What is the primary goal of conducting a literary analysis?

The primary goal of conducting a literary analysis is to examine and interpret components of a literary work. This involves delving into various elements such as themes, characters, symbols, and narrative techniques to gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and purpose. Analyzing how these components interact allows readers to appreciate the complexities of the work and explore the author's intentions and the broader cultural or historical contexts in which the text was created.

In contrast, merely summarizing the plot does not provide the depth of insight that literary analysis aims to achieve. While understanding the plot is essential, it is just the starting point for a more profound exploration. Critiquing the author's writing style may be a part of analysis but does not encapsulate the primary aim; instead, it focuses more narrowly on the author's technique rather than the broader interpretation of the work itself. Memorizing quotes can support analysis but is not an analytical approach in itself and does not contribute to a deeper understanding of the text.