Chapter
We define Literature as “written work valued for superior or lasting artistic merit” (“Literature 3b”). As an adjective, then, literary is defined as “[o]f or relating to the writing, study, or content of literature, esp. of the kind valued for quality of form; of the nature of literature” (“literary A1”). Finally, analysis is essentially the breaking apart of anything into its composite parts for close examination. Literary analysis, then, is the deep examination of a work of literature. When you think of literary analysis, think of holding up a magnifying glass to the details of language in a work of literature.
Literary Analysis = Close Reading
Students may have encountered previous teachers using the term “close reading.” When teachers use this term, it usually means engaging with a text on a deeper level than when reading for entertainment or information: that is, looking not just at what is written (the message, also known as content) but how it is said (the language used to send the message, also known as form). Literary Analysis and Close Reading are two words with, for all intents and purposes, the same meaning. The major difference is that while close reading techniques can be used in any form of writing, literary analysis is more specific to the field of literature.
When performing literary analysis, some questions literary critics, or scholars of literature, might ask themselves include:
- What is the theme or motif of this text?
- What patterns can I detect across this text, or what patterns can I detect across this genre of literature that are also present in this text? And what might these patterns indicate about the meaning or significance of this text?
- What literary devices are featured in this text? How might an analysis of these formal features deepen understanding of the text?
- What kinds of characters are featured in this text?
- What qualities make literature “good” or of “lasting artistic merit” (“literature 3b”)?
- How might the language or diction of the text reflect cultural or historical meanings most common readers miss? How might such meanings deepen or illuminate our understanding of the text?
- What have previous scholars misinterpreted or missed about this work, and how can I bring neglected aspects of this text to light?
- In what ways does this text engage with or elucidate other works of literature, philosophical theories, historical events, or social movements?
- What might this text reveal about what it means to be human? How might it deepen my understanding of my place in the world?
How to Perform Literary Analysis
The previous questions might seem amorphous or overwhelming in their implications. So, how can we practice close reading in a practical way?
- Read the text 3 times: once to get the gist. Once, for deep understanding. And, lastly, once for deep analysis. Literary critics often read the same texts many more times! Don’t be afraid to read as many times as you need.
- Engage with the text.