Analyzing Literature

How to begin… As you read each of the novel, try to go beyond the words on the page and critically analyze the text. You can use many of the following elements (plot, narrative, themes, tone, setting, style, foreshadowing, etc.) as a way to begin critical thinking and avoiding summarizing the text or heavily leaning towards your opinion.

Plot Does the novel conform to a formula? Do you find any aspects of the plot to be predictable? Why? What is the source of the conflict in the work? Remember, the antagonist does not have to be a person. Instead, it can be the setting, society, an idea, or conflicting ideologies. Does the title of the novel reveal anything about the plot? Where is the climax of the story? How do you know it is the climax? Is the conflict resolved at the end of the novel? Does the ending meet your expectations as the reader?

Character One way to begin a critical analysis is to consider whether you can identify with the protagonist in some way. How does the protagonist develop over the course of the novel? How is this character different at the conclusion from your first impression of him/her at the beginning? What types of characters exist in the novel? …

Characterization Static character: does not change throughout the entire novel. Is the same from beginning to end. Can you think of any examples of static characters? Dynamic character: undergoes some kind of change because of the plot. Flat character: embodies 1 or 2 specific qualities or traits that an be easily summarized. These are not particularly complex characters and are accessible to most readers. Stock character: embodies stereotypes. They exist as types and not as individuals with distinct qualities. Round character: the most complex and often display inconsistencies and internal conflicts that real people would also experience. They are more fully developed and harder to summarize.

Setting Is the setting used symbolically? What is a symbol: a person, object, image, word, or event that evokes a range of additional meaning beyond its literal significance. Symbols are used for evoking complex ideas without the need for extensive explanation. A literary symbol may include the setting, a character, action, object, name or anything else that maintains its literal significance while also suggesting other meanings. What are some examples of symbols in literature? The white whale in Moby Dick takes on multiple meanings. The mockingbird…represents someone who is innocently taken advantage of… How do the symbols contribute to your understanding of the story?

Theme What is the theme of the work? Theme is the central meaning or dominant idea of a literary work. It provides a unifying point around which the plot, characters, setting, point of view, symbols, and other elements of a work are organized. Is it a confirmation of your values or does it challenge them?

Style, Tone, Irony Do you think the style is consistent and appropriate throughout? Do all the characters use the same type of language? What is style? This refers to the way that the writer arranges words to achieve particular effects. How would you describe the language itself? Is it formal or informal? How would you describe the tone? Tone refers to the author’s attitude towards the work. It is similar to your tone of voice when speaking. The tone of a work can be serious or ironic, sad or happy, angry or affectionate , etc. Does the writer make use of irony? Irony is a literary device that uses contradictory statements or situations to reveal a reality different from what appears to be true.

Critical Strategies Does a historical context help in your analysis of the text? What evidence are you using from the novel to support a specific interpretation?