen in “How to Kill a Mockingbird.”
Misogyny and sexism in literature
The ‘American Dream’ as portrayed in literature
Myth and folktale in literature
Role of fate in Romeo and Juliet
Literature in the 21 st century
Socialism through the eyes of George Orwell
Marxism literary criticism
Feminism in literature
Literature as an aid for psychological development
Mythology and mythic grandeur in Moby Dick
Existentialism in literature
Romantic fatalism in Shakespearean work
Religion in Renaissance literature
Literature in the Age of Enlightenment
Gender stereotypes in erotic literature
Outstanding female authors
Racism and sexism in The Color Purple
Schizophrenia as portrayed in Macbeth
Mental illness in Hamlet
Mortality and Immortality in literature

20 Best Literary Essay Topics for 2023

The Impact of Technology on Dystopian Literature: Examining the Representation of Advanced Technology and its Societal Consequences.
Intersectionality in Contemporary Literature: Analyzing the Interconnectedness of Race, Gender, and Class in Recent Works.
Climate Change and Ecological Crisis in Speculative Fiction: Exploring the Depiction of Environmental Issues in Literature.
Posthumanism in Science Fiction: Investigating the Blurring Boundaries between Humans and Machines in Contemporary Works.
The Resurgence of Gothic Literature in the 21st Century: Analyzing the Themes of Horror, Mystery, and Psychological Tension.
Representations of Mental Health in Modern Novels: Examining the Portrayal of Mental Illness and its Impact on Characters.
Literature and Social Activism: Exploring the Role of Literature in Promoting Social Change and Addressing Social Issues.
Indigenous Voices in Literature: Analyzing the Works of Indigenous Authors and their Contributions to the Literary Landscape.
Post-truth and Reality in Literature: Investigating the Depiction of Truth, Perception, and Manipulation in Contemporary Narratives.
Exploring Afrofuturism in Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature: Interrogating Black Identity, History, and Future Possibilities.
Rewriting Classics: Examining Contemporary Adaptations and Retellings of Classic Works of Literature.
Literature and the #MeToo Movement: Analyzing the Representation of Sexual Assault, Consent, and Gender Dynamics in Recent Works.
The Power of Narratives: Investigating the Influence of Storytelling in Shaping Cultural, Political, and Personal Identities.
Exploring Magical Realism in Global Literature: Examining the Fusion of Reality and the Supernatural in Various Cultural Contexts.
Literature and Immigration: Analyzing Narratives of Migration, Exile, and Cultural Identity in Contemporary Works.
The Role of Memory in Postmemory Literature: Exploring Intergenerational Trauma and the Transmission of History.
Literature and Mental Well-being: Investigating the Therapeutic Benefits of Reading and Writing for Mental Health.
Queerness and Identity in Young Adult Literature: Examining LGBTQ+ Representation and Coming-of-Age Narratives.
Literature and Artificial Intelligence: Analyzing the Ethical Implications and Philosophical Questions Raised by AI Characters in Novels.
Literary Adaptations in Film and Television: Comparing and Contrasting the Transitions from Page to Screen in Recent Adaptations.

10 Featured Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Analyze Orwell’s society in the book 1984. What is the moral of the story?
Why were some books banned from libraries?
Discuss the power and influence of books on generations.
Analyze women that influenced literature and some of the first published female authors.
What was Shakespeare’s view of women? Support your claims with examples.
Talk about the age of enlightenment. Where did it come from, and what did it do?
Discuss African American authors throughout history and their writing styles.
Are there gender stereotypes in literary sales?
Analyze literature of the 21 st century. How has it changed compared to 20 th -century literature?
How has technology changed writing?

Literary Argumentative Essay Topics

The Role of Tragic Flaws in Shakespearean Tragedies: A Comparative Analysis of Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello.
The Portrayal of Women in Classic Literature: Challenging Stereotypes in Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, and Madame Bovary.
The Use of Allegory in George Orwell’s Animal Farm : A Critique of Totalitarianism.
The Representation of Colonialism and its Effects in Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart.
The Significance of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby: Illusion versus Reality.
Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.
The Role of Nature and the Environment in Literature: Examining the Ecocritical Perspectives in Walden and The Grapes of Wrath.
The Question of Morality in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies: Are Humans Inherently Good or Evil?
Exploring the Consequences of Power in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and George Orwell’s 1984.
The Dystopian Elements in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World and Lois Lowry’s The Giver: Critiquing Societal Conformity.

