ENG1DB The important Keys to Literary Analysis

What is literary analysis? Literary analysis focuses on an in-depth evaluation and informed interpretation of literature. Ultimately, it is the critical process of dissecting a piece of literature by examining its stylistic and structural elements, as well as considering HOW and WHY these elements have been constructed by the author in a specific way. To successfully analyze a piece of literature in this class (a short story, media text, play or novel), you will need to be able to accurately comprehend the literary elements, figurative language and writing techniques that shape a written story, in addition to remembering that authors make specific choices for particular reasons/effects.

What is literary analysis? Your goal for your own literary analysis is to thoughtfully identify the author’s choices, and then attempt to explain their significance (or purpose), as well as their ultimate effect on the literature as a whole, and the reader.  You should be familiar with the point/proof/analysis structure for formal writing. Remember that your analysis is also meant to explain why your point (argument) and your proof (evidence) supports your thesis statement (central position). This will be particularly important when writing your persuasive paragraph, textual analysis test, and literary essays.

Literary Analysis is NOT… A mere summary of the details in a piece of writing. DO NOT SIMPLY RETELL THE STORY! THIS IS NOT ANALYSIS; THIS IS MIMICRY! Only identifying a literary element or the specific use of a device without also explaining its greater purpose, effect, and deeper meaning. Connecting the literature to your personal life, and discussing its ultimate meaning to you without using a critical lens/theory to guide your examination. STAY FOCUSED ON THE LITERATURE UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE! Assumptions about what COULD HAVE happened in the literature had something different happened is not ANALYSIS. Do not surmise, ANALYZE!

8 Tools for Literary Analysis Plot Setting Character Theme Narrative Perspective Figurative Language Style (Diction/Tone) Structure (Sentence and Paragraph)

How Do You Push Your Analysis Further? Look at what you have stated in your analysis and ask yourself, “so what?” Consider: What is the ultimate significance of your point, proof, AND analysis in your particular piece of writing? Explain the deeper meaning behind your argument and supporting quotations. Be insightful – Do not simply state the obvious or repeat/reiterate information from the text (INFER, QUESTION, CONNECT) Keep questioning! The better the questions that you are asking, the better your analysis will be!

How Do You Push Your Analysis Further? Ask yourself, “what is the most important detail or element here?” Examine the CAUSE, EFFECT, and RESULT of events in the text. Explore similarities and differences between elements of the text (characters, plot points, settings, etc.)