| A critical essay is not an essay to argue about a | | | | the literary work. This can be done by exploring the |
| particular literary work. It is rather a depiction of the | | | | woks of the author and discussing the same in your |
| author’s attitude. It is more of an analysis which | | | | critical essay. You must be specific about the points |
| deals with the point to point approach of an article or | | | | of discussion of the work, but it must also be |
| a book. The analysis done in a critical essay of an | | | | substantiated by the evidence and facts unearthed |
| article or book must have the following points: | | | | from the literary work. But a mere quotation will not |
| 1. A summarized version of the author’s point of | | | | do. What is required is going deep into the work and |
| view. This will include - | | | | finding the various nuances of it and using the facts |
| • A statement depicting the authors’ main | | | | to write the essay. The facts can also be taken from |
| idea | | | | the background of the author, the period the work |
| • A synopsis of the important facts and figures, | | | | was written or what other critics have to say of the |
| which is used to support the idea of the critical | | | | work. |
| essay. | | | | Another important aspect that needs to be |
| • The author’s explicit or implied values | | | | considered when writing a critical essay is that you |
| • The author’s concluding points an | | | | need to focus on one aspect of the literary work. |
| suggestive actions | | | | There is no point in looking at all aspects of the |
| 2. The evaluation of the work. This will include - | | | | work. Moreover the critical essay must be well |
| • Assessment of the facts, an whether any | | | | organized and each paragraph or section must |
| important aspects were missed out | | | | support the core idea of the essay. When quoting, |
| • An evaluation of the author’s argument | | | | ensure appropriate format, like MLA with proper |
| • Appraisal of the author's values | | | | citation at the end of the essay. |
| A critical essay needs to be informative. It is not | | | | In a critical essay there is no predetermined |
| about a personal opinion or belief. A critical essay is | | | | conclusion. The deduction may vary from person to |
| the study of a work of literature and is backed by | | | | person. Each individual has different outlook. How the |
| facts. It is all about fact finding and then critically | | | | person perceives the work and what facts he |
| study the work based on such ascertained facts. | | | | unearths from the book or article, will determine the |
| Whatever you write about the work must be | | | | ultimate result of the critical essay. |
| provable. It is not based on any assumptions. At | | | | Before writing a critical essay, take into consideration |
| times a critical essay can be based on the criticism | | | | all aspects it must contain and make sure you have a |
| provided by other essayists or critics. | | | | firm point of view about the work. |
| The critical essay may be based on new findings of | | | | |