Literary Text Analysis: Basics

1. Presenter: Irina Cuzminih, SPU “Ion
Creanga”, Moldova,Chisinau – 2008

2. Title of a story
The title may focus the
readers attention on the
central character, or may
give a clue to the authors
purpose or basic idea.
Direct
Metaphorical
Combined

3. Theme
Main idea or message an author wishes to share
The “moral” of the story
Novels often have more than one theme
Rarely stated directly. The reader has to interpret.

4. Setting
the time, place and period in which the
action takes place.
The Bean Trees:
Arizona/Oklahoma
1980s.The Catcher in the
Rye:New York,
1940s
Lord of the Flies:
deserted island, the
future.
Setting: can establish the atmosphere of a work.

5. Plot
Chain of related event that make up
the story.
Plot centers on at least one major
problem or conflict.

6. Climax (conflict and tension reach a
peak, and characters realize their
mistake, etc.)
Exposition =
Introduction
(characters
and setting are
introduced.)
Rising
Action
(conflict and
suspense
build through
a series of
events).
Falling Action
(conflict gets worked
out and tensions
lessen.)
Resolution
(conflict is
resolved and
themes are
established.)

7. Plot
Exposition: Introductory material giving setting, tone,
characters
Rising Action: series of complications leading up to the
climax
Conflict: Person vs…Person, Nature, Society, Supernatural,
Self
Crisis/Climax: Turning point in the conflict—moment of
highest interest and/or emotion
Falling Action: Events after the climax which close the
story.
Resolution (Denouement): Concludes the action

8. CharactersCharacters
People who take part in the story!!

9. Main Main
CharactersCharacters
Characters
who the
events of the
story center
around.

10. Minor Minor
CharactersCharacters
Less important
characters.
The story does
not revolve
around them.

11. Protagonist
The “good
guy.” The
leading
character in a
particular
story.

12. Antagonist
The “bad guy.”
The character
who strives
against the
protagonist.

13. Conflict
The major problem in a story.
Internal
person vs. self
External
person vs. person
person vs. society
person vs. nature
person vs. machine
person vs. religion