What is often the main purpose of a literary analysis?

The main purpose of a literary analysis is to explore and interpret the themes within a work of literature. Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas that the author conveys through their writing. By examining themes, a literary analysis allows readers to gain deeper insights into the text and understand the motivations behind characters, the significance of certain plot points, and the overall message the author aims to communicate. This type of analysis involves critical thinking and encourages readers to make connections between the text and broader societal or philosophical issues, enhancing their appreciation of literature.

While summarizing the plot or evaluating characters can be part of a literary analysis, these aspects are usually supporting elements to the exploration of themes. Similarly, defining the author's biography may provide context, but it does not directly address the work itself in the way that thematic exploration does. Ultimately, a strong literary analysis seeks to uncover the layers of meaning that contribute to the richness of the text.