How to Read Literature CriticallyReading critically does not mean tearing a work of literature apart, but understanding and evaluating the work as a whole. A six-step method will help us read literature critically.I. Figurative Language— Make note of expressive language— Think about the【T1】_____ behind employing the devices【T1】______— Some examples of figurative languagea)【T2】_____: a comparison of two terms【T2】______b)Metaphor: a comparison of two seemingly【T3】_____ subjects【T3】______c)【T4】_____: granting human traits to objects or animals【T4】______II. Structure— Nonlinear structure: a story【T5】_____ order【T5】______sequence with【T6】_____ or integrated tales【T6】______— Examples: A Rose for Emily & The Joy Luck Club III. Influence— Trace an influence between authors a)the lessons learnedb)【T7】_____【T7】______c)the conclusions reached— Example: Hawthorne’s influence on MelvilleIV. Archetypes— Archetypes patterned after an original— Two types of archetypes 【T8】_____【T8】______a)buddy pairb)Christ-figurec)the scapegoatd)the hero Situational archetypesa)【T9】_____ and pursuit of an elusive goal【T9】______b)loss of innocencec)【T10】_____【T10】______— Authors can【T11】_____ different archetypes,【T11】______e.g. Hemingway’s Indian CampV. Symbolism— A symbol contains both【T12】_____ meanings【T12】______— A symbol is not necessarily a statement— Common symbols in literaturea)Spring, which symbolizes【T13】_____【T13】______b)Winter, which symbolizes death— Other common symbols, like【T14】_____ etc.【T14】______VI. Read and Reread— Don’t【T15】_____ a work after you first read it【T15】______【T5】