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450+ Literary Analysis Topics Ideas & Title Examples for Inspiration

Literary Analysis Essay Topics
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Finding that ideal literary analysis topic can be as complex as the literature you're studying. But fear not! Backed by our experience, we’ve gathered some good literary analysis essay topics worth your attention. 

In this blog article, we will tell you how to choose a great title and drop inspirational ideas for your literature analysis. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the best literary analysis topics.

What Are Literary Analysis Topics?

Literary analysis topics are the types of analytical essay topics that deal with examining any work of literature. It might be a novel, a short story, or even literary criticism. You can select any of these topics to write a literary analysis on. 

Topics for literary analysis might focus on various elements of the literature you are supposed to study. For instance, you may explore the following things:

  • Characters
  • Themes
  • Literary devices
  • Structure and style
  • Context.

Essentially, your task is to unleash the hidden meanings and interpret the messages conveyed in the literary works.

>> Learn more: How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay

Features of Good Literary Analysis Topics

Before we move on to the literature essay topics, let’s talk about what makes a title stand out. Good literary analysis topics should:

  1. Be related to the literature
  2. Provide an opportunity for further exploration of the work as a whole.
  3. Raise interesting questions and allow for different interpretations.
  4. Inspire readers to think about the topic in more detail.

Choosing the right topic is very important. If you need extra help from experts, rely on our team of academic professionals. Say ‘do my essay for me’ and get an authentic essay crafted in line with your needs.

How to Choose a Literary Analysis Topic?

Are you staring at a blank page and don’t even know what literary analysis essay topic to choose? We know that feeling. It can be as challenging as finding a perfect rhyme in a sonnet, but no worries! Below we've got some easy steps to help you select a great literary analysis topic:

  1. Read and reflect Start by immersing yourself in the text. As you read, keep an eye on themes, characters, and symbols that catch your attention.
  2. Ask questions This is where your inner Sherlock should come out! Question everything about the book. Why does a character behave a certain way? What's the significance of that recurring symbol? These queries are the seeds of your literary analysis.
  3. Find connections Look for links in the text – between characters, themes, or even the historical context. These connections often make for a compelling literary analysis essay title example.
  4. Keep it focused Remember, you're writing an essay, not a book! So, zoom in. Instead of tackling a broad topic like "Imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird," focus on something more specific, like "The use of bird imagery in To Kill a Mockingbird."
  5. Find a new angle If you're choosing a popular book, find a fresh angle. Instead of going with the crowd, create your own path. A unique perspective will make your analysis stand out.

Powered up by these guidelines, you are sure to find an excellent literary analysis essay idea. Now, let’s see what literary analysis titles and writing prompts we have prepared for you.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics List

If you are not sure how to get started, look at the list of essay titles below. Here, we’ve selected top literary essay topics and prompts to kickstart your journey into literature. Let’s begin with some basic themes and literary elements:

  1. Symbolism in Emily Dickinson's poetry.
  2. Women’s portrayal in Pride and Prejudice.
  3. Orwell's use of dystopia in 1984.
  4. Time in Slaughterhouse-Five.
  5. Death's representation in Edgar Allan Poe’s works.
  6. Mystery and suspense in Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.
  7. Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye.
  8. Portrayal of masculinity in Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea.
  9. Handling of grief in Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking.
  10. Solitude in Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
  11. Role of supernatural elements in Macbeth.
  12. American Dream in Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby.
  13. Postcolonial themes in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart.
  14. The role of setting in A Tale of Two Cities.
  15. Juxtaposition of civilization and savagery in Golding's Lord of the Flies.

Good Literary Analysis Essay Topics

If you're searching for that spark of inspiration, look no further. Choose a title idea from the collection of literary analysis essay prompts we added below:

  1. Jane Austen's social satire in Sense and Sensibility.
  2. Use of stream-of-consciousness in Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway.
  3. Survival in Yann Martel's Life of Pi.
  4. Love in Gustave Flaubert's Madame Bovary.
  5. Illusion versus reality in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.
  6. Ambition's consequences in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
  7. Power in George Orwell's Animal Farm.
  8. Role of nature in Jack London's Call of the Wild.
  9. Innocence in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.
  10. J.D. Salinger's use of first-person narrative in Catcher in the Rye.
  11. Conflict of individual versus society in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
  12. Isolation in Franz Kafka's Metamorphosis.
  13. Friendship in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
  14. Social class in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
  15. Gender roles in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women.