Literary Research Essay Topics

The Influence of Mythology on Modern Fantasy Literature: Tracing Archetypal Elements in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia.
The Evolution of the Heroine in Victorian Literature: Analyzing the Roles and Representations of Women in Jane Austen’s Novels.
The Symbolism of the Journey in Homer’s Odyssey and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness: A Comparative Study.
The Concept of Identity in Postcolonial Literature: Exploring Cultural Hybridity in Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children.
The Impact of War on Literature: Examining the Themes of Loss, Trauma, and Redemption in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms and Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five.
Literary Depictions of Social Injustice: Investigating Racial Discrimination in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Toni Morrison’s Beloved.
The Influence of Gothic Literature on Contemporary Horror Fiction: Analyzing the Elements of Fear and Terror in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Stephen King’s The Shining.
Postmodern Narratives and Metafiction: Unraveling the Narrative Techniques in Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler and Jorge Luis Borges’s Fictions.
Exploring Magical Realism in Latin American Literature: Unveiling the Surreal Elements in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude.
The Representation of War and its Aftermath in Modernist Poetry: A Comparative Analysis of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and Wilfred Owen’s War Poems.

Literary Theory Essay Topics

Feminist Literary Theory and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway: Examining Gender Roles and Patriarchy.
Postcolonial Literary Theory and Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Analyzing Colonialism, Identity, and Cultural Hegemony.
Marxist Literary Theory and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath: Interpreting Class Struggle and Exploitation.
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory and Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis: Exploring the Unconscious Mind and Symbolism.
Reader-Response Literary Theory and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude: Investigating the Role of the Reader’s Interpretation and Engagement.
Poststructuralist Literary Theory and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot: Examining Language, Meaning, and Absurdity.
Queer Theory and Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire: Analyzing Sexuality, Desire, and Identity.
Ecocriticism and Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale: Interpreting Environmentalism, Power, and Dystopia.
Formalist Literary Theory and Emily Dickinson’s Poetry: Exploring Structure, Language, and Literary Devices.
New Historicist Literary Theory and Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Investigating Power, Politics, and Historical Context.

Literary Criticism Essay Topics

Deconstructing Gender and Power in Shakespeare’s Macbeth : A Feminist Critique.
Psychoanalytic Criticism of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart”: Unveiling the Depths of the Unconscious.
Postcolonial Criticism and Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness: Analyzing the Representation of Imperialism and Otherness.
Marxist Critique of Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations: Examining Social Class and Economic Inequality.
Queer Theory and Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray: Subverting Normative Sexuality and Identity.
Ecocritical Perspective on William Wordsworth’s Poetry: Nature, Romanticism, and Environmental Ethics.
Postmodernist Criticism of Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49: Exploring Fragmentation and Hyperreality.
New Historicism and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet: Interpreting the Play in its Cultural and Historical Context.
Structuralist Analysis of Jorge Luis Borges’s “The Garden of Forking Paths”: Decoding the Symbolic Structure of the Text.
Reader-Response Criticism and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye: Examining the Reader’s Subjective Interpretation and Empathy.

Literary Essay Topics for High School Students

The Theme of Madness in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and King Lear: A Comparative Analysis.
Gender Roles and Power Dynamics in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
The Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby : Exploring the Green Light, the Valley of Ashes, and the Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg.
Social Criticism in George Orwell’s 1984: Analyzing the Dystopian Society and its Implications.
The Loss of Innocence in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird: Examining Scout’s Journey and Lessons Learned.
The Motif of Love and Desire in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Antony and Cleopatra.
The Power of Language in George Orwell’s Animal Farm: How Propaganda Shapes Society.
Exploring Identity and Belonging in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye.
The Role of Fate and Free Will in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Analyzing the Historical and Political Context in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Literary Essay Questions

There are also essay questions available for your paper. Here are a few of them:

Why was William Shakespeare so exceptional as an author?
What constitutes a literary genius?
What is the relation between education and literary success?
Is erotic literature art or obscenity?
How did Jane Austin’s works explore and affect the role of women in society?
What are some great literary works that blur the distinction between fiction and nonfiction?
How did Charles Dicken’ s portray himself through some of his best-known characters?
How has the rise of fanfiction impacted literature?
Does children’s literature get away with perpetuating stereotypes, racism, and cultural bias?
What are some instances where literature has been used as a tool for propaganda?

