Historical Investigation Essay
* Focus: Examines a specific historical event, period, or figure.
* Goal: To analyze primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about the past.
* Structure:
* Introduction: Clearly state the research question or thesis statement.
* Body paragraphs:
* Evidence-based analysis: Use primary sources (e.g., diaries, letters, government documents, artifacts) and secondary sources (e.g., scholarly books, articles) to support your claims.
* Contextualization: Explain the historical context of your findings.
* Interpretation: Offer your own analysis and insights, avoiding generalizations.
* Conclusion: Restate your thesis and summarize your findings.
* Emphasis: On historical accuracy, evidence, and analysis.
* Style: Formal and objective, using academic language and avoiding personal opinions.
Literary Essay
* Focus: Examines a literary work (e.g., a novel, poem, play, short story).
* Goal: To analyze and interpret the literary work's themes, characters, style, and significance.
* Structure:
* Introduction: Introduce the literary work and state your thesis statement.
* Body paragraphs:
* Close reading: Analyze specific passages, characters, symbols, or themes.
* Interpretation: Explain the meaning and significance of your analysis.
* Support: Use textual evidence from the literary work.
* Conclusion: Summarize your analysis and state the overall meaning or significance of the literary work.
* Emphasis: On literary interpretation, textual analysis, and critical thinking.
* Style: Formal and academic, using literary terminology and close reading techniques.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Historical Investigation Essay | Literary Essay |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------|----------------|
| Focus | Historical event, period, or figure | Literary work |
| Sources | Primary and secondary sources | Literary text |
| Analysis | Factual, evidence-based | Interpretative, analytical |
| Goal | To understand the past | To analyze and interpret a literary work |
| Structure | Chronological, thematic, or comparative | Thematic, character-based, or stylistic |
| Emphasis | Historical accuracy and objectivity | Literary analysis and interpretation |
In Conclusion:
While both essays require strong writing and research skills, they differ in their focus, methods, and goals. A historical investigation essay aims to illuminate the past, while a literary essay delves into the meaning and significance of a literary work. Knowing these differences will help you write a strong and effective essay, regardless of which type you are writing.