1. The Literary Elements

2. Why Interpret? Never forget that an author begins with a blank page
Everything put into the text makes a contribution to the author’s vision/perspective

3. Plot Sequence of RELATED events that happen in the story
Clearly build toward something ahead
CONFLICT (a struggle of some kind) is the most important element in the plot
Series of complications contribute to rising action

4. Setting
Includes WHERE a story takes place and WHEN a story takes place
Can affect mood/tone

5. Conflict
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Self
Man vs. Society

6. Characterization How a writer reveals a character’s personality
Shown through:
Actions
Words & thoughts
Physical description
Other characters’ thoughts/comments
Author’s/narrator’s thoughts/comments

7. Characterization Examine the character’s “journey” Evolve/Devolve?
Grow or become diminished?
Better off or worse off beginning to end?
Much movement but same place?
What contributed to shaping character?

8. Symbolism
When the author uses objects, events, or characters to represent THE BIG PICTURE
Something in the story stands for something else
In the Bible, seeds eaten by birds stand for those who hear and don’t believe

9. Irony When something happens that is the opposite of what is expected
For example, a woman is assaulted by a man, waits 35 years to get revenge, then falls in love with him the next time they meet

10. Point of View The angle from which the story is told
Could be 1st person (I, we), 3rd person (he, she, they), and rarely 2nd person (you)
Can be limited or omniscient (all-knowing)

11. Style How it is said influences what it means Does it change the pace?
Does it suggest something about characters?
How’s it make the reader feel?

12. Theme The Author’s vision
What’s s/he saying about human nature, the way the world works, our relations to others?
It’s just one view & it’s up for interpretation
Death of the Author