How to Read Literature: Analyzing Literary Elements, Examining Contextual Factors, and Evaluating the Author’s Writing Style

Introduction

Reading literature can be a rewarding experience for many reasons. It can broaden our understanding of different cultures, provide insight into the human condition, and even help us develop our own creative ideas. To get the most out of a literary work, however, it is important to understand how to read literature effectively. This article will explore how to read literature by examining the various elements of a text, contextual factors, and the author’s writing style.

Analyzing Literary Elements

One of the first steps in analyzing a piece of literature is to identify its narrative structures. Narrative structures are the basic components of a story, such as plot, setting, and characters. By understanding how these elements are used, readers can gain a better understanding of the text and how the author has chosen to tell their story. In addition to identifying narrative structures, readers should also examine the point of view of the text. Point of view refers to who is telling the story and how they are narrating it. Is the story told from a first-person point of view or a third-person point of view? How does this affect the reader’s understanding of the characters and events in the story?

Another important element of literature to consider is imagery and metaphors. Imagery is a vivid description of a scene, person, or object that helps create a mental picture for the reader. Metaphors are comparisons between two unlike things that are used to give the reader a better understanding of the subject being described. By unpacking these elements, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the author’s message and how they are using language to convey it.

Exploring Contextual Factors

In addition to analyzing the literary elements of a text, readers should also consider the context in which it was written. Investigating the cultural influences on the text can help readers to better understand the author’s intentions and messages. For example, a novel written in 19th century England may contain references to class structure and other cultural norms that would not be present in a contemporary text. By looking at the historical events of the time period, readers can gain further insight into the author’s motivations and themes.

Readers should also consider the social issues that are addressed in the text. Many authors use their works to comment on the political and social climates of their times. By examining the ways in which the author has incorporated these issues into their work, readers can gain a greater understanding of their messages and the impact they had on society.

Examining Character Development

The characters in a story are often the most important aspect of the text. By examining the motivations and goals of each character, readers can gain a better understanding of their actions and how they shape the story. Readers should also consider the relationships between the characters and how they influence each other. Understanding the personalities of the characters will help readers to better comprehend how the author is using them to convey their messages.

Understanding Symbolic Representations

Many authors also use symbols to represent larger concepts or ideas. Investigating archetypes, which are universal symbols found in literature, can help readers to better interpret the text. Interpreting symbols can also reveal hidden meanings in the text and help readers to gain a deeper understanding of the author’s messages. Finally, readers should consider whether the text contains any allegories, which are stories with hidden moral or political messages.

Interpreting Figurative Language

Figurative language is another important element of literature that readers should consider when analyzing a text. Recognizing similes and metaphors can help readers to gain a better understanding of the author’s message. Personification is another type of figurative language that gives human characteristics to non-human objects. Understanding allusions, which are references to other works or people, can also help readers to gain a more thorough understanding of the text.

Evaluating the Author’s Writing Style

Finally, readers should consider the author’s writing style. Assessing the tone of the text can help readers to gain insight into the author’s attitude towards their subject matter. Analyzing figures of speech can also reveal the author’s intent and how they are using language to convey their message. Examining word choice can also help readers to better understand the author’s style and how they are trying to engage their audience.

Conclusion

Reading literature is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. To get the most out of a text, however, it is important to understand how to read literature effectively. This article has explored how to read literature by analyzing literary elements such as narrative structures, point of view, and imagery, as well as examining contextual factors like cultural influences and social issues. Additionally, readers have learned how to evaluate an author’s writing style. By understanding these elements, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for literature and the messages it conveys.

References

Crowley, S., & Hawhee, D. (2004). Ancient rhetoric for contemporary students (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Longman.

Gardiner, H. C. (2016). Critical reading and writing for postgraduates. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Lanham, R. A. (2006). A handlist of rhetorical terms (2nd ed.). Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

McMahan, E. (2011). Reading literature critically: Thinking beyond the text. New York, NY: Routledge.