LITERARY ANALYSIS
Jan 20, 2016
LITERARY ANALYSIS
Literary AnalysisPurpose:to share
insights with your readers on a literary work
Rationale: Increases reader’s
(& writer’s) understanding, appreciation of work
Develops ability to think critically and independently
Strengthens writing ability
Aids in learning more about self, others, life
LITERARY ANALYSIS
Tests the accuracy of our response
Protects us against uncritical stock responses
Helps us suspend judgment till the story is understood as a whole
The Basic Questions
What happens?
To whom?Why?
Analysis of Plot: 4 key elements of plot
Exposition
Climax
Denouement* * Pronounced as “day-noo-MAWN”, (It’s French) noun: 1. The final resolution of the main complication of a literary or dramatic work.
Complication
a.k.a. “Resolution”
Conflicts
Man vs. ManMan vs. SelfMan vs. EnvironmentMan vs. God
The essence of plot is the existence of conflict.
PlotWhat are the
conflicts?Why do they
occur?What does the
plot reveal? Is the problem
left unsolved? Why?
Analysis of Setting
Natural Setting Hostile Force Friendly Force
Man-made Setting Reveals character of
those who inhabit it
Setting
Time of dayAmount of lightFlora and faunaSoundsWeatherClothingSmellsDescriptions
Questions to ask about Setting
What is it?What contribution is
made by using this setting?
How is it effective in commenting on theme, characters, tone?
Character: Indicated in four ways
By what the character says
By what the character does
By what other characters say about him/her
By what the author says about him/her
Questions to ask about Character
Why do the characters act as they do?
Are the characters consistent in behavior?
Is there a change in behavior? Why?
Analysis of Theme (Controlling Idea)
What is it?What does it mean?How is it
developed?Is there unity?
Analysis of Point of ViewAsk “Who tells the story?”Ask “Who tells the story?”
First person narratorObjective (Dramatic
narrator)Limited omniscient
narratorOmniscient narrator
Questions to ask about Point of View
What are the advantages?What are its limitations?How does the narrator’s
mind and personality affect the interpretation?
Why has author chosen this point of view?
Is selected point of view used fairly and consistently?
Analysis of Symbolism
Symbolism - the use of one object to represent or suggest another
Symbolism
Any symbolic interpretation must grow directly out of the tones and connotations found in a close literal reading of the story.
GUIDELINES OF SOUND CRITICISM
SOUND CRITICISM
Interpret a passage in its context, noting such matters as the character, the time, and the author’s purpose.
SOUND CRITICISM
Be humble and open-minded, never assuming that yours is the only correct interpretation.
SOUND CRITICISM
Accept the theological, political, and social premises the work is founded on.
SOUND CRITICISM
Have perspective and see both the forest and the tree.
SOUND CRITICISM
Don’t assume that there is a message or hidden meaning everywhere.
SOUND CRITICISM
Don’t be so creative that you lose sight of the text and talk about yourself.
SOUND CRITICISM
DON’T RETELL THE STORY.
Guidelines for writing:
Read work carefully.Assume audience is
familiar with story; don’t rehash plot.
Use third person.Research outside
sources.Have a clear thesis.
Guidelines for writing:
Use evidence from text to support your thesis.
Organize points logically.Use present tense.If use quotations, make them few, short,
no longer than necessary to prove your point.