A literary essay is a type of essay that analyzes, interprets, and evaluates a work of literature. It is a common assignment in literature classes, as it helps students to understand and analyze the elements of a book or story, such as character, plot, setting, theme, and symbolism.
For kids, a literary essay can be a fun and engaging way to learn about literature and to practice their writing skills. It can be especially helpful for kids to see an example of a literary essay, so they can get an idea of what it should look like and what it should include.
Here is an example of a literary essay for kids:
Title: "The Power of Friendship in "The Giving Tree"
Introduction: "The Giving Tree" is a beloved children's book by Shel Silverstein that tells the story of a tree that gives everything it has to a young boy. The book has a simple, yet powerful message about the value of friendship and selflessness. In this literary essay, we will explore the theme of friendship in "The Giving Tree" and how it is demonstrated through the relationship between the tree and the boy.
Body Paragraph 1: One way that the theme of friendship is shown in "The Giving Tree" is through the tree's willingness to give everything it has to the boy. The tree starts off by offering the boy its branches to play on, and as the boy grows older, the tree continues to give him more and more, including its trunk and its roots. This selflessness demonstrates the depth of the tree's friendship with the boy and the lengths it is willing to go to help him.
Body Paragraph 2: Another way that the theme of friendship is demonstrated in "The Giving Tree" is through the boy's reliance on the tree. As the boy grows older, he turns to the tree more and more for support and companionship. The tree becomes a constant presence in his life, and the boy comes to rely on it for emotional and physical support. This reliance demonstrates the strong bond between the tree and the boy and the importance of their friendship to both of them.
Conclusion: In "The Giving Tree," Shel Silverstein uses the relationship between the tree and the boy to demonstrate the power of friendship and selflessness. Through the tree's willingness to give everything it has and the boy's reliance on the tree, we see the depth of their bond and the importance of their friendship to both of them. This message is a powerful one for kids and adults alike, reminding us of the value of having supportive and selfless friends in our lives.