Analyzing Literary Works:

A Deep Dive
Welcome to our journey through the fascinating world of
literary analysis. Together, we'll explore the intricate layers
that make literature a profound mirror of human experience.
Through careful examination of texts, we'll discover how
authors craft meaning through various literary elements.

Literary analysis isn't just an academic exercise—it's a way to

deepen our connection with stories, enhance our critical
thinking skills, and unlock new perspectives. Whether you're
new to literary analysis or looking to sharpen your skills, this
presentation will provide valuable insights and practical
techniques.

by Eruvu Ina
Objectives
1 Understand the purpose 2 Identify key elements
and process of literary used in literary analysis
analysis
We'll break down the essential
We'll explore why literary components that form the
analysis matters and examine foundation of literary analysis,
the systematic approach to including plot, character, setting,
uncovering deeper meanings in theme, and more. Understanding
texts. You'll learn how analysis these elements provides the
enhances both appreciation and tools needed for meaningful
comprehension of literature. interpretation.

3 Apply analytical techniques to sample literary works

Through practical examples from well-known texts, we'll demonstrate how
to apply analytical techniques. This hands-on approach will help you
develop confidence in your own analytical abilities.
Motivational Activity: "The Story
in You"
Find a partner
Turn to someone sitting near you and introduce yourself. Create a comfortable
space for sharing personal narratives.

Share your story

Each person takes two minutes to share a brief personal anecdote—perhaps
an unexpected event, a challenge overcome, or a meaningful encounter.
Listen actively when your partner speaks.

Analyze together
Discuss what made each story engaging. What elements stood out? Was
it the conflict, vivid details, emotional components, or perhaps the
resolution?

Connect to literary analysis

Recognize that you've just engaged in a form of analysis! The same
skills you used to identify compelling elements in personal stories
apply to literary texts.
What is Literary Analysis?

Systematic Examination Meaning Discovery Critical Thinking

Literary analysis involves a Through analysis, we uncover The process develops essential
methodical approach to layers of meaning that might critical thinking skills as we
studying texts, breaking them not be apparent at first glance, learn to question, interpret,
down into components to revealing the author's and evaluate texts rather than
better understand how they intentions, cultural contexts, simply accepting them at face
work together to create and universal themes. value.
meaning.

Enhanced Appreciation
Understanding the craft behind
literature deepens our
emotional connection to it,
allowing us to appreciate both
its artistic merit and its
reflection of human
experience.
Elements of Literary Analysis
Character Theme
The individuals who Setting
The central idea or
populate the narrative. The time, place, and underlying message of
Plot Character analysis
Point of View
environment in which the work. Theme
explores their traits, the story occurs. analysis identifies The perspective from Symbolism
The sequence of
events that unfolds in motivations, Setting analysis recurring ideas and which the story is told. Objects, characters, or
a narrative, including development, and considers how location examines how they Analyzing point of view actions that represent
exposition, rising relationships, influences the contribute to the reveals how narrative abstract ideas beyond
action, climax, falling examining how they characters, plot, and work's broader perspective shapes their literal meaning.
action, and resolution. function within the themes of the work. significance. reader understanding Symbol analysis
Plot analysis examines larger story. and experience. uncovers these deeper
how these components meanings and their
work together to drive contribution to the
the story forward. 3 4 work.

2 5

1 6
Elements of Literary Analysis (continued)
Tone Imagery
The author's attitude toward the subject matter, conveyed Vivid descriptive language that appeals to the senses,
through word choice, imagery, and style. Tone can be creating mental pictures for the reader. Effective imagery
formal, informal, serious, humorous, sarcastic, solemn, or allows readers to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell the
playful, among many other possibilities. Analyzing tone world of the text, making the experience more immersive
helps readers understand the author's perspective and and emotionally resonant.
emotional stance.

Conflict Style & Irony

The struggle between opposing forces that drives the Style refers to the author's distinctive use of language,
narrative. Conflicts may be external (character vs. sentence structure, and literary techniques. Irony involves
character, nature, or society) or internal (within the contrast between expectations and reality. Both elements
character's own mind). Analyzing conflict reveals the contribute significantly to the author's unique voice and
central tensions that propel character development and the work's overall impact.
plot.
Example 1: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Symbolism Analysis: The Green Light Character Analysis: Jay Gatsby

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock serves as a powerful Gatsby embodies the quintessential American self-made man who
symbol throughout the novel. It represents Gatsby's yearning for transforms himself from humble origins into a figure of enormous
Daisy and his idealized future with her. More broadly, it symbolizes wealth. His character reveals the tension between American
the American Dream—tantalizing, seemingly within reach, yet idealism and materialism.
ultimately unattainable.
Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques the hollowness of the Roaring
Fitzgerald uses this symbol to explore how dreams can Twenties and exposes the corruption beneath the glittering
simultaneously motivate and destroy, showing the dangers of surface of wealth. His tragic end serves as a commentary on the
living too deeply in an idealized future rather than accepting unsustainability of lives built on illusion.
reality.
Example 2: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Theme Analysis: Moral Education & Justice 1
Lee masterfully weaves the theme of moral growth throughout
the novel, primarily through Scout's coming-of-age journey. As
she witnesses the racial injustice of Tom Robinson's trial, Scout 2 Setting Analysis: 1930s Alabama
develops a more nuanced understanding of human nature and The Depression-era Southern setting is not merely a backdrop
ethics. The theme evolves to show that true moral education but a powerful force shaping the characters and their actions.
comes not from formal schooling but from witnessing and Maycomb's rigid social hierarchy and racial divisions directly
processing real-world injustice. influence the plot's central conflict. Lee uses detailed
descriptions of the town to establish both its charm and its
suffocating limitations, creating a microcosm of Southern
Character Analysis: Atticus Finch 3 society during this tumultuous historical period.
As a principled lawyer defending a Black man in a racist society,
Atticus embodies moral courage and integrity. His character
serves as both a moral compass within the narrative and a
critique of the surrounding society. Through Atticus, Lee
explores what true courage means—not physical bravery, but
"when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin
anyway."
Assessment
Questions Answers

1. What is the primary purpose of literary analysis? To explore deeper meanings and enhance understanding of
literature through systematic examination of its elements.

2. Name three elements of literary analysis and briefly explain one. Any three from: plot, character, setting, theme, point of view,
symbolism, tone, imagery, conflict, style, irony. Example
explanation: Symbolism refers to objects or actions that
represent abstract ideas beyond their literal meaning.

3. In "The Great Gatsby," what does the green light symbolize? Gatsby's hopes and dreams for a future with Daisy, and more
broadly, the elusive American Dream that remains tantalizingly
out of reach.

4. How does setting function in "To Kill a Mockingbird"? The 1930s Alabama setting reflects historical racial segregation
and directly influences characters' actions, beliefs, and the
central conflicts of the narrative.

Additional challenge: Identify a symbol from a literary work you've read recently and explain its significance to the overall meaning of the
text.
Assignment
Select a Text
1 Choose a short story or poem that interests you

Focus Elements
2 Select two literary elements to analyze

Analyze Connections
3 Explore how these elements create meaning

Write Analysis
4 Craft a 500-word analytical essay

Write a 500-word analysis focusing on two elements of literary analysis (such as character, setting, symbolism, theme, etc.). Explain how these
elements contribute to the overall meaning or impact of the work. Support your analysis with specific examples and quotations from the text.

Your analysis should include: an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs with textual evidence, and a conclusion that addresses
the significance of your findings. Due date: Next class. Be prepared to share your insights in a brief presentation!