by Baron Von Drachstedt

Created on: May 15, 2008   Last Updated: May 31, 2008

What may we gain from the study or analysis of literature? You may ask this in expectancy of a direct answer, but there is none. All readers gain something different from studying various pieces of literature. You are the only person that has the ability to answer this question. So, here are some guidelines that should help you read and understand exactly what it is that you will gain out of analyzing a work of literature.

Here are some of the devices that you should be looking for:

-Diction: The word choice of the author. Look for original connotations, ambiguities, and possible multiple meanings and paradoxes. Any of these can imply motifs or themes.

-Images: Verbal pictures or representations. Images can change the feel of an entire piece of literature, and definitely keep your attention.

-Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent figures, ideas, or themes. This is one of the most important literary devices to look for. It may be obvious or multiple and indefinite. Examples could include: White for purity, A wilting rose for some sort of temporary love or passion, Rain for gloom, Fire for rage, etc...

-Allusions: References to things from the past. Recognizing allusions can give you much deeper understanding as to why that allusion was made, as well as help recognize themes and motifs. There are four types of allusions: Biblical, Literary, Mythological, and Historical. Recognizing any of these types of allusions and knowing the moral or the outcome of the things alluded to will give you much more insight into the piece of literature. Allusions could be very vague, like a character named David. Or they could be specific and actually name the reference.

-Archetypes: Ideas, characters, and situations that appear in all cultures and literature. Recognizing different archetypes can foreshadow what is to come throughout a story. Examples could include: Romeo and Juliet, Haves and Have-nots, a quest for a Holy Grail, etc...

-Tone: The attitude an author takes toward a subject. This is derived from the word choice of the author, or from situations that the author creates. This IS NOT to be confused with diction. Diction is simply the word choice; Tone is a feeling derived from that word choice.

After checking for all of the elements listed above, pay special attention to the form as well as the content of the work and look for relationships between the two. Make sure to consider the similarities between this and other works.
It may seem to be a daunting task, but once you are able to do all of this with skill, you are practicing synthesis, which is the highest order of critical thinking.
As long as you stick to all of these tips, you should be able to evaluate/analyze with knowledge and propriety works of literature with relative ease.

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