Exploring the Works of M. C. Escher: An Artist Who Challenged Reality

M. C. Escher was a renowned artist known for his use of geometric optical illusions that forced viewers to question their perception of reality. Similarly, analytical essays challenge readers to examine a subject from different perspectives and consider its place within its genre, culture, society, or history. In this article, we will delve into the definition, structure, outlining, and potential topics for these thought-provoking essays.

Defining Analytical Essays

Analytical essays go beyond simply summarizing a subject; they also involve interpreting it. While other essays may ask you to discuss a topic like The Great Depression, an analytical essay would require you to explore The Great Depression in relation to, for example, agricultural practices. In other words, analytical essays delve into context.

When discussing context, we refer to the circumstances surrounding the subject. These may include historical, political, or economic factors. In a text, analyzing the surrounding words can help determine its meaning.

Analytical Essays vs. Expository Essays

While both analytical and expository essays focus on exploring a topic in-depth, they have distinct differences:

• Analytical essays allow for evidence-based opinions, while expository essays remain neutral. In an analytical essay, you must argue whether a subject achieved its goal, such as whether a piece of artwork effectively conveyed its theme.
• Analytical essays rely on insight, while expository essays rely on facts. In an analytical essay, your thought process and conclusions are crucial, whereas an expository essay looks for verifiable evidence.
• If the essay prompt asks you to "explain" or "define," you are writing an expository essay. For example, a topic like "Explain how discriminatory Jim Crow laws affected the housing industry for African Americans" requires presenting factual evidence in an objective manner to educate the audience.

Different Types of Analytical Essays

Analytical essays can cover a variety of subjects, such as films, works of art, or historical events. On standardized exams, you may encounter analytical essays analyzing literature or nonfiction writing. In both cases, you must explain how the author's choices impact your understanding of the text.

Authors use literary devices to engage readers and evoke their senses. In a literary analysis, you will discuss how the author utilizes these devices and their effectiveness. Some common literary devices to analyze include:

• The "pathetic fallacy," a term coined by Victorian literary critic John Ruskin, refers to the personification of nature to express the inner thoughts and feelings of a character. For example, if a character is sad, it may be raining to reflect their mood.
• Rhetorical analysis requires you to focus on how the author conveys their message, rather than the message itself. When writing a rhetorical analysis, consider the context, tone, word choice, and appeals used to target the audience.

Selecting the Perfect Topic for Your Analytical Essay

When it comes to analytical essays, the topic you choose can greatly impact the success of your writing. Here are some tips to help you choose a strong topic for your essay:

• Avoid overly specific or vague topics. A topic that is too broad or too narrow can make your essay seem shallow or rushed.
• Choose a topic that you already have some knowledge about and are interested in. This will make the research process easier and the writing more enjoyable.
• Stick to mainstream topics to ensure you have access to reliable sources for your essay.

Need some ideas for potential topics? Here are a few to get you started:

• Is street art considered "real" art?
• Analyze the lyrics of your favorite song.
• What makes Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech so powerful?
• Critically analyze your favorite movie.
• Analyze a pivotal moment in a historical war.

The Proper Structure of an Analytical Essay

To ensure your essay flows well and is easy to follow, it's important to follow a standard essay format.

How to Structure an Analytical Essay: A Guide

Crafting a solid structure for your analytical essay is essential for effectively conveying your argument and supporting evidence. In this breakdown, we'll go over the key components of your essay and how to organize them for maximum impact.

• Introduction: Grab your reader's attention with an intriguing hook, such as a quote or statistic related to your topic. Then, provide some background information and conclude with a clear thesis statement outlining your argument and main points.
• Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a specific claim or main point that supports your thesis. Use supporting evidence, such as examples from the text or external sources, and provide reasoning to explain how it connects to your claim.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis. End with a lasting impression by offering your final thoughts on the topic.

To structure your body paragraphs, consider using the CER model as a helpful tool:

• Claim: This serves as your topic sentence, stating the main point of the paragraph.
• Evidence: Use examples or sources to support your claim.
• Reasoning: Explain the connection between your claim and the evidence presented.

