Dr. Susanne Bloomfield

English 102/254

Literary analysis attempts to find the truth. The process of analysis divides a problem into various parts so that their natures, functions, and interrelationships may be more easily examined. Although the work of literature must be ultimately viewed as a whole, separate inquiries into its parts can be made to appreciate it more fully. It is an honest attempt to discover the truth about a work and base its appreciation on personal thought and discovery, not a vaguely emotional reaction. ("I like it" or "I don't like it.") As a writer considers a topic, he or she must remember that literary analysis presents a way of delving into the heart of a work of literature. By pointing out the author's insights into problems of life, and by describing various aspects of his skill, literary analysis aims at an appreciation of literary excellence and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The main question that this type of essay is trying to answer is "HOW does this literary work get its meaning across?"

A. Characterization

Character in literature is the author's representation of a human being, specifically those inner qualities determining how the individual reacts to various conditions or actions. Choices and Actions indicate character. In forming a unified image of a character in a literary work, the writer should attempt to discover the character's outstanding trait, a dominant impression. In addition, any physical descriptions should be taken into account, relating the physical to the mental and moving from what the character looks like to what the character is. Always try to go from the outside to the inside, for it is on the inside that the character resides.

An author discloses his character: a) by what the character himself says or thinks; b) by what the character doe;s c) by what other characters say about him; d) by what the author directly says about him.

B. Setting

The object of an analysis of the setting, the where and when of the story, should be to relate the setting to some aspect of the work being studied. Occasionally, the setting may be a major element of the work, and the author will investigate the effects of the character on the setting or the effects of the setting on the character. Do not merely describe the setting; move from a description of setting toward a discussion of effects.

The elements of setting include: a) the visible background; b) the other characters; c) the time; d) the atmosphere, or the religious, mental, moral and social tone and emotions of the characters. Sometimes the setting may be neutral or universal, and of minor importance in the story.

C. Structure

The author's arrangement of the series of events in a story, often called the plot, includes the Rising Action (conflicts), Climax, and Denouement. The structure must be unified, have a beginning, middle, and end, and follow the laws of plausibility, surprise, and suspense, although it may not follow a linear pattern.

D. Conflict

(Person vs. person, or vs. himself, vs. nature, vs. society, vs. Fate)

Seldom do we find one single conflict in a literary work, but often a complex struggle comprised of many or all of these elements. In addition, the study of conflict may include the analysis of "motivation," the reason behind the protagonist's struggle.

E. Symbolism

A symbol is usually a physical object that represents an abstract idea or ideas. It may occur repeatedly throughout the text, or individual symbols may combine to achieve an overall effect.

F. Images

Descriptions that appeal to the senses. Concrete details explain the abstract ideas, emotions. (Metaphors, similes, personification)

G. Theme

The theme is the central or dominating idea, an abstract concept made concrete through its representation in character, setting, action, and tone. It can portray or analyze some common human event or emotion (love, grief, fear, maturation, betrayal, death), or it can convey moral judgments. The theme may also deal with moral problems but make no judgment, simply saying, "Here is what life is like."

"WHAT does this literary work mean?" is the basis for the Interpretative essay. Several current strategies exist to help interpret texts. The following are only a few:

Psychoanalytical Historical (social, cultural)

Archetypal Biographical

Reader-Response Structuralism (Language)

Feminist Marxist (class struggle)

One of the approaches, archetypal criticism, is the study of universal patterns that occur repeatedly in myths and stories. Two motifs, or patterns, often seen in literature include:

1) The HERO who undertakes a long journey, or QUEST, with difficult tasks to perform or dangerous obstacles to overcome in order to achieve a reward at the end. He may or may not succeed.

2) The HERO who undergoes a series of ordeals, an INITIATION, in passing from ignorance or innocence to social, physical, spiritual, or intellectual adulthood. This often involves three distinct phases: Separation, Transformation, and Return. This new identity, characterized by growth in individual or human awareness, is often considered a second birth. Occasionally a protagonist will undergo an ordeal and will NOT learn or transform, will NOT come to a new awareness.