To summarise, let us look at a systematic approach for analysing
literature:
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Read the literary work for enjoyment only.
Research the background of the author, playwright or poet.
Do some research on the setting of the literary text.
(Remember, setting includes time and place as well as historical
background.)
Read the text again (especially poetry) and highlight all the words that are
unknown to you, and their binaries (words that can be connected). Find
their definitions in the dictionary. If they do not appear there, try the
internet for definitions.
Try to figure out the writer’s message or intention with this literary work.
Remember to scrutinise the themes in the literary work.
If it is a poem, do the rhyme scheme and analyse the structure of the poem.
Find the reason for these. (Remember, these are often linked to the main
message or intention.)
In poetry, look at the devices that create rhythm and pace in the poem and,
once again, discuss why the poet uses these.
Next, you will have to discuss the various images used in the poem. It is
always important to refer to the main message or intention and/or theme
when discussing the function of these.
Remember, the language is also used to create tone and atmosphere which
are integral parts of any literary piece.
Even though literary analysis may - at times - seem to be a daunting task, it is
always possible if you remain systematic.
Very few of you will venture into reading more works from the same writer.
Although this is no necessary prerequisite, it can definitely be beneficial.
Read the literary piece that you have to analyse more than once in order to
reach the core and savour the sweetness of the entire text.
12 •
• February/March 2014