5. Like the protagonist, an antagonist can be an appealing character to readers for many reasons. Even though an
antagonist typically reveals the darker side of human nature, his or her characteristics can be essential to the theme of
the work. Choose an antagonist with identifiable negative qualities and describe them, in addition to, or in relation to,
his or her behavior in the work. How does this character express a specific connection to a theme that the author is
attempting to convey?
• Remember to focus on one antagonist and his or her darker qualities
• Provide evidence of reasons, details, and actions that help express the theme of the work
© Noelle Franzen 2017
Literary Analysis Essay Prompts Name___________________________________
For your final assessment of this work of literature, you will write a literary analysis essay by developing an original thesis
statement responding to the one of the following prompts. Don’t over analyze these prompts. They are meant to help
guide your thinking, not define it. Remember, you are writing literary analysis, not prompt analysis.
1. Discuss the idea of dreams vs. reality in relation to a specific character.
2. How does the setting enhance the theme?
3. How is the time period in which the work is set related to the development of a specific character?
4. What are the effects of social class in the work?
5. Discuss the use of humor or satire in relation to a theme.
6. How does the author use a literary device to contribute to the mood of a work?
yohan from monster manga