Analysing Fiction

Question 1

What are the 5 things to consider when analysing fiction?

Answer 1

1. Writing style
2. Subtext - what is the writer trying to tell the reader indirectly?
3. Purpose - does the writing have a purpose other than to entertain?
4. Characterisation - how does the writer bring his or her character to life?
5. Dialogue - what use does the writer make of dialogue and how effective is it?

These areas will overlap.

Question 2

What sort of things should you look for when considering writing style?

Answer 2

Sentence length
Narrative/dialogue
1st person/3rd person
Use of imagery
Use of literary devices

Question 3

What sort of things should you look for when considering subtext?

Answer 3

What is the writer saying subtly and not explicitly?
What can you infer - something that is not directly stated?
Use of conflict or irony - what does it suggest and how do you know?

Question 4

What sort of things should you look for when considering purpose?

Answer 4

What message is the writer giving - clear message (not subtext)?
What is the reason or the point of them writing?

Question 5

What sort of things should you look for when considering characterisation?

Answer 5

What are the relationships between the characters?
Why does the writer focus on these characters?
What sort of voice does the writer give the characters - strong opinions, quiet and thoughtful, downtrodden?

Question 6

What sort of things should you look for when considering dialogue?

Answer 6

Does the dialogue use local or colloquial language?
Use of speech marks, play script, narrative voice?
Formal or informal language?