Interesting Literary Analysis Topics

Are you looking for something more mind-blowing? Consider these interesting literary analysis essay topics ideas to shake things up a bit:

  1. Irony in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
  2. Satire in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels.
  3. Perspective shifts in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying.
  4. Justice in Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman.
  5. Power dynamics in Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men.
  6. Fear in Stephen King's The Shining.
  7. Identity crisis in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.
  8. Spiritual growth in Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha.
  9. Betrayal in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go.
  10. Symbolism in Toni Morrison's Beloved.
  11. Freedom in Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.
  12. Class struggle in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
  13. Portrayal of war in Joseph Heller's Catch-22.
  14. Obsession in Oscar Wilde's Picture of Dorian Gray.
  15. Romanticism in J.M Barrie's Peter Pan.

Unique Literary Analysis Essay Topics

When it comes to a literary analysis paper, standing out from the crowd can make all the difference. If you're looking to bring a touch of uniqueness to your writing, consider one of these these distinctive literary analysis prompts:

  1. Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
  2. Portrayal of rebellion in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
  3. Maternal relationships in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.
  4. Existentialism in Albert Camus' The Stranger.
  5. Deceit in Arthur Miller's The Crucible.
  6. Quest for identity in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.
  7. Treatment of time in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.
  8. Pride in Sophocles' Antigone.
  9. Role of memory in Toni Morrison's Beloved.
  10. Perspective and truth in Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner.
  11. Portrayal of destiny in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles.
  12. Madness in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper.
  13. Courage and survival in Markus Zusak's The Book Thief.
  14. Role of society in George Orwell's 1984.
  15. Youth and age in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.

Best Literature Essay Topics

Are you ready to take your analysis to the next level? Take a look at these top-notch literary topics for essays, each one carefully crafted for an A+ analysis essay:

  1. Challenging societal norms in Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House.
  2. Portrayal of love in Pablo Neruda's poetry.
  3. Loss and grief in Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking.
  4. Paradox in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.
  5. Representation of animals in Jack London's The Call of the Wild.
  6. Disillusionment in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night.
  7. Trauma and healing in Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns.
  8. Use of language in James Joyce's Ulysses.
  9. Quest for identity in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.
  10. Portrayal of family in August Wilson's Fences.
  11. Loyalty in Homer's Iliad.
  12. Portrayal of survival in Cormac McCarthy's The Road.
  13. Duality in Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
  14. Isolation in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
  15. Influence of society in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

Easy Literary Analysis Title Examples

If you are a novice or prefer simple literary analysis essay ideas, this list is for you.

  1. Uncovering themes in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  2. The symbolism in Lord of the Flies.
  3. Understanding character development in Great Expectations.
  4. Love and relationships in Pride and Prejudice.
  5. The role of setting in Wuthering Heights.
  6. Morality in Moby Dick.
  7. Exploring imagery in The Great Gatsby.
  8. Power dynamics in Animal Farm.
  9. Social critique in Brave New World.
  10. Conflict in Romeo and Juliet.
  11. Identity and culture in The Namesake.
  12. Supernatural elements in Macbeth.
  13. The quest for freedom in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
  14. Aging and time in The Old Man and the Sea.
  15. Survival in Life of Pi.

Topics for Literary Analysis in Different Genre

Exploring different genres can add a whole new dimension to your literary analysis. Whether it's the captivating world-building of fantasy or the futuristic visions of science fiction, each genre offers a bunch of literary analysis ideas for any taste. Check out the following literary analysis essay topics sorted by genre:

  1. Utopian ideals in H.G. Wells' The Time Machine.
  2. Symbols and motifs in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
  3. Suspense in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
  4. Love in Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook.
  5. Representation of war in Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth.
  6. Humanity in Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
  7. Courage in C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
  8. Justice in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series.
  9. Conflict in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
  10. Time in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series.
  11. Portrayal of technology in William Gibson's Neuromancer.
  12. Good versus evil in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.
  13. Clues in Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue.
  14. Portrayal of passion in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
  15. Use of historical detail in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall.

