Thursday, September 28th, 2023

Literature is no doubt a fascinating subject, especially if you are a lover of books, novels and the fictional world. However, when you are bombarded with complex essays back to back, it makes you wonder if studying this subject is worth it or not.

But don’t worry. We heard your requests and saw your constant struggles with English Literature essays. And that is why we’re starting a new essay series on English literature. In this series, we’ll be covering a variety of topics, from how to analyze a poem to how to write a research paper on a novel.

So, whether you are a college student or a high school senior, this series is something you shouldn’t miss out on!

Now, shall we get started with our first instalment in this series?

Let’s go!

English Literature Essay Series #1:  How to Write Essay on My Favorite Author

Imagine being tasked with writing an essay about someone whose words have inspired, comforted, or enchanted you over the years. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? It’s a chance to explore the work of someone you admire and share your insights with others.

But where do you start? Well, that’s precisely what we’re going to discuss today.

Continue Reading below to find out how to write a winning essay on my favourite author.

1.      Choosing the Right Author: Consider Your Personal Interests and Preferences

The first step is to select an author who resonates with you on a personal level. Think about the books that have left an indelible mark on your heart and mind. Who authored them? Whose words have a special place in your literary affections?

Your choice should reflect your personal interests and preferences, as it will be easier to convey your passion in your essay if you genuinely admire the author.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right author for your essay:

• Choose an author whose work you’re familiar with. You should have read at least a few of their books, poems, or plays.
• Choose an author whose work you’re passionate about. You should be excited to write about their work and share your insights with others.
• Choose an author who has had a significant impact on literature. This could be an author who has won major awards, influenced other writers, or helped to shape a particular genre or movement.

2.      Researching the Author: Gather Information about Their Background, Works, and Writing Style

Once you’ve chosen your favourite author, it’s time to dig into research. Explore their biography, upbringing, education, and any significant life experiences that may have influenced their writing.

Dive into their works, not just to enjoy them again but to dissect their themes, characters, and literary techniques.

Here are some resources you can use to research your author:

• Books and articles about the author
• Interviews with the author
• Literary criticism of the author’s work
• The author’s own website and social media accounts

As you research, pay attention to the following:

• The author’s upbringing and education
• The author’s literary inspirations
• The author’s writing style and techniques
• The author’s major works and their themes

3.      Developing a Thesis Statement: Identify the Main Argument or Theme of Your Essay

Your thesis statement is the heart of your essay. It should encapsulate the main argument or theme you plan to explore. For instance, if you’re writing about Jane Austen, your thesis might revolve around her witty social commentary and its enduring relevance. For example,

Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice is a classic love story that explores the themes of social class, gender roles, and marriage.

To develop a thesis statement, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I want to say about my chosen author?
• What is the main point I want to make about their work?
• What evidence can I use to support my thesis statement?

4.      Structuring Your Essay: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion

Every great essay has a well-structured framework. A typical essay consists of these three main parts:

• Introduction: Engage your readers with an interesting hook and provide some background information on the author and their significance in the world of literature.
• Body Paragraphs: Follow the following outline to write your essay body of a literary essay:

• Conclusion: Sum up your main arguments, restate your thesis, and leave your readers with a lasting impression.

5.      Writing the Introduction: Engage the Reader with an Interesting Hook and Provide Background Information on the Author

The introduction is your chance to hook the reader and make them want to read the rest of your essay. Start with an intriguing hook—a compelling quote, a thought-provoking question, or a fascinating anecdote related to your author. Then, provide some background information about the author and their significance in the literary world.

6.      Discussing the Author’s Background and Influences: Explore Their Upbringing, Education, and Literary Inspirations

In this section, delve into your author’s life. What events and experiences shaped their worldview? Did their education play a role in their writing style? Highlight the influences and inspirations that set the stage for their literary journey.

For instance, if you’re writing about Fyodor Dostoevsky, you might explore how his time in a Siberian labour camp influenced the themes of suffering and redemption in his novels. Understanding these aspects of your author’s life can provide valuable insights into their work.

7.      Analyzing the Author’s Works: Select Key Novels, Poems, or Plays to Discuss In-Depth, Highlighting Their Themes and Literary Techniques

Now, it’s time to dive into the heart of your essay—the analysis of your author’s works. Select a few key pieces and dissect them. Discuss the recurring themes, character development, and literary techniques that make your author’s writing unique.

For instance, if you’re exploring Ernest Hemingway, you might analyze his sparse prose and its impact on storytelling. Discuss how his economical use of language creates a sense of tension and subtext in works like “The Old Man and the Sea” or “A Farewell to Arms.”

8.      Exploring the Author’s Impact on Literature: Discuss How Their Works Have Influenced Other Writers or Shaped a Particular Genre or Movement

Every great author leaves an imprint on the literary landscape. Explore how your favourite author’s works have influenced other writers or even shaped a particular genre or literary movement.

If you’re focusing on William Shakespeare, for example, you could discuss his profound influence on the English language, the development of the Shakespearean sonnet, and how his themes of love, power, and human nature continue to resonate in modern literature and drama.

9.      Expressing Personal Connection and Admiration for the Author: Share Your Own Thoughts Related to Their Work

This is the part where you get personal. Share your perception of the author’s work. How did their words resonate with you? Did their stories help you through a challenging time? Connecting your personal experiences to their work adds depth to your essay.

For instance, if you’re writing about Harper Lee, you might share how “To Kill a Mockingbird” opened your eyes to issues of social justice and racial inequality. Share anecdotes of how this book made you reflect on your own values and perceptions.

10.  Concluding Your Essay: Sum Up Your Main Points and Leave the Reader with a Lasting Impression

In your conclusion, summarize the main points you’ve discussed throughout the essay. Reiterate your admiration for the author and the impact their work has had on you. Leave the reader with a lasting impression, perhaps by reflecting on the enduring relevance of your author’s writings.

For example, in concluding an essay on Toni Morrison, you could emphasize how her exploration of African American identity, history, and trauma in novels like “Beloved” continues to provoke important discussions about race and memory in contemporary society.

11.  Famous Authors, You Can Write an Essay On

If you’re still unsure which author to choose, here’s a list of famous authors to consider:

1. William Shakespeare: The Bard of Avon, known for his timeless plays and sonnets.
2. Jane Austen: The master of social commentary and witty romances.
3. Ernest Hemingway: The iconic writer of the “Lost Generation” known for his concise and impactful prose.
4. Harper Lee: The writer of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a classic exploring themes of racial injustice.
5. K. Rowling: The author of the magical world of Harry Potter, beloved by readers of all ages.
6. Fyodor Dostoevsky: A Russian literary writer known for his profound exploration of human psychology.
7. Toni Morrison: A Nobel laureate celebrated for her influential novels addressing African-American experiences.
8. Gabriel Garcia Marquez: The Colombian author famous for his magical realism.

And that’s A Wrap!

So, what do you think of our first episode of English Literature Essays Made Easy Series? Did you like or was there something missing? Let us know your thoughts, along with what problem our next episode or series should be about, in the comments below.

Until then, let’s meet again with a new episode of this series!

kenneth