Why You Should Use an Outline for Your Analytical Essay

Before diving into your essay, creating an outline can be highly beneficial in organizing your thoughts and crafting a clear and concise thesis. Follow this format for your outline:

• I. Introduction
• A. Hook
• B. Background Information
• C. Thesis Statement
• II. Body Paragraphs
• A. Claim
• B. Evidence
• C. Reasoning
• III. Conclusion
• A. Summary of Main Points
• B. Restatement of Thesis
• C. Final Thoughts

Analyzing a TV Episode as an Example for Your Analytical Essay

Let's take a look at an example of an analytical essay examining an episode of a TV show in the context of current events:

"There's a lesson here somewhere," says Canadian border agent Beau while having a drink with an American congressman in the Creepshow episode "Drug Traffic." This episode tackles the issues of high prescription costs, red tape, and political posturing. Through exaggerated scenarios, "Drug Traffic" highlights the frustration and lack of control individuals have when it comes to their healthcare.

The analytical essay opens with a quote from the episode as a hook, followed by a strong thesis statement presenting the main argument. The essay delves into the story of a mother who becomes a pawn in a political photo op, leading to disastrous consequences for her sick child. As the child's health deteriorates, the mother and child become collateral damage in the political battle between Beau and the congressman. In a desperate attempt to cover up their mistakes, instead of providing the necessary medication, Beau and the congressman try to murder the child.

The essay highlights the caricature-like portrayal of Beau and the congressman, using their power to serve their own interests. Meanwhile, the child's blood is on their hands, and the episode becomes a commentary on the incompetence and selfishness of those in authority.

In conclusion, this analytical essay showcases how "Drug Traffic" uses satire to criticize the healthcare system and the individuals in charge, leaving a powerful impact on viewers.

Examining "Drug Traffic" in Creepshow: An Analytical Essay

Creepshow's latest episode, "Drug Traffic," evokes empathy for its main character, Mai, and shines a light on the intersection of chronic illness and the American healthcare system. In this analytical essay, we will explore how director Greg Nicotero's use of body horror reveals the struggles of those with chronic illnesses in accessing adequate healthcare.

Writer Christopher Larsen's exploration of this issue is backed by evidence from the episode, as well as reasoning that connects to the larger theme of prioritizing profit over accessibility by pharmaceutical companies.

Mai's Struggle with Chronic Illness and the Harsh Realities of Healthcare

Mai's constant battle with her body serves as a poignant representation of the daily struggles faced by those living with chronic illnesses. Her mother's desperation to find a solution leads her to turn to a manipulative politician, who sees their sickness as a means for personal gain.

The drastic transformation of Mai into a disembodied head is a powerful visual symbol of her loss of control over her own body. This striking imagery, utilized by Nicotero, effectively portrays the disconnect between patients and the limited options available to them in the healthcare system.

In the realm of visual media, elements such as symbolism can be analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying message. In this case, the severed head serves as a powerful representation of the frustration and desperation felt by many dealing with chronic illness in a world filled with bureaucratic obstacles and self-serving politicians.

The title of the episode, "Drug Traffic," further highlights the struggle for accessibility to expensive medications for those living with chronic illnesses. Sadly, for many, aid comes too late or not at all due to the slow-moving nature of bureaucracy and the inaction of politicians.

To fully grasp the meaning behind this episode, it is essential to approach it with an analytical perspective. An analytical essay takes a comprehensive look at a subject from various angles, exploring its place in its respective genre, culture, society, or historical context. When analyzing a literary work, the use of literary devices is carefully examined, whereas a rhetorical analysis focuses on the author's methods of conveying their message.

When selecting a topic for an analytical essay, it is crucial to find a balance between being too specific or too general. The CER model, which stands for Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning, can be a helpful tool in constructing strong body paragraphs for your essay.

In the end, "Drug Traffic" effectively employs body horror to shed light on the frustrating and often disheartening realities faced by those with chronic illnesses within the American healthcare system. Through this analytical essay, we have delved into the use of symbolism and literary devices to convey the episode's central message, leaving a profound impact on viewers.