Written By
Tina Miller
Literary analysis is an intriguing endeavor that allows readers to delve into the intricate layers of a text, unearthing its hidden meanings and complexities. It is a meticulous examination of the various elements employed by authors to convey their ideas, evoke emotions, and captivate readers.
In this blog post, we will embark on a comprehensive exploration of the essential elements of literary analysis, understanding their significance and unraveling their impact on the reader’s experience.
By expanding on each element, we aim to equip aspiring literary analysts with the tools necessary to unlock the mysteries woven within the pages of literary works.
And it matters not whether you’re analyzing an essay, a poem, a play, a film, or a book. We will take you through an all-encompassing approach aimed at making you a multi-faceted reader. At the end of this post, you should be able to take on any piece of literary work bare knuckles.
At the heart of every literary work lies the plot. And while many people have interchangeably used plot and story, they are completely two different things.
The plot is the carefully constructed sequence of events that drives the narrative forward. The story, on the other hand, is made up of the entirety of a literary work and includes all the elements such as characterization, theme, setting, literary devices, point of view, style, tone, and, indeed, the plot!
A plot, therefore, may be construed as a series of events in a story. It is made up of the beginning, the middle, and the end. Further, a plot consists of not only the events as they unfold but also their causalities in relation to each other.
When tied together, these events are seen to happen in a rising and falling action, what is popularly known as the Freytag’s drama. This latter dramatic arc was Freytag’s expansion which may be summed up in what in the literary realm is referred to as Freytag’s pyramid.
When you visualize this pyramid, it tells of a story with a beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and an end or resolution.
A well-crafted plot, therefore, engages readers, drawing them into a world of conflicts, climaxes, and resolutions.
Analyzing the plot entails examining its structure, identifying key plot points, and discerning the techniques employed by the author to create suspense, tension, or surprise. By unraveling the interplay between various plot elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, analysts gain a deeper understanding of how the narrative unfolds and the impact it has on readers.
Characters are the lifeblood of any story, and understanding their complexities is crucial to a comprehensive literary analysis. Characterization involves studying the individuals within a work of literature, their traits, motivations, relationships, and development throughout the narrative.
By dissecting their actions, dialogue, and interactions, analysts can discern the author’s intentions, the themes explored, and the messages conveyed through the characters’ journeys. Furthermore, character analysis extends to exploring the archetypes, symbols, and allegorical representations that the characters embody, enriching the reader’s engagement and interpretation of the text.
Consider the examples below:
Hamlet is a complex character whose internal struggles and conflicting motivations drive the tragedy. He is depicted as a reflective and introspective individual, torn between his desire for revenge and his contemplative nature.
Through his soliloquies, such as the famous “To be or not to be” speech, readers gain access to his inner thoughts and witness his internal conflicts.
Hamlet’s indecisiveness and existential questioning make him a multi-dimensional character, exploring themes of revenge, madness, and the complexity of human nature.
Scout, the young protagonist of the novel, serves as the narrator and provides readers with a child’s perspective on the racial injustice and moral issues prevalent in her community. As Scout matures throughout the story, her innocence gradually erodes, and she develops a greater understanding of the world around her.
Her transformation from a naive and curious child into a compassionate and empathetic young woman highlights the themes of prejudice, compassion, and the loss of innocence.
Jay Gatsby is a mysterious and enigmatic character, known for his extravagant lifestyle and elaborate parties. His obsession with wealth, coupled with his pursuit of the American Dream, makes him a symbol of the disillusionment and emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of material success.
Gatsby’s romantic idealism and his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan drive the narrative, exploring themes of social class, identity, and the corrupting nature of the American Dream.
Miss Havisham is a haunting and eccentric character who embodies the destructive power of bitterness and revenge. Jilted at the altar, she remains trapped in the past, wearing her decaying wedding dress and leaving her mansion in a state of eternal decay.
Her character represents the consequences of unhealed wounds and the dangers of clinging to resentment. Miss Havisham’s presence in the novel highlights themes of love, betrayal, and the destructive nature of obsession.
These examples showcase the depth and complexity of characters in literature, their motivations, internal conflicts, and the ways in which they contribute to the overall themes and messages of the works in which they appear.
Analyzing characters in this manner allows readers to appreciate the nuances and psychological depth that authors employ to create memorable and impactful literary figures.
Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas that permeate a literary work. Analyzing themes involves identifying the overarching concepts or issues explored by the author and examining how they are developed and conveyed throughout the narrative.
To quickly figure out what the theme of a certain book would be, consider someone asking you this question:
“What’s that book about?”
Whatever your answer to this question, if true, would be considered the theme of the book.
However, take note that themes can be diverse even in a single literary piece. In such a case, the most pervasive ideas would be considered the themes of the literary work.
Themes can range from love, power, and identity to social justice, morality, and the human condition. Through careful exploration, analysts can uncover the author’s commentary on society, culture, or the timeless aspects of the human experience, enabling readers to reflect upon and connect with the deeper meaning and relevance of the text.
