Question

style and structure.

• this close reading is the source of direct quotations and other evidence included to support the argum

quotations included are explicated, or explained.

• a literary analysis can focus on one literary element in the text or on various literary elements wor

elements looked at might include:
--characters
--point of view (who tells the story): first-person narrator (i) or third-person narrator
--plot (what happens)
--theme (the message; what it all means)
--setting (place and time)
--imagery; similes and metaphors and other figurative language; symbols
--rhyme and rhythm, especially in poetry

• often, a literary analysis will discuss previous interpretations of the text, perhaps explaining what they have n

which best describes the main purpose of a literary analysis?
to give readers information they need in order to decide whether to read a work of literature
to explore different interpretations that have been made of a work of literature
to argue for a certain interpretation of a work of literature
mahmoud is writing a literary analysis of herman melville’s story \bartleby, the scrivener.\ he wants to interpret the character o
story as a critique of nineteenth - century american capitalism. however, he has read some quite different interpretations of the s
do?
attempt to synthesize the other interpretations with his interpretation
discuss the other interpretations, making an argument for his interpretation
ignore the other interpretations, since his task is to analyze the text through a close read

Explanation:

A literary analysis typically involves making an argument. It uses direct quotations and evidence (like analyzing literary elements such as characters, theme, etc.) to support a particular interpretation of a work. While it may mention previous interpretations (as a counter - point or for context), its main goal is to argue for a specific take. For the second part, when writing a literary analysis, it's common to discuss other interpretations and then make an argument for one's own (as per the note that a literary analysis "will discuss previous interpretations... perhaps explaining what they have [missed or not considered fully]").

Answer:

• First question: To argue for a certain interpretation of a work of literature
• Second question: Discuss the other interpretations, making an argument for his interpretation