Final answer:
To preface the novel, Morrison poses that one first asks 'How' in confronting a tragedy like Pecola's. Literary analysis begins with foundational questions about character, plot, and setting which lead to an understanding of the theme and deeper elements of a text.
Step-by-step explanation:
To preface the novel, Morrison writes that in confronting a tragedy like Pecola's, one first asks: How.
When performing literary analysis, it's essential to approach a text with a critical eye, asking specific questions to gain a deep understanding of the material. Questions like 'Who are the characters?' 'What is happening?' 'When and where is it happening?' and 'How does it happen?' can help to uncover character, plot, and setting. These foundational elements serve as the basis for exploring deeper issues like theme, symbolism, and the influence of the time period on the story's language and social circumstances.
Analyzing literature through questions leads to a better grasp of the story's basic elements first before moving on to more complex inquiries such as the role of symbolism or character relationships. This approach allows readers to engage with texts on a fundamental level that informs broader thematic interpretations.