Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: thinking about literature -- Close reading: words and forms -- Analysis in context -- Comparative analysis -- Analysis and the critics -- Analysis and literary theory -- Conclusion: analytical writing.

Literary Analysis: The Basics is an insightful introduction to analysing a wide range of literary forms. Providing a clear outline of the methodologies employed in twenty-first-century literary analysis, it introduces readers to the genres, canons, terms, issues, critical approaches, and contexts that affect the analysis of any text. With examples ranging from ancient myths to young adult fiction, a glossary of key terms, and suggestions for further reading, Literary Analysis: The Basics is essential reading for anyone wishing to improve their analytical reading skills.