Reading comprehension of literary texts
Reading comprehension of literary texts
In this domain, you must show that you understand a literary text (poem, prose, drama) and can analyse it. Key concepts include theme, motif, character, conflict, narrative perspective, setting, tone, style, and figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, symbol, irony). You also need to recognise structure (stanzas, paragraphs, acts/scenes) and how it supports meaning.
Traps often appear in questions that ask for the main idea or author's purpose. Students sometimes choose an answer that is true but too narrow, or that is a personal opinion rather than text-based. Another trap is confusing the narrator with the author or with a character. Also, be careful with questions about tone: the tone is the attitude of the speaker/narrator, not necessarily the mood of the reader. Do not infer beyond what the text supports.
A useful rule of thumb: always return to the text and find the exact lines that support your answer. For example, if asked about the character's feelings, look for verbs, adjectives, and images associated with that character.
Worked example: Suppose a poem says: "The wind whispered secrets to the old house." A question asks: What technique is used in this line? The verb "whispered" gives human quality to the wind, so the answer is personification. If a question asks about the atmosphere, the words "whispered secrets" suggest mystery and intimacy, so the atmosphere is mysterious and intimate. Always connect the device to its effect.