What is literary analysis? Definition and Rules | Ecoby

What is literary analysis?

Literary analysis is the process of examining a piece of literature, such as a novel, play, or poem, in order to better understand and appreciate it. It involves looking at the various elements of the work, including its themes, characters, plot, setting, and language, and considering how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.

In a literary analysis, it is important to consider the context in which the work was written, including the historical, cultural, and social conditions in which the author lived and worked. It is also important to consider the author’s purpose and intended audience, as well as any literary devices or techniques the author uses to convey their message.

There are many different approaches to literary analysis, and the specific approach used will depend on the work being analyzed and the goals of the analysis. Some common approaches to literary analysis include:

What is literary analysis?

  1. Close reading: This involves closely examining and interpreting specific passages or elements of the work in order to understand their meaning and significance.
  2. Historical context analysis: This involves examining the work in the context of the time period and cultural conditions in which it was written.
  3. Psychological analysis: This involves examining the characters and their motivations from a psychological perspective.
  4. Feminist analysis: This involves examining the work from a feminist perspective, looking at how gender and power dynamics are represented and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the work.
  5. Marxist analysis: This involves examining the work from a Marxist perspective, looking at how class and economic systems are represented and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the work.

Overall, literary analysis is a way to deepen our understanding and appreciation of literature by examining its various elements and considering their significance and impact.

Read: Old Man and the Sea Summary

Author:  Md. Rabby Sharif Ador

Department: English

Institution: Notre Dame University Bangladesh

Member of ‘Future Writers’

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