Approaches to the Study Literature

Course Code: LAF283

Language Literature and Society

Biographical Approach

Analyzes the literary work by focusing on the author. It looks at the author’s
background and how it impacted the literature.

Example:
The author’s stated beliefs
The author’s personal life and experiences
The values of the author’s contemporaries
Historical Approach

Analyzes the literary work based on the historical time period in which the work
was written. Considers the historical conditions and how this context impacted the
literature.

Example:
Time period of the writing and/or setting
Literature of the time
Attitudes and beliefs of a society, especially related to race, religion, politics,
gender, society, and philosophy major historical events, influences, or
movements
Prevailing societal values (and opposition to the values)

Formalistic Approach

Analyzes the literary work with its form, structure, and literary elements in focus.
The critic looks at the structure and elements of the entire literary work.

Example:
Structure, elements, meaning
How the entire structure is unified
Literary elements (including repetition, theme, motif, imagery, diction,
syntax, plot, figures of speech, paradox, irony, symbol, characterization,
plot, style of narration, tone, mood, etc.)
Psychological Approach

Analyzes literature by focusing on the psychology of the writer and characters. This
approach evaluates the thoughts, motives, actions, development and subconscious
of the characters.

Example:
Motivating forces, emotions, and dimensions of the mind
Conscious and unconscious behaviors
Internal and external conflicts
Application of Freudian or other psychological theories
Tripartite self: id (basic desires), superego (morality), and ego (balance of id
and superego)psychological disorders and dreams

Philosophical Approach

Analyzes literature by focusing on themes, view of the world, moral statements,

and the author’s philosophy.

Example:
Human nature
Mankind’s relationships with God and with the universe
Morality, good vs. evil
Reward and punishment
Sociological Approach

Analyzes literature by focusing on man’s relationship to others in society, politics,

religion, and economics.
Example:
Economic power and money
Urban, rural, and suburban values
Societal, race, gender, and class issues
Social power and forces
Government structures and systems, such as dictatorship, democracy,
communism, socialism, fascism, Marxism, etc.

Archetypal Approach:
Focuses on connections to other literature, mythological/biblical
allusions, archetypal images, symbols, characters, themes.

Feminist Approach:
Focuses on female characters, images of women, and concepts
of the feminine in myth and literature.