Literary Essay Ideas

These are some literary essay ideas that can also help you as you write your research paper or essay.

Analyze Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis of literature as a manifestation of an author’s unconscious desires and anxieties.
Examine the role of erotic literature in shaping ancient views on sex, sexual fantasies, and intimacy.
Determine the major themes and characteristics of each literary-historical period.
Explore why Western literary work has been continuously celebrated at the expense of work from other regions in the world.
Analyze the role of postcolonial literature in promoting nationalism and anti-colonialism in Africa.

We hope our literary essay topics inspired you to write a great research paper! If you feel like you still need more help from us, then we are here for all your writing needs. We offer pro essay writer expert help in academic writing, so you never have to feel stuck on your essay. We can write a paper based on the topic you have selected, or we can come up with one ourselves. Either way, our essay writers for hire will guarantee you a high-quality paper that you will be more than proud to submit. So what are you waiting for? Order your essay today!

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Are you looking for an engaging literary research paper topic? Whether you're writing a college-level essay or a master's thesis, the right literature research paper topics can make all the difference. They range from exploring particular genres or authors to examining the use of language in literary works. By researching these topics, you will gain a greater understanding of the ideas, improve your critical thinking skills, and learn to appreciate the nuances. This article will explore such literature topics for research and open up endless possibilities for analysis and interpretation, ranging from classic to modern-day texts. Are you ready to choose a trending topic and write a paper that will win your professor’s heart?

What Are Literary Research Paper Topics?

Literary research paper topics focus on a particular literary work, such as a book, poem, novel, play, or story. They provide a great starting point for researching the specific aspect you're planning to explore for a better perception of the idea and help to eliminate any artificial facet. Literary research topics may analyze a single text, compare different writings by the same author, or contrast different authors' styles. Common literature topics for research papers comprise symbolism, characterization, themes, plot structure, historical context, point-of-view analysis, biographical contexts, and intertextual connections. These research paper topics may also focus on how an author has been interpreted or evaluated over time, analyzing the critical reception of their works and examining any changes within literary canonization. Additionally, these topics can explore how literary works intersect with other disciplines, such as philosophy, psychology, sociology, politics, or economics.

Characteristics of Good Literature Research Paper Topics

Literary research paper topics are usually considered good when they are:

Relevant They should be engaging, thought-provoking, and appropriate to the academic work.
Specific Similarly, good literature research topics must have a narrow focus and not be overly broad.
Interesting They should pique your interest and encourage you to explore and aspire to know more about the literary work.
Challenging Deep analysis, thoughtful reflection, and creative thinking are also vital.
Unique They should be memorable and offer new insights into academic work.

With these important characteristics of literary topics for research papers in mind, you're ready to start writing!

How to Choose a Literature Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a literature research paper topic can be daunting, but with careful thought and planning, you're sure to find the perfect one. In order to do this, you need to complete the following:

Brainstorm: First, start by brainstorming topics that interest you. Think about the works you've been studying, authors and genres you enjoy reading, and themes that have resonated with you.
Narrow it down: Once you've identified a few research topics that intrigue you, narrow them down to one that is most relevant and specific.
Research: Explore if it is relevant. This will guarantee that you have enough material to work with.
Refine: Once you have researched, refine your topic to ensure it is specific and engaging. Consider the most interesting aspects and how they can be explored further.
Choose: Finally, choose the title that best reflects your interests and passions for an enjoyable research experience!

With these tips, you can find the perfect literary research paper topic! Don’t have time for reading piles of books? Get professional help with research paper writing from StudyCrumb and have your study completed by a real pro.

List of Literature Research Paper Topics

A list of literature topics for research offers a wide range of literary-related issues that can be explored and studied for your project. It includes ideas that could spark your creativity and help you choose the best title. Whether you're interested in exploring the works of Shakespeare or examining modern literature, this list of literary research paper topics has something for everyone!

Use of symbolism in romantic poetry.
Importance of technology within cyberpunk genres.
Impact of fantasy on contemporary culture.
Representation of male or female authors as represented by classic literary works.
Postmodernist views of time and space in literature.
Representation of race and ethnicity within contemporary fiction.
Representation of LGBTQ characters in literary works.
The role of mythology during the era of ancient works.
Social media impact on modern texts.
Classic and contemporary literary criticism.

