Literary Text Analysis

Analyse novels, short stories, drama and poetry

Approaching Literary Texts

Literary analysis involves examining novels, short stories, drama and poetry in depth. You must identify themes, character development, narrative techniques and the author's purpose. In Grade 10, prescribed texts are studied from multiple perspectives.

Key Literary Elements

• Theme — the central message or idea (e.g. identity, justice, love) • Characterisation — how characters are developed through speech, action, description and what others say about them • Setting — time and place, and how it influences the mood • Conflict — internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces) • Narrative perspective — first person, third person limited or omniscient

Example

Worked Example

In Athol Fugard's 'Tsotsi', the protagonist is a young gang leader in a Johannesburg township. The discovery of a baby forces him to confront his humanity. • Theme: redemption, identity • Conflict: internal — Tsotsi vs. his conscience • Setting: apartheid-era township — creates tension and shapes the characters' choices

Note

Exam Advice

Always refer to the text to support your answer. Use quotation marks and cite specific scenes. Structure contextual answers: Point → Evidence → Explanation (PEE method). Analyse 'how' and 'why', not just 'what'.

Key Vocabulary

ThemeThe central message or underlying idea in a literary work

CharacterisationTechniques an author uses to develop characters

ProtagonistThe main character in a story or drama

AntagonistThe character or force that opposes the protagonist

IronyWhen the opposite of what is expected occurs or is expressed

SymbolismUsing an object or action to represent a deeper meaning

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