Which strategy can help you determine an author’s purpose for writing a literary work?

Question

Analyze how various literary elements work together to send a message.

Read critical reviews of the work, scanning for the term “author’s purpose.”

Study another literary work in the same genre and make comparisons.

Write a letter to the author asking what his or her purpose was for writing the work

Answer 1

The most effective strategy to determine an author’s purpose for writing a literary work is to analyze how various literary elements work together to send a message. This involves looking at elements such as theme, characterization, plot, setting, and symbolism to understand the underlying intentions and messages conveyed by the author. By examining these elements, readers can gain insights into the motivations behind the work and what the author aims to communicate through their writing.

The other options, while potentially helpful in certain contexts, may not be as directly effective in uncovering the author's purpose.