CompFAQ/Literary Analysis

📝 English Composition Writing FAQ	1101 • 1102 • 📖

Literary Analysis: The Formal Approach to Writing about Literature

Literary analysis is the process of examining a literary work to understand its meaning, structure, and themes. Critical analysis, what we call “literary criticism,” is an essential tool for understanding literature, as it helps uncover the complexities and nuances of a text that may not be immediately apparent. A formal literary analysis, also called a formalist approach or formalism, focuses on the text itself, rather than on the author’s biography or the historical context in which the text was written. This approach emphasizes close reading, the study of literary devices, and the exploration of tension, paradox, and ambiguity in a text.

Analysis Overview

Literary analysis is the process of examining a work of literature to uncover its meanings and themes.
Analysis involves close reading of the text, paying attention to the language used by the author, as well as literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, irony, tension, and paradox.
Literary analysis also involves considering the historical and cultural context in which the text was written, as well as the author's intentions and purpose.
Through literary analysis, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the text and appreciate its artistry and craft.
Literary analysis can also help readers develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Literature is a rich source of meaning and insight into the human experience, and literary analysis explores that meaning in a more profound way. Through close reading and analysis, we can understand how literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, irony, tension, and paradox contribute to the overall meaning of a text. We can also gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas that a writer is trying to convey.

The process of close reading involves several steps. First, the reader should read the text slowly and attentively, paying close attention to the language used and the literary devices employed by the author. The reader should also take note of any recurring patterns or themes, as well as any shifts in tone or mood that occur throughout the text.

After the initial reading, the reader should go back and re-read the text, paying even closer attention to the details and nuances of the language and literary devices. The reader should also look for connections between different parts of the text, such as how a particular image or symbol is used throughout the work, or how a particular theme is developed over time.

As readers engage in close reading, they should also be asking themselves questions about the text, such as what the author is trying to convey through a particular image or symbol, or what the implications are of a particular theme or idea. They should also be looking for ways in which the text might be challenging or subverting traditional ideas or assumptions.

One example of the importance of literary analysis is the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson. At first glance, the story appears to be a simple tale about a small town’s annual lottery. However, through close analysis of the story’s imagery, symbolism, and irony, we can see that it is actually a commentary on the dangers of blind adherence to tradition and the dark side of human nature. By examining the literary devices used in the story, we can uncover a deeper meaning that might be missed by a cursory reading.

To apply a formal literary analysis, one should pay attention to the language, imagery, and structure of the text to understand how it contributes to the overall meaning of the work. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, we can analyze the use of soliloquy as a literary device to gain insight into the character of Hamlet himself. In his famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy, Hamlet reflects on the nature of existence and the human condition, providing a glimpse into his internal struggle and the themes of the play as a whole.

Another important aspect of formal analysis is the study of literary devices. Imagery, for example, refers to the use of descriptive language to create a mental picture in the reader’s mind. In Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Hills Like White Elephants,” the repeated description of the hills as “white elephants” creates a sense of unease and tension, suggesting that the couple’s relationship is strained and that they are facing a difficult decision. Symbolism, on the other hand, refers to the use of objects, people, or events to represent larger ideas or concepts. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s unattainable goal and the corruption of the American Dream.

Metaphor compares two seemingly unrelated things to create a deeper understanding of one or both. In Maya Angelou’s poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” the caged bird is a metaphor for the African-American experience of oppression and confinement, while the free bird represents the hope and possibility of freedom. Irony, tension, and paradox are also important devices that can be analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of a text.

Irony is a rhetorical device in which the meaning of a situation or statement is opposite to its intended or expected meaning. This can be done through verbal irony, in which a character says one thing but means another, or situational irony, in which the outcome of a situation is different from what was expected. Irony is often used to create a sense of humor or satire, but it can also be used to convey a deeper meaning or message. For example, in George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm, the pigs initially espouse the principles of equality and democracy, but eventually become tyrants themselves, creating a sense of situational irony and emphasizing the dangers of power and corruption.

Tension is a literary device that creates a sense of conflict or unease in the reader. It is often created through the use of foreshadowing, in which the author hints at future events, or through the use of conflicting emotions or ideas. Tension can be used to create a sense of suspense or anticipation, as the reader wonders how a situation will be resolved. For example, in William Faulkner’s short story “A Rose for Emily,” the tension is created through the conflict between Emily’s desire for love and companionship and her inability to let go of the past, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.

Paradox is a statement or situation contradicts itself or is self-contradictory. Paradox is often used to create a sense of ambiguity or to challenge the reader’s assumptions and beliefs. It can be used to highlight the complexity of a situation or to emphasize the limitations of language and human understanding. For example, in Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness, the paradox of the “darkness” within the hearts of both the European colonizers and the African natives challenges the reader’s assumptions about the morality of imperialism and the notion of “civilization.”

It is important to note that formalist or new critical analysis does not require a deep understanding of the author’s biography or the historical context in which the work was written. While these factors may contribute to the overall meaning of the text, a formalist approach emphasizes the text itself as the primary source of meaning. This allows readers to focus on the literary devices and language used in the work, rather than getting bogged down in extraneous details.

One example of this is T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” While the poem was written in the early 20th century and reflects the disillusionment and anxiety of the modernist era, a formalist or new critical analysis would focus on the language and imagery used in the poem itself. By examining the use of repetition, allusion, and fragmentation in the poem, we can gain insight into Prufrock’s psyche and the themes of alienation and isolation that pervade the work.

Literary analysis is an essential tool for understanding literature and gaining insight into the human experience. A formalist approach to literary analysis emphasizes the text itself, focusing on close reading and the study of literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, irony, tension, and paradox. By engaging in this type of analysis, readers can uncover the complexities and nuances of a text that may not be immediately apparent and gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas that a writer is trying to convey.

Steps For Analysis

When approaching a text, consider these steps for analysis:

Start with the basics: Before diving into the deeper analysis, it’s important to first get a basic understanding of the plot, characters, and setting of the text. This will provide a foundation for the more in-depth analysis to come.
Pay attention to the language: As you read, pay close attention to the language used by the author. Take note of any particularly striking or unusual words (be sure you look up any that are unfamiliar), as well as any patterns or repetitions that you notice.
Identify literary devices: Look for literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, irony, tension, and paradox. Consider how these devices contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the text.
Look for themes: Consider what overarching themes or ideas the text explores. Look for patterns or motifs that reoccur throughout the text and consider how they relate to the overall themes.
Analyze character development: Consider how the characters in the text develop over time. Look for any changes or growth that occur, as well as any conflicts or contradictions that arise.
Consider historical and cultural context: Consider the historical and cultural context in which the text was written. Think about how the text reflects or comments on the social and political issues of its time.
Ask questions: As you analyze the text, ask yourself questions about what you’re reading. Consider why the author made certain choices, and what those choices reveal about the text's themes and ideas.
Be open to multiple interpretations: Remember that there are often multiple ways to interpret a text. Be open to different perspectives and ideas, and be willing to challenge your own assumptions and beliefs.

By following these steps, you can approach close reading in a thoughtful and thorough way, and gain a deeper understanding of the literary text.

Bibliography

Brooks, Cleanth; Warren, Robert Penn (1960). Understanding Poetry (3rd ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. This textbook emphasizes the importance of close reading and analysis of poetic form, and provides a method for understanding and interpreting poetry based on its formal elements.
Brooks, Cleanth (1947). The Well-Wrought Urn. New York: Harcourt. This influential book argues that close attention to the formal elements of poetry can reveal its meaning and significance.
Empson, William (1966). Seven Types of Ambiguity. New York: New Directions. This book explores how ambiguity can be used to create meaning in literature, and emphasizes the importance of close reading and attention to language.
Richards, I. A. (1928). The Principles of Literary Criticism. New York: Harcourt. This book outlines a method of literary analysis that focuses on the "words on the page," and argues that a text’s meaning can be derived from its formal qualities.
Wimsatt, W. K. (1954). The Verbal Icon. Lexington: U of Kentucky P. This essay argues for the importance of considering a text's "verbal" or formal qualities in literary analysis.

Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-25-2023; Version: Beta 0.7		💬