How can I analyse a quotation in depth to use in an essay question?

When analysing a quotation closely, it is important to think first about how it is significant for the piece of work as a whole. This is essential for utilising information gleaned from a close analysis of a quotation in an essay. The author of the text has chosen the structure, language and form of the quotation to serve a particular purpose- either to illustrate aspects of a character’s personality, in the usage of certain literary techniques or styles as well as to illuminate certain dimensions of a particular theme. Conclusions drawn from a quotation may also relate to the historical context of the piece of work or literary criticism you’ve studied.
Once you have an idea about the wider context of the quotation, then it is time to look at it’s individual components. Here you can look at the author’s choice of language in their use of pronouns, literary techniques and words that you find interesting. It’s also key to look at how the author uses punctuation, features of grammar, and, in certain cases metre, to uncover the more subtle nuances of the quotation. As long as you can argue your point about certain choices, you can be as creative as you like!
How do these choices relate to the wider context you thought about initially and the wider subject of your essay question? It’s important to note here that everything you’ve uncovered in your close analysis of the quotation may not be relevant to this and it’s key for crafting a successful answer to only use what you think is useful to your argument.
As as a brief and simple example, take this quote from King Lear: “Come not between the dragon and his wrath”. The use of the imperative “come” as well as strong and regular metre are utilised by Shakespeare to convey a sense of Lear’s regal power and confidence (analysis of language and metre). In the Elizabethan context, this depiction of a forceful and authoritative king connects to the idea of the divine right of kings (analysis of historical context). Coupled with Lear’s use of a metaphor to describe himself as a “dragon”, there is an sense conveyed that to defy the king’s all-powerful and god-given influence is not only foolish but also dangerous (connecting analysis of language to historical context).