Interesting Literary Research Paper Topics

If you are interested in classic books or modern trends, these ideas can be a fascinating starting point for your project. They include theories, criticism, comparison, and specific authors or genres. Besides providing an analysis of the work, a literary research paper topic could also comprise examining different themes. Explore the following interesting literature topics for your project:

Literary influences of Jane Austen's works.
Symbolism as represented by gothic texts.
Relevance of classic mythology within contemporary fiction.
The role of magic or fantasy in children's literature.
The role of women in Victorian literature.
Representation of race and ethnicity in early 20th-century literature.
Themes of love and loss in romantic poetry.
The use of horror genres in contemporary fiction.
Postcolonialism's impact on literary works.
Nature in 19th-century literature .
Representation of LGBTQ characters as represented by contemporary fiction.
Technology's impact on modern literary works.
Classic and contemporary interpretations of gothic texts.
The role of magic and fantasy in modern literary works.
Representation of death and loss in 20th-century works.

Great Literature Research Paper Topics

A list of great literature research topics provides a variety of ideas related to literary works. These research topics in literature can offer an exciting starting point for your English paper:

Rebellion themes in Shakespeare's tragedies.
Class and economic status in Victorian texts.
Symbolism in romantic poetry.
Impact of British imperialism on literary fiction worldwide.
Gender and sexuality representation in early 20th-century writings.
Postcolonialism in 19th-century fiction.
The literary influence of WWII on modern writings.
Vampires' role in gothic literary texts.
Use of fantasy in childhood writings.
Technology's impact on contemporary literary works.
Race and ethnicity as represented by postmodern fiction.
Religion in romantic poetry.
Themes of love and loss in 20th-century texts.
Horror genres in literary fiction.
Postmodernism's impact on contemporary literary works.

Unique Literature Research Paper Topics

Unique literature topics for research papers can help students explore new concepts and gain a deeper understanding of their subject. Below are rare literature paper topics for you to review:

The role of jealousy in 17th-century literary works.
Gender identity as represented by reformist fiction.
Mythological figures as portrayed by Greek and Roman poetry.
The relationship between gender and power in Shakespeare's plays.
Themes of isolation in 20th-century British poetry.
Metaphors in the works of Gabriel García Márquez .
Themes of rebellion and revolution in African American literary texts.
The role of women in medieval romance literature.
Poverty representation in Victorian novels.
Themes of oppression and freedom in colonial Latin American texts.
Use of metaphor and allegory in Dante's divine comedy.
Influence of industrialization on 19th-century fiction.
Dystopian settings within modern literature.
Religion in contemporary fiction.

Spotted any ideas for your literature research paper? Now it’s time to compose your study. Leave us ‘ do my research paper ’ notice and get a professional writer to work on your project.

Controversial Literary Research Paper Topics

Controversial literary research topics can provide students with an opportunity to explore complex and sometimes contentious issues related to literary texts. Find below a controversial literary research paper topic for your dream English project!

Racial stereotypes during 19th-century English literature.
Themes of sexuality and desire in ancient Greek poetry.
The relationship between political power and language in Shakespeare's plays.
Conflict representation during 20th-century English fiction.
English role in colonial Indian literature.
Gender and racial representations within African American autobiographies.
Themes of justice and control in Victorian English novels.
Themes of oppression and resistance in feminist texts.
The role of English in modern Japanese fiction.
Themes of identity and belonging in postcolonial Indian literature.
Censorship, free speech, and social responsibility in 19th-century English novels.
Politics and power representations in Latin American poetry.
Gender, race, and class representations in English renaissance drama.
English as a tool for political ideology within the works of George Orwell.
Language used to defy authority during modern fiction writing.

Fresh Literature Research Paper Ideas

Coming up with fresh ideas for literature research topics can be daunting. Students may want to look at the works they have studied or venture outside the traditional reading list and explore different authors and genres. Some literature research paper ideas comprise studying how certain authors influenced the literary movement, analyzing how language has been used throughout history, or examining gender, race, and class representations from a literary text. Here is a perfect list of fresh ideas!

