ANALYZING AND

APPRECIATING
FICTIONAL WORKS
 Important pointers with regard to effective
fiction reading
• Know the Author
- Part of a holistic understanding of a certain literary work is to
gain background information regarding its author. Know his/her lifestyle,
writing style and the type of work he/she has developed.
• Examine the title of the work
- Think of what the title wants to reveal about the story.
• Read the entire work
- It is seemingly necessary to read the whole work to be able to connect all
the pieces of information to form a complete understanding of the text.
• Feel the scene
-It is somewhat best if a reader has the ability to situate himself/herself in
the realm of the story. Vivid descriptions are somewhat provided in some words to
help the readers visualize the environment and milieu of a story which makes the work
more appealing to the senses.
• Be familiar with the characters
-The characters exhibit different qualities and characteristics that influence
the way how they respond to the situations in the storyline
* Dialogue is also an important element to consider since it reveals much
about the character.
• Note the flows of events
-The reader must take note as to how the story starts, moves, develops,
and ends. The series of events must be given attention for such bears the important
information that a reader must know with regard to the plot of the story.

• Pay attention to some techniques in plot development

-A writer may use a variety of techniques in presenting events. Take note
of the concepts of flashbacks, prolepsis, foreshadowing, stream of consciousness and
other techniques.
• Look at the Symbolisms, Images, and Themes Used
-Messages and themes of a fictional work are somewhat to be discovered
by the readers. These are possibly presented by an object or a word in which the
meaning goes beyond the literal sense. Also, take note of connotations utilized by the
writer.
• Study the Writing Style of the Author
- Every author has a peculiar approach to writing. If a reader knows
the style of the writer, it will be easy to deal with the work.
• Interpret the Purpose of Writing
-The reader can set in his/her mind the possible reason of the
writer for writing the text based on what he/she understands regarding the
work’s theme.
• Judge the Quality of the Text
-A certain work may draw some impacts to its readers. Reflect on
how the work influenced your perspective on life. Also, you may look into how
the author developed and crafted the fictional work in terms of language,
structure, style, aesthetic and intellectual quality.