We may also value different texts for different reasons or value a text differently at different times in our lives. While we can interpret without reaching an evaluation as to the effectiveness of what we interpret, strong argumentative analysis is likely to evaluate as well as interpret. Thus, such critics evaluate sentimental texts negatively, no matter what meaning they find through the act of interpretation. The literary critic tends to focus on the second of these acts, the evaluation of expression. A literary critic, the thing that you are setting out to become in English 1102, can perform a variety of functions.
Analysis uses brainstorming, asking questions, and annotating of texts as tools to generate ideas.
Annotating is the process of making marginal notes, underlining, and raising questions within the text itself. It and these other techniques are a major part of the prewriting process for any literary essay. Our class discussions of texts are, of course, part of this process as well within the context of this course. Another way to think of the analytical task here is to imagine that your job is to conduct a fierce argument with yourself regarding your response to the text in question. Certain specific approaches or schools of literary criticism have developed over time.