A guide to Literary Analysis
AT THE MOST BASIC LEVEL… Any literary analysis is the interplay between the author, the reader, the text / work, and the rest of the world (culture, time, nation, human experience..)
HOW TO READ LITERATURE The process of reading any genre is similar- How did the author invite you in? Who are the characters? Why do they do what they do? What is the main story arc or narrative? Look for clues as to how the author wants this work interpreted. What is the significance of this work beyond time, place, class, culture?
BLOOM & THE PROCESS Levels of complex thinking During reading and during writing Evaluate = analysis
MANY MODELS, MANY TRICKS There are many different approaches to literary analysis- formal criticism, reader response, using templates / models, etc. Find the one that works best for you. Consider all options
SCHOOLS OF LITERARY CRITICISM Know all of them, use what works best for that particular piece of literature. Different lenses on the same world.
IMPACT - LITERARY ANALYSIS
THREE KEY PLAYERS Reader Response= your perceptions, gut instinct, experience, is of primary concern. Formalism = the text and facts of the poem / story / play / novel are most important. Happy mediums…
THE TEST: DOES IT REALLY WORK?