What is Literary Analysis?

Literary analysis is the act of examining and dissecting a piece of literature, such as a novel, short story, poem, or play, to understand its elements and explore its deeper meanings. When you read a book for fun, you may not be considering the many facets of the text, including the deeper symbolism, or even how the author’s life experience informs the story and character development. Literary analysis goes beyond the obvious, revealing the author’s intentions, themes, symbols, and more. Remember, the idea of literary analysis is one that is wide-reaching and involves diverse perspectives and a great deal of research. There are many methods to literary analysis and schools of thoughts which can guide how we unpack a more complex text.

Literary analysis involves the exploration and consideration of many different key elements: Here is a concise list that represents some of the more prominent aspects:

Characters: Characters are the heart and soul of any story. Analyzing them helps you understand their motivations, emotions, and relationships. You’ll discover how they change and grow throughout the narrative, making them more relatable and human. Understanding the central figures also depends on analyzing for characterization, which can be based off of what the character says and does or even what other characters note about that character’s behaviors and actions.

Setting: The setting is all about the time and place in which a story is set. Analyzing the setting allows readers to better grasp the mood of the story, time period, and cultural influences that shape the characters and events. Even a futuristic setting may be a reflection of or commentary on modern or ancient settings.

Plot: The plot is the sequence of events that drive the story forward. The plot’s structure, conflicts, and resolutions allow readers to gain insights into the author’s message.

Themes: Themes are the universal ideas and messages woven into the story. Literary analysis involves identifying these themes and understanding how they relate to our own lives and experiences.

Symbols: Authors often use symbols to add depth and layers to their work. These symbols can be objects, actions, colors, or even characters that represent abstract ideas. Unraveling these symbols is like deciphering a secret code, revealing hidden meanings that the author wishes to include.

You might wonder why literary analysis matters. Well, there are several reasons why exploring literature in this way is valuable:

Engaging in literary analysis offers numerous benefits that flow seamlessly to enrich one’s intellectual and emotional growth. It can deepen understanding, foster comprehension, and promote critical thinking skills. Notably, the process of literary analysis is also a great way to stoke empathy by granting insights into characters’ emotions and motivations. Moreover, as literature is shared and discussed with others, communication skills are refined, empowering individuals to express their thoughts and interpretations with sophistication and clarity.

Reading for Leisure vs. Reading for Analysis

Reading for leisure and reading for analysis are two distinct approaches to engaging with literature, each offering unique benefits and purposes. Reading for leisure is characterized by the pursuit of enjoyment and relaxation. The main goal is to derive pleasure from the act of reading. It’s all about joy!

On the other hand, reading for analysis involves a more critical and in-depth examination of the text. This approach seeks to unravel the underlying themes, symbolism, literary devices, and character motivations within the literature. Readers engage in a thoughtful process of exploration of the author’s intentions and the text’s broader implications.

In that way, it’s important to remind readers of their purpose for reading before they begin. As learners mature in their education, they tend to engage more regularly in literary analysis when they “read for school.” This means that they should be alert, focused, and mindful of when they read so that they can digest what they read with more success.

Early in literacy development, reading before bed for leisure is meant to soothe and relax, which doesn’t always engage the rigorous cognitive processes demanded of literary analysis. This is not to say that leisure and analysis can never meet– they should– but in consideration of reading purpose, it helps to note this distinction.

Ultimately, a balanced approach to reading that includes both leisure and analytical reading promotes a well-rounded appreciation of literature and its many impacts on our lives.