Final answer:
In literary analysis, it is crucial to understand characters, plot, setting, tone, diction, and syntax to elucidate themes and character motivations. Motifs and symbolism play a significant role in revealing deeper meanings and themes within the text.
Step-by-step explanation:
How to Analyze Literature
When analyzing literature, it's essential to start with a fundamental understanding of the plot. This involves asking questions such as "Who are the characters?", "What is happening?", "When and where is it happening?" and "How does it happen?". By understanding these aspects, you can grasp the motivations of the characters and the underlying themes of the work.
Considering the tone, diction, and syntax is also crucial in literary analysis. Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, while diction is about the choice of words used. Syntax, on the other hand, involves the arrangement of words in a sentence and can significantly affect the meaning and emphasis of a statement.
To discover themes, look for motifs — recurring elements that may be symbolic and signify broader subjects or ideas. For example, the way Hawthorne uses symbolism in The Scarlet Letter tells us about societal views on issues like female sexuality.
Overall, a good analysis of literature weighs the character motivations, tone, theme, and use of symbolism. It goes beyond summarizing the plot and offers a deeper interpretation of the work's message.