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.