Literature

• Literature is a term that encompasses different narrative forms, including novels, short stories, plays and poetry.

• In the Understanding Fiction section, the focus usually revolves around prose fiction - specifically novels and short stories.

• A key part of understanding literature involves analysing elements like plot, character, setting, theme and style.

• The plot is the sequence of events in a story. It has several components including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution. Understanding how these parts work together will help you track the progress and meaning of a narrative.

• Characters are the people or entities in a narrative. Studying their traits, actions and relationships to other characters can help in understanding various aspects including their purpose, their influence on the plot and the themes explored in the story.

• The setting of a story involves the time and place where a narrative happens. This can influence characters’ behaviours and escalate the plot. It is also important in creating mood and atmosphere.

• Themes are the underlying ideas or concepts a story explores, like love, greed, or revenge. Identifying themes is crucial as it allows you to understand the author’s message or the broader significance of the story.

• The style of a story relates to how an author uses language. This can include their use of imagery, symbolism, dialogue, and the narrative voice. Analysing an author’s style helps in understanding the mood, tone, and deeper meanings of the text.

• Point of view is also a crucial element to consider. This is the perspective from which the story is told, that can be first person, third person, or even a rare second person. The point of view can significantly influence how readers perceive characters, events, and themes.

• It is also helpful to understand the cultural, historical, or social context in which a story was written. This can give insight into why characters behave the way they do and what themes are explored.

• It’s important to practice critical reading skills, which involve not just understanding the text but also questioning, analysing, interpreting and making your own judgements about it.

• Understanding Fiction also entails being able to compare different texts or parts of texts and identifying connections or contrasts.

• Despite the analysis you will be performing, always remember that literature is meant to be enjoyed. Allow yourself to feel emotion and appreciate the beauty and creativity of the narratives.