Literary Analysis Essay Comparing Texts with Similar Themes

Literary analysis essay assignment where students compare and contrast two texts through a shared theme/main idea and supporting details. Great year round activity, capstone writing project, or end of the year assignment / end of course essay assignment if you want to have students compare other texts (books, poems, short stories, articles etc.) that they read in class!

Students will:

- Choose two texts and analyze how characters have developed throughout.
- Look for theme topics (main ideas) that are present throughout the text.
- Choose a strong theme topic they believe is prevalent in both texts.
- Identify and explain how specific characters and events from both books relate to the theme topic.
- Create a theme statement (lesson/message) they believe both authors are trying to convey in their book.
Write a literary analysis essay linking the two texts based on the shared theme.
 

RESOURCE BREAKDOWN

Print and digital versions available!

- PDF
- Google™ Slides
 

Lesson Pages:

1. Character Analysis Worksheet

- Students analyze how specific characters developed throughout each text through specific events and interactions with other characters.This helps students recall major events, characters and character relationships from the texts they read.
 
- Four Answer keys included!
 
2. Theme Info Sheet defining theme topic vs theme statement.

- Theme topic: broad; 1-2 words; repeated throughout text - (ex: adventure)

- Theme statement: message/lesson the author reveals through the theme topic (ex: Adventure can sometimes keep you from the people you love the most.)
 
3. Venn Diagram

Compare and contrast two texts to identify theme topics both texts share as well as themes that are different.

4. Graphic Organizer

Choose a theme topic they believe both texts share and identify and explain how specific characters, settings and events relate to/develop the theme.
 
5. Theme Statement

- Students create a theme statement detailing the message/lesson the author is repeating throughout the text

Example:

Theme topic: Adventure

Theme statement: Adventure can sometimes keep you from the people you love the most.
 
- Two different versions included: one chart and one graphic organizer

- Three answer keys included

6. Essay Prompt

Editable essay prompt sheet with helpful hints for students to use to structure their essay.

FILE FORMAT

File Type: PDF, Microsoft Word & Google Slides
Editable: Partial

 
Total Pages: 50
Content Pages: 38