Style and techniques employed by the author

Understanding Literary Style and Techniques

Acquaint oneself with the distinctive style employed by the author in weaving the narrative. Consider how syntax and word choice contributes to the tone and mood of the work.
Explore literary techniques like metaphors, similes, personifications, alliteration, etc. Understand their usage in the text to reveal larger themes, to create specific effects and to contribute to the overall aesthetic of the work.
Pay careful attention to the author’s use of imagery in the text. Examine how they use sensory language to help readers visualise the scenes, the characters, and situations in the story.
Look for symbols or motifs in the text. Identify recurring symbols and their possible interpretations. Consider how the symbols contribute to the development of the plot or the characters.

Understanding Narrative Structure

Analyse the story’s chronology or sequence of events. Consider whether the story follows a linear, cyclical, or fragmented structure and what kind of effect this creates.
Understand the use of flashbacks or foreshadowing. Consider how these techniques help to build suspense, reveal character’s memories or hint at future events.
Pay attention to the narrator’s perspective – whether it’s first-person, second-person, or third-person. Examine how this narrative perspective influences the story’s tone, reliability, and delivery.
Notice plot devices used by the author such as cliffhangers, climaxes, plot twists, etc. Understand their role in keeping the reader’s interest engaged and driving the plot forward.

Understanding Themes

Identify the main themes in the work and how they unfold as the story progresses.
Contemplate how the author uses narrative style and techniques to reinforce these themes.
Examine how these themes tie into the cultural or historical context of the work. Consider how the author uses these themes to comment on broader societal issues.

Interpreting Author’s Purpose

Reflect on the intention of the author in crafting the story. Understand their primary goals or messages they want to communicate to the readers.
Consider how the style, techniques, themes, and narrative structure serve the author’s purpose.
Reflect on the socio-cultural/historical context of the text. Understand how these factors might have influenced the author’s intentions.

Remember, the more familiar one becomes with the author’s style and techniques, the more equipped one will be in understanding the intricacies of the text and providing comprehensive literary analysis.