Aesthetics as presented by postmodern fiction.
The theme of loss as portrayed by African authors .
Use of language throughout history.
Identity and belonging representation in contemporary young adult fiction.
The intersection between art and literature in modern poetry.
Themes of authority, rebellion, and revolution in medieval epic poetry.
Role of fantasy in horror fiction.
Gender, race, and class representations within British romanticism.
American literary realism and naturalism.
Influence of symbolism on French modernist poetry.
Construction of memory within African American autobiographies.
Representation of narrative time in Latin American fiction.
Social injustice theme during early 20th-century American drama.
The relationship between social identity and language during postcolonial fiction.
Values and beliefs representations as presented by ancient Greek mythology.

Literature Research Paper Topics for Students

For students looking for research topics in literature for study, there is a wide variety of options available. Depending on the level and course, they might focus on analyzing particular authors, literary movements, or genres, exploring the use of language throughout history, or examining representations of gender, race, and class in books. You also need to study literary devices and their effects on readers when exploring literary topics for a research paper . Below are examples of literature topics for different students:

Literature Research Paper Topics for High School

These are literature topics to research, specifically tailored to high school students. They involve exploring the influence of literary work on culture, analyzing a single author's literary movement or genre, or investigating language use throughout history. This list of research topics in literature for high school provides an original starting point for your literary project!

Racism as presented during early 20th-century works.
Social criticism within contemporary dystopian young adult fiction.
Folklore's impact on contemporary poetry.
Representation of nature in modern literature.
Spirituality as portrayed by reformist literature.
Social class representation within postmodern novels.
The theme of environment in romantic works.
Colonialism representation during postcolonial works.
Effects of pop culture on modern fiction.
Mental illness representation during 19th-century poetry.
The role of music and art in early 20th-century literary texts.
Literature's influence on identity building in minority cultures.
Family dynamics in postmodern poetry.
Family and community representations during gothic fiction.
Literature as a tool for social change.

Literature Research Paper Topics for College Students

These titles entail more serious and in-depth scrutiny than a high school literary paper. A college-level literary research paper topic provides students with a broader range of analysis. It encompasses looking at literature as a form of political commentary to get its relationship with other art forms. Below are literature research paper topics for college students:

Identity construction during postmodern poetry.
Alienation themes within modern fiction.
Gender role representations in Shakespearean tragedies.
The relationship between narrative and memory within Holocaust literature.
Nature's role in contemporary American fiction.
Authority and subversion themes during the early 20th-century drama.
Race, class, and gender representation within African American autobiographies.
Social media influence the literary language.
The relationship between social identity and language in postcolonial fiction.
Values as presented by ancient Greek mythology .
Psychological distress during 20th-century war narratives.
Attitudes towards mental illness as portrayed by gothic texts.
The relationship between science and literary imagination.
Social hierarchy within Victorian novels.
Religion's role in southern American literature.

Literary Research Paper Topics by Categories

Research paper topics for literature by category offer an exclusive and stimulating perspective on literary analysis worldwide. They can be grouped into literary movements, authors, and genres, as well as topics related to language and history. If you are interested in European, American, and English literature topics, these ideas will help you find the perfect literary research paper topic for your project.

World Literature Research Paper Topics

Research paper topics for world literature allow students to explore literary works from any part of the world, including texts written in English, Spanish, and other languages. Below is a list that provides original world literature research topics for any project:

Impact of colonialism on native literary traditions.
Gender representation within French literature.
Religion's role within literary works from Latin America.
Symbolism in English poetry from the 19th century.
Themes of nationalism within modern Russian fiction.
Power and politics in Spanish plays.
Conflict as portrayed by African literature.
The role of folklore within Chinese fiction.
Themes of cultural identity in Japanese drama.
Family ties in Italian poetry.
Symbolism in Arabic literature.
Social class representation in Indian novels.
Impact of globalization on middle eastern fiction.
Human rights themes by contemporary Australian poets.
Western representations of other cultures in modern literature.

American Literature Research Paper Topics

In research paper topics for American literature, you examine the works of early American writers and poets, as well as those from later periods. Here is a list of American literature topics for your paper!

Attitudes towards race in early American novels.
Colonialism during 19th-century poetry.
Freedom and rebellion themes within revolutionary literature.
The emergence of gothic horror in American fiction.
Impact of transcendentalism on American writing.
Gender representation during pre-civil war literature .
Themes of morality in post-World War II American fiction.
Role of religion during 19th-century American novels.
Slavery and its abolition by American poets.
Social class representation during early American drama.
Themes of identity in postmodern American fiction.
Industrialization of 20th-century literature.
War and conflict representation by contemporary American playwrights.
Racism in 20th-century American novels.
Assimilation and immigration themes in post-World War II American literature.

