Select a subject for the paper by choosing from a literary work, movie, television show, painting or political movement. Read and reread the work so that you are thoroughly familiar with it. Research your topic by using multiple sources and taking notes. Narrow your topic to a theme that you will be analyzing. For example, in the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, "The Fixer," by Bernard Malamud, consider the theme "man's inhumanity to man." Malamud focuses on his theme by emphasizing anti-semitism and citing examples of how this was prevalent in Russia in the 1900s. Adapt your essay to your topic and analyze how the author develops her theme.
Write a brief summary of the work you have chosen in order to familiarize the reader with the subject you will be reviewing. If you are using a novel, for example, add an analysis of the components of the novel. Write about the circumstances upon which the story revolves. Mention the setting by indicating where the story takes place. Describe the characters and the conflict they face in the plot. Look for evidence of a conflict, such as a physical fight or a psychological feeling of guilt for a certain action, and elaborate on this.
Determine the author's objective and purpose for writing the work that you selected. Write an outline based on the material from your research to give structure to the paper. Consider the objective as your guide. Include the important facts and ideas that the author uses to support these. Follow this with a rough draft of your ideas.
Analyze the techniques the author applies to reach his objective. If you are using a novel, discuss whether the story is written in narrative form and give examples accordingly. Determine if the author writes with vivid descriptions and evokes emotions from the reader. Look to see if the author uses realistic dialogue in developing the novel. Check if the author incorporates comparisons similar to the technique used in the short story, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." For example, the author in this case compares Mitty's imaginary thoughts to reality scenes. Give illustrations for your interpretations and judgment.
Determine whether the author achieves his purpose by asking if the author keeps the reader's attention by building on the circumstances described, thus making the reader want to know how the situation will be resolved. Consider, for example, a courtroom drama in which the reader is impatient to find out if the main character is guilty or innocent. Also, for evaluating a work, use other critics' ideas for comparing with your own.
Edit the paper and make the necessary corrections in grammar and spelling. Add a bibliography. Check that of all of your claims are proven. Rewrite and proofread a final copy before handing it in to the professor.