The Modern Era (1901–Present)
Analyzing Literature rough draft
try to determine the author’s purpose for writing it. You dig deeply into the work to find the underlying theme, and you analyze elements like the plot, characters, speaker or narrator, and setting. How do these elements interact with each other?
In the Modern Era of literature, authors have explored a wide range of themes and styles in their work. From the stream-of-consciousness technique of Virginia Woolf to the political satire of George Orwell, each author has a unique purpose for writing their works.
In analyzing literature from this era, it is important to consider the author's purpose for writing. This can be seen through the themes and messages they convey in their work. For example, George Orwell's purpose for writing "1984" was to warn against the dangers of totalitarianism and government control. Through the character of Winston Smith and the setting of the oppressive society of Oceania, Orwell conveys the theme of individuality and resistance against a corrupt government.
Similarly, authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald in "The Great Gatsby" explore themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream. The character of Jay Gatsby represents the pursuit of wealth and success, while the setting of the Jazz Age captures the societal changes of the time. The interactions between the characters and setting in the novel highlight the superficiality and corruption of the wealthy elite.
In analyzing literature from the Modern Era, it is also important to consider the elements of the plot, characters, speaker or narrator, and setting. These elements work together to convey the author's purpose and themes in their work. For example, the unreliable narrator in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" adds to the suspense and tension of the story, while also highlighting the theme of guilt and madness.
Overall, analyzing literature from the Modern Era involves delving deep into the work to uncover the author's purpose, themes, and interactions between elements. By examining these aspects, readers can gain a greater appreciation for the complexity and depth of the literature from this era.