American Literature Essay Topics

American literature has produced some of the most iconic works in history. Take a glance at these essay topics for American literature analysis essay topics to get motivated:

  1. Racial tensions in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.
  2. Transcendentalism in Walden.
  3. Role of women in The Scarlet Letter.
  4. Slavery and freedom in Beloved.
  5. The meaning of home in Langston Hughes' poetry.
  6. Masculinity and honor in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises.
  7. Individualism in On the Road.
  8. Illusion versus reality in Death of a Salesman.
  9. Navigating adolescence in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
  10. Tragic hero in A Streetcar Named Desire.
  11. Consequences of power in The Crucible.
  12. Love and loss in The Fault in Our Stars.
  13. Identity in Invisible Man.
  14. Nature and the self in Leaves of Grass.
  15. Religion and faith in The Poisonwood Bible.

English Literature Essay Topics

If you are a British literature enthusiast, don’t skip this list. Below, we have collected the most trending literary analysis title examples in English literature:

  1. Class struggle in Dickens' Oliver Twist.
  2. Mysticism in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.
  3. Misogyny in Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
  4. Role of weather in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.
  5. Duality in Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
  6. Satire of Victorian Era in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest.
  7. Subversion of romance in Jane Austen's Emma.
  8. Landscape and memory in Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd.
  9. War and its effects in Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front.
  10. Power and corruption in George Orwell's Animal Farm.
  11. Maturation in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre.
  12. Religious doubt in Graham Greene's The End of the Affair.
  13. Time and consciousness in Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse.
  14. Subconscious in D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers.
  15. Rebellion against society in Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.

Literary Analysis Topics for Students

We've carefully curated literary analysis essay topics suitable for students at different levels of education. From high school to college, there's something for everyone. We've categorized these topics for a literary analysis essay according to academic level to help you find what fits your needs best. Are you ready to dive in? Get prepared to discover literary analysis title ideas that will make your writing process an absolute pleasure.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for Middle School Students 

  1. Understanding friendship in The Outsiders.
  2. Lessons about tolerance in Wonder.
  3. Courage and bravery in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
  4. The importance of individuality in A Wrinkle in Time.
  5. Family and identity in The Giver.
  6. The theme of adventure in Treasure Island.
  7. Life lessons in Charlotte’s Web.
  8. Overcoming obstacles in Bridge to Terabithia.
  9. The impact of rumors in The Watsons Go to Birmingham.
  10. Symbolism in Tuck Everlasting.
  11. The significance of heritage in Esperanza Rising.
  12. Power of persistence in Hatchet.
  13. Examining the hero's journey in Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief.
  14. Struggles with fairness in The Westing Game.
  15. The role of honesty in The Secret Garden.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for High School Students

  1. Tragic love in Romeo and Juliet.
  2. Prejudice and racism in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  3. The dangers of ambition in Macbeth.
  4. The importance of friendship in The Outsiders.
  5. Symbolism in The Great Gatsby.
  6. Coming of age in The Catcher in the Rye.
  7. Man versus nature in Moby Dick.
  8. Power and corruption in Animal Farm.
  9. Morality in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
  10. The impact of war in All Quiet on the Western Front.
  11. Human nature in Lord of the Flies.
  12. The role of the American dream in Death of a Salesman.
  13. Heroism in Beowulf.
  14. Innocence and experience in Catch-22.
  15. Dystopian society in Fahrenheit 451.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics for College Students

  1. Irony and satire in Pride and Prejudice.
  2. Freedom in A Doll's House.
  3. Role of madness in Hamlet.
  4. Colonialism and its impacts in Heart of Darkness.
  5. Alienation and isolation in The Metamorphosis.
  6. Tragedy and fate in Oedipus Rex.
  7. Exploring human consciousness in Mrs. Dalloway.
  8. Modernism in Ulysses.
  9. Language and power in 1984.
  10. Identity and society in Invisible Man.
  11. Existentialism in Waiting for Godot.
  12. Feminism and gender roles in The Yellow Wallpaper.
  13. Justice and judgment in Crime and Punishment.
  14. The influence of society on individuals in A Streetcar Named Desire.
  15. Role of memory in Remembrance of Things Past.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics in Poetry

Poetry has a unique way of touching our hearts and minds. Poem analysis can reveal hidden meanings behind the verses. If you're searching for literary analysis essay topics with a focus on poetry, check out some pointers in the sections below.

