Final answer:
To analyze a work of literature, focus on the characters and setting, theme development, plot structure, and the author's writing style. Note key literary elements and look for patterns that contribute to understanding the overarching theme. This helps in interpreting the text in relation to broader life experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
When reading with the lens of writers and analyzing a work of literature, characters and setting, theme development, plot structure, and author's writing style are key aspects to consider. To effectively track the theme of a story, it's important to note details about how characters interact within their setting and how these dynamics may change over time to develop the narrative's theme. Understanding the plot structure aids in grasping the overarching story arc, while recognizing the author's unique writing style, through elements like tone, diction, and figurative language, offers deeper insight into the conveyed message.
Close reading involves annotating important literary elements, while also searching for patterns or interruptions in these patterns, which helps in analyzing the coherence of the work. This can lead to a better understanding of the characters, plot, setting, and ultimately, the theme, which is the heart of the literature. By examining and reflecting on these components, readers can interpret themes that are applicable to broader life experiences, as seen in the directive 'Don't turn coward' from Mark Twain's narrative, supporting the text's universal meaning.