Online Literary Analysis Instructors

Literary analysis is the practice of examining and interpreting a piece of literature to understand its deeper meanings, themes, characters, and motifs. It involves looking beyond the surface story to explore the author's techniques and intentions.

Begin by reading the text thoroughly, then choose a focus or theme to analyse. Your introduction should include the title, author, a brief overview of the work, and your thesis statement outlining your main argument or interpretation.

Terms like 'theme', 'symbolism', 'metaphor', 'simile', 'irony', 'characterisation', and 'narrative perspective' are commonly used. Understanding these terms helps in deeper analysis of texts.

Look at the character's actions, words, thoughts, and interactions with other characters. Consider their development throughout the story and how they contribute to the overall themes.

This involves identifying and discussing the central themes or messages of a text. Themes are often abstract ideas like love, power, betrayal, or identity.

Yes, secondary sources like critical essays or academic papers can provide additional perspectives and insights but should be used to support your own analysis.

The plot is the sequence of events in a story, while the theme is the underlying message or idea that these events explore.

It helps readers gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature, and to think critically about texts and their various interpretations.

Summarise your main points and restate your thesis in a new way. Discuss the broader implications of your analysis and why it's important.

Yes, there are various approaches like formalist, historical, psychological, feminist, and Marxist analyses, each offering different perspectives on a text.