Examples of Analytical Essays in Scholarly Journals

Analytical essays in scholarly journals are used to explore, critique, and analyze existing theories, data, or studies. Below are examples of how analytical essays are structured in academic journals:

1. Literary Analysis in a Scholarly Journal

An example from a journal of literary criticism could look like this:
“In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald employs the motif of the green light as a symbol of unattainable dreams. While this symbol has often been interpreted as representing Gatsby’s longing for Daisy, a closer reading reveals that it also reflects the broader societal yearning for success that defines the American Dream. Fitzgerald critiques this ideal, suggesting that it is inherently flawed and unattainable.”
In this case, the essay is analyzing a central symbol in the text and connecting it to the broader theme of societal critique.

2. Historical Analysis in a Scholarly Journal

In a historical analysis paper published in a journal, the author might write:
“The 1918 influenza pandemic, though largely forgotten in the annals of history, had significant socio-political implications that shaped early 20th-century public health policy. Analyzing contemporary responses to the pandemic reveals how the lack of coordinated government intervention exacerbated its spread, which, in turn, influenced the formation of the World Health Organization decades later.”
Here, the author is analyzing primary sources, comparing them to modern public health responses, and drawing connections to larger historical trends.