Romeo and Juliet Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Fate and destiny in Romeo and Juliet.
  2. Masculinity and its influence on the characters' actions.
  3. The impact of family feuds on individual choices in Romeo and Juliet.
  4. Concept of time in Romeo and Juliet.
  5. Understanding love at first sight through Romeo and Juliet.
  6. The juxtaposition of love and violence in the play.
  7. Secret identities and deception in Romeo and Juliet.
  8. The influence of peer pressure on the events of Romeo and Juliet.
  9. Contrasting views of love: Exploring the perspectives of Romeo, Juliet, and other characters.
  10. Dreams and omens in Romeo and Juliet.

Hamlet Literary Analysis Essay Topics Ideas

  1. Hamlet's madness: Genuine condition or clever ruse?
  2. Revenge and its destructive consequences.
  3. Role of women: Analyzing the characters of Gertrude and Ophelia.
  4. Appearance versus reality: The dichotomy of disguise and deceit.
  5. Hamlet's soliloquies: A window into his psyche and moral dilemmas.
  6. The tragic flaw of Hamlet.
  7. The ghost of King Hamlet: Its role and significance.
  8. Corruption and decay in Hamlet's kingdom.
  9. Father-son relationships in Hamlet.
  10. Morality and ethical decision-making in Hamlet.

Macbeth Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Supernatural elements in Macbeth.
  2. Moral decline of Macbeth throughout the play.
  3. Lady Macbeth's role in Macbeth's ambition and actions.
  4. Guilt and its consequences in Macbeth.
  5. The power of prophecy and its impact on Macbeth's decisions.
  6. Role of sleep and sleeplessness in the play.
  7. The symbolism of blood in Macbeth.
  8. Disorder and chaos in Macbeth.
  9. The transformation of Lady Macbeth's character over the course of the play.
  10. The portrayal of kingship and tyranny in Macbeth.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics Ideas & Prompts

Still can’t find a topic? Scroll down to spot more fantastic literary analysis writing prompts and ideas, categorized by popular works. Whether you're analyzing character development, theme, or narrative style, you will definitely recognize some good literary analysis topics ideas.

Frankenstein Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Role of nature in shaping the characters of Frankenstein.
  2. Dangers of unchecked ambition in Frankenstein.
  3. Impact of isolation on Victor Frankenstein and his creature.
  4. Women in Frankenstein's world.
  5. Creator and creation in Frankenstein.
  6. Creature’s desire for companionship.
  7. Frankenstein as a critique of enlightenment ideals.
  8. Concept of 'otherness' in Frankenstein.
  9. Knowledge and ignorance in Frankenstein.
  10. Comparing Victor Frankenstein and his creature.

Beowulf Literary Analysis Essay Prompts

  1. Heroism in Beowulf.
  2. Christian and pagan elements in Beowulf.
  3. Lineage and ancestry in Beowulf.
  4. The symbolism of monsters in Beowulf.
  5. The representation of kingship in Beowulf.
  6. Fame and reputation.
  7. Treasure and gift-giving in Beowulf.
  8. Loyalty in the world of Beowulf.
  9. Good versus evil in Beowulf.
  10. Beowulf's three battles: A comparative analysis.

The Great Gatsby Literary Analysis Topics

  1. Destructive power of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby.
  2. Social classes in The Great Gatsby.
  3. Motif of the 'green light' in The Great Gatsby.
  4. Illusion versus reality in The Great Gatsby.
  5. Time and the past in The Great Gatsby.
  6. The role of geography and setting.
  7. The portrayal of love and desire.
  8. Significance of Gatsby's parties in the novel.
  9. Symbolism of the 'Valley of Ashes' in The Great Gatsby.
  10. Nick Carraway as an unreliable narrator.

