Literary Analysis

Elements of Literature

When we analyse a literary text, we look closely at how the author has crafted it. The main elements are:

Plot

Plot is the sequence of events in a story. Most plots follow a structure:

1. Exposition — introduces characters, setting, and background
2. Rising action — conflict develops; tension builds
3. Climax — the most intense moment; turning point
4. Falling action — events after the climax
5. Resolution — the conflict is resolved

Character

Characters are the people (or beings) in a story. Ask:

• How do they behave and speak?
• How do they change throughout the story?
• Are they round (complex, with depth) or flat (one-dimensional)?
• Are they static (unchanged) or dynamic (they develop)?

Setting

Setting is the time and place of a story. Setting creates mood and atmosphere and can affect the plot.

Conflict

Conflict is the central struggle in a story. Types:

• Man vs Man — conflict between characters
• Man vs Nature — character vs the natural world
• Man vs Self — internal conflict
• Man vs Society — character vs social norms

Theme

Theme is the central message or lesson — not just a topic, but a statement about life.

• Topic: friendship
• Theme: True friendship requires sacrifice.

Point of View

• First person: narrator is a character, uses I/we
• Third person limited: narrator follows one character
• Third person omniscient: narrator knows all characters' thoughts