How to write a literary essay
A literary essay presents the writer’s response to a text/film. This response is interpretive,
evaluative and reflective. Arguments are presented and supported by reference to the text.
Evidence can take the form of referring to events, character development, symbolism and
themes presented by the text. The language of the text (or the visual elements of a film) may
also be explored and shown to possess particular linguistic and literary qualities. The style is
formal but not necessarily drily objective. Literary essays combine analytical thinking with
attention to detail. A good literary essay should show independent and original thinking, where
you as the writer get to demonstrate your understanding of the text and its central issues by
selecting moments and short quotes and by using observations that you have made and
thought deeply about. A good literary essay will show maturity of thought, an argument
developed in a focused and logical way, and a good command of language.
Step 1: The Question
(Discuss whether or not Black Panther deserves to be recognised as an innovative film for they
way it represents African culture on the big screen.)
Read the question with great care, paying careful attention to the use of specific words and
phrases. Think about how you will respond to the question and which side of the issue you will
stand on. Also think about how you will “unpack” the question and show the marker that you
understand the central issues at stake. Try NOT to simply repeat the question. Respond to it in a
way that shows you can understand the words in the question and that you can apply it to the
text. Out of this will come your introduction.
Make sure that your introduction:
Introduces the name of the text (underlined) and the author.
Shows that you understand the question. Clearly provides your response to the question i.e the
argument you will make. (Do not sit on the fence). Briefly, outlines what you will
use/analysis/consider to back up your position.
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A literary essay presents the writer’s response to a text/film. This response is interpretive,
evaluative and reflective. Arguments are presented and supported by reference to the text.
Evidence can take the form of referring to events, character development, symbolism and
themes presented by the text. The language of the text (or the visual elements of a film) may
also be explored and shown to possess particular linguistic and literary qualities. The style is
formal but not necessarily drily objective. Literary essays combine analytical thinking with
attention to detail. A good literary essay should show independent and original thinking, where
you as the writer get to demonstrate your understanding of the text and its central issues by
selecting moments and short quotes and by using observations that you have made and
thought deeply about. A good literary essay will show maturity of thought, an argument
developed in a focused and logical way, and a good command of language.
Step 1: The Question
(Discuss whether or not Black Panther deserves to be recognised as an innovative film for they
way it represents African culture on the big screen.)
Read the question with great care, paying careful attention to the use of specific words and
phrases. Think about how you will respond to the question and which side of the issue you will
stand on. Also think about how you will “unpack” the question and show the marker that you
understand the central issues at stake. Try NOT to simply repeat the question. Respond to it in a
way that shows you can understand the words in the question and that you can apply it to the
text. Out of this will come your introduction.
Make sure that your introduction:
Introduces the name of the text (underlined) and the author.
Shows that you understand the question. Clearly provides your response to the question i.e the
argument you will make. (Do not sit on the fence). Briefly, outlines what you will
use/analysis/consider to back up your position.
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