how do I analyze a story using tactics such as
Formalist
Biographical
Psychological
Historical
Marxist
New Historical
Cultural
Gender
Feminist
GLBTBC
Mythology
Reader response
I have to analyze the story using any one of the tactics listed above.
Which story are you analyzing?
What is GLBTBC ?
Im analyzing "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville.
I think that was a typo. It should have been LGBT.
Thank you for respondinMs Sue.
For that story, I'd use "psychological."
What will you choose?
NJ, first you have to know what all these things mean. Is the Melville a biography or fiction? Does Melville advance Marxist ideals (hint: Melville wrote before Marx did)? Is the book or story sympathetic to women's rights (Feminist)? If you know what all these things mean, you can see if they apply or not.
I ,agree with Writeacher, but Melville also wrote in a formal style, as did most New England writers of that time, copied or adapted from British authors who were also popular at the time. So that may apply, too. As I said above, make sure you know what these terms mean.
Analyzing a story using different literary tactics can deepen your understanding of the text and offer unique perspectives. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to analyze a story using each of the tactics you mentioned:
1. Formalist Analysis:
- Focus on the elements of the story, such as structure, plot, setting, point of view, and language.
- Examine how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the story.
- Consider the use of literary devices, symbolism, and themes.
- Reflect on the story's formal qualities and their impact on the reader.
2. Biographical Analysis:
- Research the author's life, beliefs, experiences, and historical context.
- Look for connections between the author's biography and the story's characters, themes, or events.
- Consider how the author's personal life might have influenced the narrative choices.
3. Psychological Analysis:
- Analyze the motivations, behavior, and emotions of the characters.
- Explore their subconscious desires, conflicts, or psychological development.
- Examine themes related to human behavior, personality, or mental states.
4. Historical Analysis:
- Investigate the historical context in which the story is set or written.
- Consider political, social, or cultural events that might have influenced the narrative.
- Analyze how the story reflects or comments on the historical period.
5. Marxist Analysis:
- Examine the story's portrayal of social classes, power dynamics, and economic systems.
- Analyze how characters and events reflect or challenge capitalist or Marxist ideologies.
- Consider the themes of inequality, exploitation, labor, or revolution.
6. New Historical Analysis:
- Combine historical analysis with other theoretical approaches to understand how history shapes the narrative.
- Investigate how cultural, social, or political discourses are reflected in the story.
- Analyze how the story challenges or reinforces dominant historical narratives.
7. Cultural Analysis:
- Explore how the story reflects or critiques cultural norms, values, or traditions.
- Analyze how different cultures or subcultures are represented.
- Consider themes of identity, cultural clashes, assimilation, or cultural domination.
8. Gender Analysis:
- Examine the ways in which gender roles, expectations, and identities are portrayed in the story.
- Analyze possible stereotypes, power imbalances, or challenges to traditional gender norms.
- Consider the experiences, agency, or representation of different genders in the narrative.
9. Feminist Analysis:
- Focus on gender dynamics, power structures, and feminist theories within the story.
- Analyze the representation of women, their relationships, and their agency.
- Consider how the story challenges or reinforces patriarchal norms or feminist values.
10. GLBTBC Analysis:
- Explore how the story addresses or represents , , bisexual, transgender, or queer identities.
- Analyze how these identities are portrayed, challenged, or stigmatized.
- Consider themes related to sexuality, discrimination, coming out, or LGBTQ+ experiences.
11. Mythological Analysis:
- Identify and analyze mythological elements, symbols, or archetypes in the story.
- Look for connections to traditional myths or cultural folklore.
- Consider how myths enhance the story's meaning, themes, or character development.
12. Reader Response Analysis:
- Focus on your own personal interpretation and response to the text.
- Analyze how the story affects you emotionally, intellectually, or aesthetically.
- Reflect on your understanding of the story and its impact on your worldview.
By choosing a specific theoretical approach from the tactics mentioned above and following these steps, you can analyze a story more effectively and gain deeper insights into its themes, characters, and literary techniques. Remember to support your analysis with evidence from the text and relevant critical sources.