How do I write a analytical paragraph for literature essay?

Firstly, you must begin with a topic sentence. This is a sentence which clearly and concisely conveys your response to the question. For example, if you are asked to explore the theme of ambition in Macbeth you may choose to relate this to a central character. Thus, your topic sentence may read like this, 'Shakespeare explores the theme of ambition through the portrayal of Lady Macbeth.' Following this, you must select an appropriate quote from the text and be prepared to label it with literary terms. For example, in Act one scene five Lady Macbeth says 'look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under't.' You could pick up on the fact that this is a simile as well as a biblical allusion to the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a common symbol of deception, temptation and evil. As well as labelling the quote you must explain it in its context, this would mean highlighting the fact that Lady Macbeth is manipulating her husband and using him as a means to achieve her own corrupt ambitions.   Finally, it is crucial that you integrate historical or literary contexts in order to achieve maximum marks. Through explaining the biblical allusion and referring to the fact that Shakespeare's early modern audience would have been protestant you may highlight the significance of this symbol. You could also reference attitudes to gender at the time such as the restrictions on female autonomy at the time. It is necessary for Lady Macbeth to use Macbeth as a proxy as she lacks the power to act on her own ambition. To conclude your analytical paragraph you must link back to the question and develop your initial topic sentence in response to the explanation you have provided. For example, 'therefore Shakespeare explores ambition through Lady Macbeth's manipulation of her husband, he particularly utilises biblical allusions to highlight the corruption associated with the theme of ambition more widely in the play.'