Literary approaches

literary criticism

process of analyzing and interpreting a literary text using different perspective

structuralist/formalist

• Focuses on analyzing the structure of a text

structuralism

• looks at universal structures in stories, like recurring themes or character roles 

literary elements

are the fundamental components or parts that make up a story (plot, characters, settings, theme, conflict, point of view, tone, mood)

literary devices

are specific techniques or tolls that authors use to convey meaning

structure

 is the organization and arrangement of the text, how the story is told, and the order in which events unfold

narrative flow

• is the sequence of events/ideas that are presented, and POV refers to the point of view from which the story is told

language

refers to the specific choice of words, syntax, tone, and style of writing

historical

• Focuses on the time period in which the work was written and the events, culture, and societal issues that influenced the author and the narrative

moralist

evaluates based on ethical messages and moral lessons

marxist

• Reflects class struggles, economic conditions, and power dynamics between social groups

reader response

• Shaped by the reader's personal experiences, emotions, and interpretations

feminist

• Examines gender roles, power structure, and women’s representation in literature