Tutoring Centers: English and Writing Resources: Literary Analysis

Literary criticism is the interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of a text. Strong critique broadens our understanding of literature. When you read a work of literature, you will read in a specific way, so that you can offer critical thought and reflective analysis. Analyzing anything involves breaking it down into smaller parts and then examining connections. Literary analysis considers aspects of a novel, play, short story, or poem--elements such as character, setting, tone, and imagery.