Fahrenheit 451 Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Censorship and its impact on society in Fahrenheit 451.
  2. Technology in Fahrenheit 451's dystopian society.
  3. Symbolism of fire.
  4. Motif of mirrors in Fahrenheit 451.
  5. Individuality versus conformity in Fahrenheit 451.
  6. Portrayal of reading and books in Fahrenheit 451.
  7. Mechanical hound and its role.
  8. The impact of isolation and disconnection in Fahrenheit 451.
  9. Happiness and fulfillment represented in the book.
  10. Symbolism of the phoenix in Fahrenheit 451.

Othello Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. The impact of jealousy on the characters of Othello.
  2. Race and racism in Othello.
  3. Manipulation and its role in this play.
  4. Representation of women in Othello.
  5. Appearance versus reality in Othello.
  6. Reputation and honor in this play.
  7. Impact of insecurities on the character of Othello.
  8. Role Desdemona's handkerchief plays.
  9. Motif of animals in Othello.
  10. Friendship and betrayal as represented in this play.

The Catcher In The Rye Literary Analysis Topics

  1. How does Salinger represent teen angst in Catcher in the Rye?
  2. Role of Phoebe in Holden Caulfield's life.
  3. Analysis of Holden's perception of adulthood.
  4. Symbolic meaning of the Museum of Natural History.
  5. Red hunting hat as a symbol of isolation.
  6. Salinger's portrayal of mental illness through Holden.
  7. Relevance of the carrousel scene at the end of this novel.
  8. Language and narrative style in Catcher in the Rye.
  9. Understanding Holden's relationships with other characters.
  10. How does this title relate to Holden's personality and actions?

The Crucible Literary Analysis Topics

  1. Fear and hysteria as represented in The Crucible.
  2. Power dynamics in Salem's society.
  3. John Proctor's character development throughout this play.
  4. Abigail Williams' motivations.
  5. Analysis of Arthur Miller's use of historical events.
  6. Symbolism of the witch trials.
  7. Religion and how it is represented in The Crucible.
  8. Comparing the characters: Elizabeth Proctor vs. Abigail Williams.
  9. Suspicion and paranoia in this play.
  10. Relevance of The Crucible in today's society.

1984 Literary Essay Topics

  1. George Orwell's depiction of totalitarianism.
  2. Concept of Newspeak.
  3. Surveillance and control in 1984.
  4. Winston's rebellion against the Party.
  5. Symbolism of the glass paperweight.
  6. Analysis of the Party's manipulation of history.
  7. Role of Big Brother in this novel.
  8. ulia's character and her contrast to Winston.
  9. Significance of Room 101.
  10. Doublethink and its influence on citizens' mentality.

The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Mrs. Mallard's freedom and confinement.
  2. Irony in The Story of an Hour.
  3. Theme of time in this short story.
  4. Heart and it symbolism.
  5. Portrayal of marriage in The Story of an Hour.
  6. Significance of the open window.
  7. Railroad and its role in this story.
  8. How does Mrs. Mallard's reaction reflect societal norms?
  9. Analysis of Louise's transformation.
  10. Representation of life and death.

The Cask of Amontillado Literary Analysis Ideas

  1. Revenge in The Cask of Amontillado.
  2. Significance of setting in this story.
  3. Symbolism of the cask.
  4. Montresor as an unreliable narrator.
  5. Concept of pride in this story.
  6. Foreshadowing in The Cask of Amontillado.
  7. Contrast between Montresor and Fortunato.
  8. Motif of disguise and deception.
  9. Exploring the concept of madness.
  10. How does the catacomb setting contribute to the story's tone?

Pride and Prejudice Literary Analysis Prompts

  1. First impressions in Pride and Prejudice.
  2. Jane Austen's portrayal of marriage and social status.
  3. The theme of pride in this novel.
  4. Understanding the character of Mr. Darcy.
  5. Significance of the title in understanding this novel.
  6. Contrasting characters of Elizabeth and Jane.
  7. Letters and their role in Pride and Prejudice.
  8. Social hierarchy and class in this novel.
  9. Theme of family in Pride and Prejudice.
  10. Lydia and her impact on the plot.

