2. Literary analysis can be defined as a pursuit of
deeper understanding of a piece of literature. Many themes
and morals are visible at face value in literature; however,
through the use of literary analysis readers can uncover
nuggets of knowledge either too subtle to consciously
recognize without looking, or too broad and interwoven to
see up close. During this semester of English 102, students
have learned how to apply the skill of literary analysis to a
variety of works, and have discovered elements of those
works that otherwise might have gone unnoticed or
unappreciated.
3. Bartleby The Scrivener
Literary analysis uncovers several themes in the
tale of Bartleby. Comments on society and the workplace
are present and up front. Another theme that can be
inferred through careful study is how judging of others
reflects upon oneself. The narrator saw something foreign
in Bartleby and decided to try to eliminate it instead of
learn from it.
4. A Modest Proposal
Jonathon Swift’s A Modest Proposal is a prime
example of satire, and it provides a tremendous
opportunity for analysis. At face value, it is a morbid
suggestion of cannibalism. When the satire is
recognized and explored, the reader discovers that
Swift is mocking his lawmakers and landlords.
Contained within the gruesome text is a plea for
common sense and positive change. Words – even
false ones – can be powerful.
5. White Noise
White Noise by Don DeLillo is easily the
most complex piece analyzed in English 102. In
summary, it is a story about a family that
experiences a man-made chemical disaster and
battles internal drug use and infidelity. More
importantly, DeLillo comments on the impact
that fearing death has on the lives of the
Gladney family and its friends, and how it was a
part of the aforementioned situations.
