We’re going to take a closer look at literature. Literature Analysis is the study, evaluation and interpretation of literature.
- Increase understanding–generate ideas and draw conclusions.
- Provide feedback for an author–debate perspectives and share thoughts of techniques and different ways to write.
- Understand an individual or cultural perspective.
There are several approaches to literary analysis:
- Compare and contrast–characters, authors, symbolism, sound devices and whole works of literature.
- author’s perspective and life experiences.
- reader’s knowledge and life experiences.
- evaluating logic of a piece, especially in nonfiction.
What does Literacy Analysis look like?
- Newspaper reviews–you might read a commentary in the newspaper about a book and think, “Wow, I want to read that book.” That’s literary analysis which got you interested in reading a book.
- lectures
- book discussions
- book clubs–libraries, schools, churches
- Talking in the hallways, on the phone, on Facebook about books is literary analysis
- Essays, rebuttals arguing against what others say, etc., are all literary analysis.
Don’t be intimidated! You probably already do literary analysis, even informal discussion. So many ways to analyze a work. Each person has their own perspective! You do, too!! Do you lean toward a biographical approach where you want to learn the author’s background, or are you a New Critic, where your interpretation of the book is more important? Maybe you are some of both. Speak out! Lend your voice to analyze literature. You might find out something important about yourself!