Kafka’s Metamorphosis Literary Analysis Title Examples

  1. Exploring Gregor Samsa's transformation.
  2. Kafka’s portrayal of family relationships.
  3. Symbolism of the apple in Metamorphosis.
  4. How does Kafka depict the human condition?
  5. Understanding Grete's role in this story.
  6. Kafka's commentary on work and responsibility.
  7. Gregor's room as a symbol of his inner state.
  8. Role of dehumanization in Metamorphosis.
  9. Kafka's style in conveying existentialist themes.
  10. Understanding the character of Mr. Samsa.

Topics for Literary Analysis of The Odyssey

  1. Role of hospitality in ancient Greek society.
  2. Examination of Odysseus as a hero.
  3. Vengeance in The Odyssey.
  4. Significance of the Underworld.
  5. Role of gods and goddesses in the plot.
  6. Women characters in The Odyssey.
  7. Understanding Telemachus' character arc.
  8. Significance of Ithaca in Odysseus’ journey.
  9. Analysis of deception.
  10. Circe: Character analysis.

The Old Man and the Sea Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Perseverance in Hemingway's novel.
  2. Analyzing Santiago's relationship with the sea.
  3. Significance of Santiago's dreams about lions.
  4. Hemingway's portrayal of friendship and camaraderie.
  5. Symbolism of the marlin.
  6. The sea and its significance in Santiago's journey.
  7. Heroism as depicted in this novel.
  8. Role of nature and its depiction.
  9. Santiago's hand injury and its symbolic meaning.
  10. Defeat and its role in shaping Santiago’s character.

Jane Eyre Literary Analysis Topics

  1. Gothic elements in Jane Eyre.
  2. Concept of the madwoman in the attic.
  3. Religion in Jane's life and development.
  4. Portrayal of women's independence in the novel.
  5. Significance of Thornfield Hall.
  6. Motif of fire and ice in Jane Eyre.
  7. Examining the character of Mr. Rochester.
  8. Understanding the role of Adele in this novel.
  9. Analyzing forgiveness.
  10. Jane’s quest for self-identity and belonging.

The Scarlet Letter Literary Topics for Essays

  1. Sin and guilt and how they are depicted.
  2. Symbolism of the scarlet letter 'A'.
  3. Understanding Hester Prynne's character development.
  4. Role of Pearl as a symbol.
  5. Exploration of hypocrisy.
  6. Examination of the Puritan society.
  7. Roger Chillingworth as a character.
  8. Role of secrets and hidden identities.
  9. Significance of the forest and the town.
  10. Portrayal of women in The Scarlet Letter.

Of Mice and Men Literary Analysis Essay Ideas

  1. Lennie's dream and its impact on this story.
  2. How does Steinbeck present George and Lennie's friendship?
  3. Decoding symbolism in Of Mice and Men.
  4. Loneliness in this novel.
  5. Analyzing Steinbeck's portrayal of the American Dream.
  6. Unraveling Curley's wife's character.
  7. A critical look at attitudes towards women.
  8. Analysis of power dynamics in Of Mice and Men.
  9. Steinbeck’s depiction of life during the Great Depression.
  10. Understanding the tragic end: Was there an alternative?

Lord of the Flies Literary Analysis Titles

  1. Loss of innocence in Lord of the Flies.
  2. Power struggle: Analyzing leadership styles of Jack and Ralph.
  3. Deconstructing the symbol of 'beast' in the novel.
  4. Golding’s portrayal of the thin veneer of civilization.
  5. Survival instincts in Lord of the Flies.
  6. Motif of the conch shell in this novel.
  7. Exploring fear and its implications.
  8. Golding's view on human nature.
  9. A critical look at the novel's ending.
  10. Understanding the novel’s allegorical elements.