In William Shakespeare’s tragic play “Romeo and Juliet”, Love and Sacrifice are the most pervasive themes.
The story revolves around the forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet, members of feuding families. Their love becomes a catalyst for sacrifice as they choose to defy societal expectations and risk their lives to be together.
The theme of love is explored through the passionate and impulsive actions of the young lovers, while the theme of sacrifice is depicted through their willingness to give up their lives for each other.
Ultimately, the play delves into the complexities of love and the profound sacrifices individuals may make in the name of love, highlighting the tragic consequences that can arise from societal divisions and prejudice.
In Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984”, Power and Corruption take center stage as the main themes.
Set in a totalitarian society ruled by the Party led by Big Brother, the story inevitably brings out these two themes.
The theme of power is explored through the oppressive regime’s ability to exert control and manipulate reality. The Party exercises complete control over its citizens, manipulating language, suppressing individuality, and rewriting history to maintain its power.
The theme of corruption is evident as the Party’s leaders exploit their authority for personal gain, maintaining a society devoid of freedom and truth.
Through the protagonist Winston Smith’s rebellion against the Party’s tyranny, the novel raises questions about the abuse of power, the consequences of unfettered authority, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit in the struggle for freedom and individuality.
These examples demonstrate how themes provide overarching messages and explore universal ideas in literature. Themes invite readers to reflect upon the human condition, societal dynamics, and the complexities of life, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the text.
The setting serves as the backdrop against which the story unfolds. To avoid the risk of limiting oneself when it comes to setting, this backdrop should be interpreted in a broader view encompassing the physical, temporal, and socio-cultural environment in which the events take place. It should feature various elements such as geographical location, historical context, and social milieu.
Analyzing the setting involves identifying the type of setting and examining how it influences the characters, shapes the plot, and contributes to the overall atmosphere and mood of the narrative.
Below are the different types of settings commonly found in literature, along with an example for each:
Historical settings involve a specific time in the past, incorporating historical events, societal norms, and cultural aspects relevant to that era. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is set in early 19th-century England. The historical setting provides insights into the societal expectations, class divisions, and gender roles of the time. It adds depth to the narrative, influencing the characters’ behavior, relationships, and the themes explored.
Imaginary or fantasy settings are often found in genres such as science fiction and fantasy. These settings transport readers to fictional realms with their own unique rules, landscapes, and societies. An example is J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” set in the mythical land of Middle-Earth. The setting features enchanting landscapes, diverse races, and a rich mythology that contributes to the quest undertaken by the characters and explores themes of heroism, power, and the battle between good and evil.
Another example of an imaginary setting is that of the Marvel film “Black Panther”. The fictional African nation of Wakanda is depicted as a technologically advanced and hidden country, rich in resources, and home to the Black Panther, a superhero who also serves as the nation’s protector. The film showcases various settings within Wakanda, including the vibrant capital city, the royal palace, the ancestral plane, and the rural regions surrounding the country.
The setting of Wakanda in “Black Panther” plays a crucial role in the narrative, reflecting the Afrofuturist vision and celebrating African culture and heritage. The film presents a unique blend of tradition and modernity, with futuristic technology seamlessly integrated with African aesthetics and customs. The setting of Wakanda allows the film to explore themes of identity, heritage, the responsibility of power, and the struggle between isolationism and global responsibility.
Urban settings are characterized by cities or densely populated areas, portraying the hustle and bustle of a metropolis. They often highlight the complexities of modern society, social issues, and the interactions among diverse groups of people.
An example of an urban setting is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” set in the vibrant and decadent city of New York during the Roaring Twenties. The urban setting reflects the lavish lifestyles, superficiality, and moral decay of the characters, as well as themes of wealth, social class, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Rural or natural settings depict countryside landscapes, small towns, or secluded environments closer to nature. These settings often evoke a sense of tranquility, simplicity, and a closer connection to the natural world.
An example is Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” set in the pastoral landscapes of rural England. The natural setting serves as a backdrop for the protagonist’s struggles, emphasizing her purity and vulnerability against a harsh and unforgiving society. It also explores themes of fate, morality, and the clash between human desires and societal expectations.
Dystopian or post-apocalyptic settings portray bleak, oppressive societies or worlds devastated by catastrophic events. They often reflect on the dangers of unchecked power, societal collapse, or the consequences of human actions.
An example is Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” set in the totalitarian Republic of Gilead, a dystopian society where women are oppressed and stripped of their rights. The setting emphasizes the themes of gender inequality, reproductive control, and the erosion of individual freedom.
These examples showcase the diverse ways in which settings can shape the atmosphere, themes, and overall narrative of a literary work, enriching the reader’s understanding and immersion in the story.
Literary devices are techniques and tools used by authors to enhance the effectiveness and impact of their writing. They range from metaphors, similes, and personification to symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony.
