How to Approach Your Subjects: Tips from Two Great Writers

1. Develop a list of potential themes or topics to explore in your analysis of the story. These could include ideas like love, mortality, identity, rebellion, etc. Once you have your list, break these topics into individual questions to guide your analysis. 2. Use textual evidence to back up your interpretations of the story. Analyze the dialogue, characters, symbols, and setting to support your assertions. Keep notes on your interpretations throughout the story—this will be invaluable in forming your conclusion. 3. Read the text closely and critically. Pay attention to the language and the nuances of the story. Look for patterns, motifs, and symbols that could be important in formulating your interpretation. 4. Develop your own original thesis. This should be the focal point of your analysis. Be sure to craft an argument that can be supported with textual evidence. 5. Allow for multiple interpretations. Consider the author’s context and how the text may have been interpreted when it was written. This will help you consider additional angles in your analysis. 6. Utilize literary criticism resources. These can be invaluable when it comes to obtaining a more in-depth understanding of the author’s works and of the period in which it was written.