To Kill a Mockingbird Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Racial injustice in this novel.
  2. How does Scout's perspective shape the narrative?
  3. Harper Lee's portrayal of small-town life in the South.
  4. Moral education in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  5. Understanding Boo Radley's impact on this story.
  6. Symbolism in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  7. Analysis of Atticus Finch's parenting style.
  8. Class structure in Maycomb County.
  9. Gender roles in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  10. Bravery in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics & Title Ideas by Themes

Are you interested in how the good is represented in literature. Or, want to explore the dark side of human nature? No matter what theme you’re analyzing, these literary analysis topics will surely help you get your gears turning.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Education

  1. Exploring education's impact in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  2. Jane Eyre's education and its effects on her life.
  3. Learning and wisdom in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.
  4. Views on education in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
  5. Education’s role in the development of Huck Finn.
  6. Value of practical knowledge in Moby-Dick.
  7. Understanding Malvolio’s wisdom in Twelfth Night.
  8. How The Great Gatsby criticizes education in the 1920s.
  9. Education as liberation in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
  10. Women's education in Pride and Prejudice.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Religion 

  1. Understanding religious allegory in Lord of the Flies.
  2. Christian symbolism in The Chronicles of Narnia.
  3. Religion’s impact on communities in The Poisonwood Bible.
  4. Religious imagery in William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience.
  5. Criticism of the church in The Canterbury Tales.
  6. Dystopian views of religion in Brave New World.
  7. How The Scarlet Letter deals with religion and sin.
  8. Portrayal of religious hypocrisy in Huckleberry Finn.
  9. Religious aspects in Paradise Lost.
  10. Comparing religious symbolism in Moby Dick and Billy Budd.

Literary Analysis Essay Topics on Race

  1. Discussing racial prejudices in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  2. Understanding racial disparities in The Color Purple.
  3. Representation of race in Othello.
  4. Racial discrimination in Nella Larsen's Passing.
  5. Concept of race in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
  6. Racial dynamics in Go Set a Watchman.
  7. Racial identity in The Bluest Eye.
  8. Race and identity in Invisible Man.
  9. Racial politics in James Baldwin's Go Tell It On The Mountain.
  10. Racial tensions in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.

War and Peace Literary Analysis Essay Topics

  1. Understanding war's impact in All Quiet on the Western Front.
  2. Depiction of warfare in War and Peace.
  3. Post-war society in The Sun Also Rises.
  4. Effects of war on Mrs. Dalloway.
  5. Concept of peace in A Separate Peace.
  6. Interpreting war in Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls.
  7. Post-war life in The Catcher in the Rye.
  8. Pacifist messages in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.
  9. Consequences of war in A Farewell to Arms.
  10. Portrayal of war in The Red Badge of Courage.

Literary Analysis Topics on Justice and Judgment

  1. Concept of justice in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
  2. Justice and injustice in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.
  3. Judgment in Jane Austen’s Emma.
  4. Analyzing justice in George Orwell's 1984.
  5. Exploring judgment in Pride and Prejudice.
  6. Justice in A Tale of Two Cities.
  7. Critique of justice in William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.
  8. Judgment in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.
  9. Justice in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables.
  10. Portrayal of justice in The Merchant of Venice.

Literary Analysis Ideas About Good and Evil

  1. Good and evil in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
  2. Good vs evil in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.
  3. Struggle between good and evil in Moby-Dick.
  4. Dichotomy of good and evil in To Kill a Mockingbird.
  5. Conflict of good and evil in The Lord of the Rings.
  6. Good and evil in Golding's Lord of the Flies.
  7. Representation of good and evil in Heart of Darkness.
  8. Exploration of good and evil in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  9. How Bram Stoker’s Dracula deals with good and evil.
  10. Examining the balance of good and evil in Macbeth.

Bottom Line on Literary Analysis Essay Topics

When you're dealing with a literary analysis paper, it can be overwhelming to come up with unique topics. The trick is finding the perfect topic that you will be excited to work with. These literary analysis ideas should help get you started in the right direction. From time-tested classics to more modern works, we focused on different themes so you can pick the one you like.

Remember, in academics, there's always room for some expert advice and help. Why not lean on seasoned professionals to guide your way? Our team at StudyCrumb is here to assist you, providing expert-level guidance for your writing.

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Article posted on:Jul 12, 2023
Article updated on:Apr 20, 2024

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