When used appropriately, literary devices add depth, creativity, and rhetorical flair to the text. By deciphering the author’s use of literary devices, analysts can unearth this depth of meaning, uncover hidden messages, and appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind the words on the page.
Below are three examples of commonly used literary devices:
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using “like” or “as” to create vivid and imaginative descriptions. It helps the reader visualize and understand the subject better. An example of a simile is found in the poem “Lapobo” by Cliff Lumbwa: “Her teeth are as white as fresh milk.”
Lapobo,
Her teeth are not as ash
Nor the color of maize flour
Her teeth are as white as fresh milk
The whiteness of her teeth
When I think of her Lo!
Makes food drop from my hand
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly equates two different things by stating that one is the other. It creates powerful associations and imagery.
In Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch teaches his children about empathy by saying, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Here, Atticus uses the metaphor of “climbing into someone’s skin” to emphasize the importance of understanding and seeing the world from another person’s perspective.
Symbolism involves the use of objects, characters, or events to represent deeper meanings or abstract concepts. For example, when an author uses a gloomy appearance such as a cloudy sky to portray sadness, this may be considered symbolism.
A notable example of symbolism can be found in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” The green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s dreams, aspirations, and the pursuit of the American Dream. It represents both hope and unattainability, reflecting Gatsby’s longing and the themes of illusion and the corrupting influence of wealth.
The style and tone of a literary work significantly shape the reader’s experience and contribute to its overall impact.
Style encompasses the author’s unique use of language, sentence structure, and literary techniques, while tone refers to the author’s attitude or emotional expression within the text.
Analyzing the style and tone allows literary analysts to appreciate the author’s distinct voice and understand how it influences the overall meaning and mood of the work.
Examining the author’s style involves considering factors such as their choice of vocabulary, sentence length, and use of figurative language:
Is the writing ornate and poetic, or straightforward and concise?
Does the author favor complex, intricate sentences, or do they opt for shorter, more direct ones?
By answering these questions, analysts can uncover patterns and deliberate choices made by the author that contribute to the overall style of the work.
In addition to style, tone plays a crucial role in literary analysis. It reveals the author’s attitude towards the subject matter and characters, whether it is conveyed through irony, humor, skepticism, or melancholy.
Understanding the tone assists analysts in recognizing shifts in the narrative’s emotional landscape and identifying underlying messages. For instance, a sarcastic tone might highlight social criticism, while a somber tone could reflect themes of loss or despair.
Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is narrated, and it shapes the reader’s understanding of events and characters. The most common points of view in literature are first-person, third-person limited, and third-person omniscient.
Analyzing the point of view involves identifying the narrator’s relationship to the story and evaluating its impact on the narrative’s reliability and depth. Let’s look at each type with examples below:
First-person point of view involves the use of the pronouns “I,” “me,” or “we” and is narrated by a character within the story. It provides an intimate and subjective perspective, allowing readers to experience events through the narrator’s eyes.
An example of a first-person point of view is found in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground.” The novel is narrated by an unnamed, unreliable, and deeply introspective protagonist who shares his inner thoughts, emotions, and philosophical musings with the reader. The first-person narration creates a direct connection between the reader and the character, offering insights into their psyche and worldview.
The third-person limited point of view involves the use of pronouns such as “he,” “she,” or “they” and focuses on the thoughts and experiences of a single character. It provides a more objective perspective than the first-person while still maintaining a degree of subjectivity.
An example can be seen in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. The books are primarily narrated from a third-person limited point of view, following the experiences of Harry Potter. While the narration occasionally provides glimpses into the thoughts and feelings of other characters, it remains closely tied to Harry’s perspective, allowing readers to understand the world through his eyes.
Like the third-person limited point of view, the third-person omniscient point of view also involves the use of pronouns such as “he,” “she,” or “they”. However, it provides insights into multiple characters’ thoughts and feelings, granting the narrator an all-knowing stance, and offering a broader understanding of the story’s events and character motivations.
An example of a third-person omniscient point of view can be found in Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina.” The novel employs a vast and complex web of characters, and the third-person omniscient narrator delves into the minds of various individuals, revealing their innermost thoughts, desires, and conflicts. This narrative approach allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the characters and their interconnected lives.
Literary analysis delves into the intricacies of a literary work, allowing readers to discover the hidden layers of meaning and appreciate the artistry behind the words. By exploring the essential elements of plot and structure, characterization, theme, setting, literary devices, style and tone, and point of view, analysts can unravel the complexities and nuances of a text, enriching their understanding and interpretation.
Literary analysis not only enhances our appreciation of literature but also develops critical thinking skills, promotes empathy, and fosters a deeper connection to human experience. By equipping aspiring literary analysts with a comprehensive understanding of these elements, this blog post aims to inspire readers to embark on their own journeys of exploration and interpretation, unlocking the profound beauty and significance that lie within the pages of literary works.
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