II. Topic Ideas

When writing an essay on a text, you should consider this a “part to whole” style essay. This means you are taking one element (a “part”) of the text and relating it to the “whole.” How does this element contribute to the meaning of the work? What is its significance?

Some topic ideas related to characters:

• The significance of a minor character
• Analyze a relationship between two characters
• Contrast two characters
• Discuss the development of one character over time

Some topic ideas related to stylistic elements:

• Diction as a means of characterization
• Descriptive language as a means of characterization and establishing tone
• The effect of the narrative voice, tone, etc.
• Effects of imagery on mood
• Use of color, light/dark
• Symbolism used throughout the text