I keep gettig good marks for interpretation on my papers, but not analysis. What's the difference between them?

You can think of interpretation as what a text is saying, and analysis as how the text is saying what it's saying. If you're getting good marks for interpretation you're probably seeing what the texts is saying in terms of themes or implicit arguments. By focusing on close reading and the use of literary devices such as metaphor, metonym and imagery, how the text is saying what it's saying, and linking this to your interpretation you can achieve better marks on your papers. If an author is employing a literary device, they are usually doing so for a reason. Analysis involves looking at literary devices, mood and diction to determine how the author is communicating with the reader.
Begine your paragraphs with a thesis statement, this should be your interpetation. Start out by stating what the meaning of the text is and follow this up with evidence from the text. The evidence should be based on close reading and the context of the text. This is your analysis. End your paragraph with a sentence which links the evidence you've presented to the meaning of the text.

AW
Answered by Alexander W. English Literature tutor

1869 Views

See similar English Literature IB tutors

Related English Literature IB answers

All answers ▸

There are a number of correspondences in the form of letters between key characters in Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. Discuss the importance of these letters in relation to the development of plot and character.


How do I write a critical analysis of two or more texts? (example a compare and contrast)


How does the role of the narrator influence a text's contents? Analyse the role of the narrator and his/her influence on the given work's interior meaning and subject matter.


In what ways and to what ends have at least two of the play you have studied made use of either compressed or expanded time frames?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences