Basic Approaches to

Literary
Interpretation
Created by:
Ananda Siti A. (2079202018)
Arvina Kurnia (2079202013)
Debreesca E. (2079202009)
What will be discussed in this
presentation
▪ Definition of literary
interpretation
▪ Benefits of literary
interpretation
▪ The approaches to literary
interpretation

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What is literary
interpretation?
To interpret literature is to try
and find the meaning and the
significance of a literary work.

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Benefits of literary interpretation:
● Expands our worldview. By interpreting works of literature through
different approaches, we can expand our understanding of the world
around us. Each literary style encourages us to consider different
perspectives from their own.
● Helps us better understand literature. It can give us the tool to study
and evaluate literary works.
● Literary interpretation creates opportunities for new styles of
writing. With a vast number of approaches, the practice of literary
interpretation creates space and context for authors to create works of
literature that push boundaries and break new creative ground.

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The 5 basic approaches to
literary interpretation
1. The Theory of Imitation
This theory sees literature as a way of
reproducing or recreating the
experiences of life in words. It
originated from what Plato and
Aristotle said about literature. Plato
describes literature as imitations
removed from reality. It is being
imitated in the sense of being
interpreted or recreated.
2. The Theory of Effect
This theory emphasizes on the effect
that literature may have on its readers.
The interest of its analysis is in the
psychological experience of the
audience. It is also believed that the
major aim of literature is to move the
audience, to arouse a strong emotional
response and finally give pleasure.
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2. The Theory of Expression
Literature is seen as the product of the
poet, dramatist, or novelist. The theory
focuses on the psychology of the artist. We
may analyze the background of the creator,
their feelings, and way of thinking related
to the work.
3. The Idea of Fictionality
It suggests analyzing what happens
within a literary work. It is believed that
the characters are not moving in the real
world but in a fictional world of their
own. This concept is a useful way of
distinguishing literature from actuality
and the real world of experience.
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5. The Idea of Structure
The concept is that a place of literature
is to be regarded as a structure. Many
components in it are interrelated in
such a way that the whole is greeted
that its parts. This makes us aware of
the unity or integrity of each work.

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How is literary interpretation different from literary
criticism?
Literary criticism is the practice of studying, evaluating, and interpreting works of
literature. Similar to literary theory, which provides a broader philosophical framework
for how to analyze literature, literary criticism offers readers new ways to understand an
author’s work. From the definition of literary criticism, we see that interpreting a literary
work is included in one of the steps to literary criticism. Literary criticism is the
evaluation, analysis, description, or interpretation of literary works. We need literary
interpretation in order to make a complete and comprehensible literary criticism.

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Thanks!
Any questions?

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