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is characteristically marked by
ellipses, it may indicate that the
character is either insecure or
careful as he thinks about what
he says. Alternatively, this can
indicate that the character who
usually is considered a strong
character is distracted at that
moment, thus creating a link
between the character and the
situation he finds himself in.
Furthermore, language can reveal
more about the background as
well. It is, once again, imperative
that you research how language
can be used in literature to reveal
various aspects to be analysed.
The most difficult literary
genre to analyse is probably
poetry. Often learners become
quite despondent when reading
poetry written in formal verse.
Don’t despair. If you know your
terminology, you need to take it
step by step. Every poem can be
analysed. Know you can and then
it will happen naturally. Always
be systematic. Find your own
system of analysis. I have to
emphasise, if you do not know
your terminology, it may be
extremely difficult to tackle any
analysis, as your analysis is the
application of the terminology.
For instance, if you know that a
verse is a metaphor, then you will
immediately know that it compares
two things indirectly. Should two
things be compared indirectly,
you need to think beyond the
obvious. Often the author’s
comparison is merely a parallel
between associative images.
Always consider why the writer
uses specific devices to create his
literary piece. Only recognising
them will never suffice.
February/March 2014 •
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