1. Formalist Approach:
* Elements of Structure: This focuses on the tangible building blocks of a literary work. This includes:
* Plot: The sequence of events and their causal relationships.
* Character: The individuals who drive the plot, their motivations, and relationships.
* Setting: The time, place, and environment of the story.
* Theme: The underlying ideas or messages explored in the work.
* Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told (first-person, third-person, etc.).
* Language and Style: The author's choice of words, sentence structure, imagery, etc.
* Literary Devices: These are tools used by authors to create meaning and effect, such as:
* Symbolism: Objects or actions with deeper meaning beyond their literal interpretation.
* Metaphor and Simile: Figures of speech comparing two different things to create new understanding.
* Irony: Contradictions and unexpected twists that create humor or commentary.
* Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about future events.
* Narrative Structure: The overall organization of the story, including the beginning, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.
2. Rhetorical Approach:
* Persuasion and Argument: Literature uses persuasive techniques to communicate ideas and influence the reader. This includes:
* Ethos (credibility): The author's authority and trustworthiness.
* Pathos (emotion): Appeals to the reader's feelings and values.
* Logos (logic): Using reason and evidence to support claims.
3. Cultural and Historical Context:
* Social Norms and Values: Literature reflects the social and cultural context of its time and place. It can challenge or uphold existing norms.
* Historical Events: Major events can influence the themes and topics explored in literature.
* Literary Movements: Different eras and movements have distinctive characteristics and stylistic conventions.
4. Reader Response Theory:
* The Reader's Interpretation: The meaning of a literary work is not solely determined by the author but is also shaped by the reader's individual experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.
5. Philosophical Perspectives:
* Themes of Existence: Literature often explores fundamental questions about life, death, meaning, and human nature.
* Ethical Considerations: Literary works raise ethical dilemmas and challenge readers to confront their own values.
Therefore, the structural base of literature is a multifaceted concept, encompassing formal elements, rhetorical strategies, historical and cultural context, reader interpretation, and philosophical themes. Ultimately, it's the interplay of these factors that gives literature its enduring power and complexity.