British Literature Research Paper Topics

In British literature research topics, you explore works from early British writers to contemporary authors. Ideally, research topics for British literature should encompass works written by authors from all eras, including Medieval, Renaissance, and modern. Here is a list of English literature research paper topics for your perfect essay!

Gender representation during medieval English literature.
Colonialism's effects on British literary works during the 18th century.
Influence of British writers on modern literature.
The role of nature in 18th-century British novels.
Interpretations of classic British literary works.
Social class representations during 19th-century British fiction.
Themes of love and romance within Victorian literature.
Industrialization's impact on 20th-century British novels.
Patriotism and nationalism during post-World War II literary work.
Multiculturalism representations in postmodern British fiction.
Effects of censorship on British authors during the 20th century.
Mental health representation in modern British poetry.
Representation of historical events in British works throughout time.
Technological representations in 21st-century British Novels.
Intersectionality by contemporary British playwrights.

Did you know that you can generate a bunch of title ideas using our Research Paper Topic Generator ?

European Literary Research Paper Topics

European literature research paper topics offer an excellent opportunity to explore the works of European authors. They allow you to study and analyze the academic traditions and cultures of some of Europe's most influential writers. You can find such literary research paper topic ideas in the list below:

Representations of the European monarchy in classic novels.
Censorship effects on European authors during the 20th century.
Impact of World War II on European authors.
Gender representations within Victorian poetry.
Literary works from different countries and cultures in Europe.
Use of language, symbolism, and imagery to explore themes in European texts.
Themes of nature and environment within German short stories.
Technology representations in late Victorian poetry.
Popular culture's influence on European literary movements from the 20th century to modern times.
Impact of European literary works on people's perceptions of other cultures.
Use of supernatural elements within European gothic writings from the 18th to 19th centuries.
Identity representations in French social realism texts.
Technology's impact on contemporary European literary works.
Family and community representations during post-war theater.
Themes of justice and injustice within European dystopian texts.

Literature Research Paper Ideas by Periods

You may aspire to find literature topics for research papers from different historical periods. This involves studying literature from various cultures or eras, such as ancient, medieval, or modern ones. These ideas also cover the examination of themes and symbols used in writings and scrutinizing characters and their development through various works. Other topics include the exploration of texts from a political perspective in relation to their historical contexts. These ideas contain some literary research topics from various periods:

Ancient Literary Research Paper Topics

There are many exciting options to consider if you're looking for ancient literature research paper topics. They can be studied with regard to history, culture, art, and philosophy. To gain more insight, you could explore the works of Homer, Henry James, Virgil, and the Mahabharata, or old Egyptian writings, such as The Iliad and Odyssey . Below is a list of ancient literature topics for research you can choose from.

Gender representations in epic poetry.
Role of mythology and religion in ancient texts.
Influence of philosophy on ancient literature.
Power representations in Greek tragedy.
Heroism by early epic authors.
Love and marriage in ancient texts.
Ancient narratives of war and conflict.
Slavery representations in Roman poetry.
The role of music and art in classical literature.
Nature representations in ancient texts.
Politics' influence on Greek comedy.
Family and community representations in roman narratives.
Characters' representation in epic poetry.
The role of technology in early literary works.
Representations of the divine in ancient texts.

Read more: History Research Topics for Students

Medieval Literature Research Paper Topics

The medieval literary study provides a unique opportunity to explore literature research topics of the Middle Ages. From Beowulf to The Canterbury Tales , these works offer insights into this era's cultural beliefs and values. Here are such literary topics for research papers to focus on:

Representations of medieval chivalry in literary works.
Religion's influence on medieval works.
Gender representation in medieval texts.
The role of magic in medieval narratives.
The impact of feudalism on medieval texts.
Honor and loyalty representations by chivalric texts.
The role of courtly love in medieval works.
Knights and warriors' representations in literary works.
Warfare representations in medieval texts.
The role of education and learning in medieval literature.

Renaissance Literary Research Paper Topics

The Renaissance literature research paper ideas explore works of literature during the Renaissance era, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. They focus on the themes, authors, and literature of this period to provide a better understanding of how literary works have evolved within this timeframe and their impact on our current literature. Some of the most influential figures who contributed immensely to writings during this era were William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes. If you are interested in researching this period, you can consider a literature research paper topic from the list below:

Love and romance representations in Renaissance texts.
Science and technology in 16th-century literature.
Class and social status representations in Renaissance literary works.
Classical mythology in Renaissance poetry.
Representations of family and community in Renaissance narratives.
Effects of humanism on Renaissance literature in Europe.
Imagery role by William Shakespeare .
Representations of art, music, and theater in Renaissance texts.
Politics' role in 16th-century literary texts.
Nature representation by John Milton or Torquato Tasso.
Exploration influence on Renaissance narratives.
Influence of Renaissance literature on modern writing.
Women's representation in literary texts by Anne Bradstreet or Aphra Behn.
Magic and supernatural representations in literary works of Renaissance.
Humanism and individualism themes within Renaissance literature.

Romantic Literature Research Paper Ideas

Romantic literature emerged during the late 18th century and flourished throughout the early 19th century in Europe. It is characterized by its focus on emotion and depictions of nature. This movement had a lasting impact on literary works and has been highly influential. Research topics in literature can explore the writings of authors such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and William Wordsworth. Here are some ideas related to romanticism:

Nature representations in Romantic texts.
The role of emotion as depicted in 19th-century literature.
Influence of Romantic authors on modern literature and culture.
Women's representation in Romantic narratives.
Industrialization impact on 19th-century texts.
Influence of religion and superstition in early Romantic texts.
Use of technology to discuss themes in Romantic texts from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The role of education as portrayed by Romantic narratives.
Character analysis and plot structure in gothic fiction.
Nationalism and patriotism as represented by post-Napoleonic war poems.

Modernist Literary Research Paper Topics

Modern literature emerged during the early 20th century until the end of World War II. It is characterized by a rejection of traditional conventions and focused on experimentation with form. This movement had an unprecedented impact on literature research topics and is highly influential today. If you are looking for literary topics for research papers that focus on modernism, consider exploring the following:

Nature representations by modern texts.
Social inequality in 21st-century novels.
Modernism's influence on current literature and culture.
Climate change within contemporary fiction.
Impact of social injustice on 20th-century literary works.
Urbanization representations by modern literary texts.
Education's influence on modernist narratives.
Wealth and power in early modernist texts.
Themes of urban life by Ezra Pound or Wallace Stevens.
Modernism's impact on classical literature.
Globalization themes within postmodern poetry.
Multiculturalism themes in contemporary literary works.
Mental health representations in modern British novels.
Global conflict representation in modern fiction.
The influence of psychoanalysis on modernist literature.

Current Literature Research Paper Ideas

Current literature paper topics can look at the latest trends. They include exploring contemporary works such as Harry Potter by J.K Rowling and Stardust by Neil Gaiman. These topics may also involve analyzing social media's effects on literary writings. If you are looking for current literary topics for a research paper, consider the following:

Technological impact on literary works in the 21st century.
Art, music, and theater in modern texts.
Impact of conflict on recent literary works.
Social injustice in 21st-century narratives.
Racism, ethnicity, and slavery in contemporary texts.
Wealth and power in recent literary works.
Globalization themes in postmodern poetry.
Urbanization in modern writings.
Immigration within postmodern British novels.

In case you need more paper topics, feel free to browse our blog. We have a wide arsenal of ideas starting from philosophy research paper topics to education research paper topics .

Bottom Line on Literature Research Paper Topics

Literature topics for research can explore a wide range of themes and works. Whether you are looking for visionary ideas about poetry, fiction, or books from different eras, there is no shortage of literature paper topics to choose from. To narrow down your focus and find the best idea for your project, consider researching literary movements, reading widely, and thinking about the areas that interest you most. Literature topics for research papers should be chosen based on students' interests and areas of expertise. By conducting in-depth research, you will gain a greater appreciation for literary work and its impact on society. With this article as a guide, you can take the time to find a topic that speaks to you and create an engaging research paper.

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What Does Analysis Mean?

Types of Literary Analysis Essays

Character Analysis

Theme Analysis

Symbolism Analysis

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

120 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Literary Analysis Essay Topics About Symbolism

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