Literary appreciation refers to the process of analyzing/examining a literary work, such as a poem, story, or play.
There are approaches to literary appreciation. They're:
- Textual Approach
- Structural approach
Structural approach to literary appreciation vs textual approach
Structural Approach: This approach to literary appreciation focuses on the structure or framework of a literary work. It examines elements like plot, characters, setting, and how they are organized to form a meaningful whole.
In brief, structural approach examine the plot structure (the arrangement of events) from exposition to resolution or denouncement.
Textual Approach: This approach emphasizes close reading of the text itself. It analyzes the language, style, imagery, and literary devices used by the author to uncover deeper meanings within the text.
Here, on textual approach, your focus should be on the use of words, literary devices, Themes, styles etc.
the structural approach works best on drama or stories with a clear plot. This is because it focuses on analyzing the organization of the narrative, including the sequence of events, character development, and how these elements work together to form a cohesive story. In drama, the structure—such as the exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Therefore, one can say without any fear of contradiction that structural approach is only suitable for plays (drama) and not poetry or prose narrative with no plot nor characterization.
For instance, the structural approach is most suitable for plays like Othello and Lysistrata, because it helps analyze the plot structure, character roles, conflicts, and dramatic techniques used in building the story.
On the other hand, the textual approach works best for poetry like Paradise Lost or prose narratives like Robinson Crusoe, as it allows a deeper analysis of the language, imagery, tone, and literary devices used by the author to convey meaning.
Footnote: One common thing about structural approach and textual approach is that both does not consider external factors like biography place of writing, etc.
Textual approach to literary appreciation in action.
in this example, I will use textual approach to analyze the poem "it does grow light a tree" by Ben Johnson. My focal point will be on literary devices, diction, tone, mood, theme and style.
"It Is Not Growing Like a Tree" by Ben Jonson:
It Is Not Growing Like a Tree
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be:
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night—
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures, life may perfect be.
Textual analyze
1. Literary Devices:
Metaphor: Jonson uses the tree and lily as metaphors to represent two kinds of life. The tree symbolizes a long, steady, and eventually decaying life, while the lily represents a short, vibrant, and beautiful life.
Simile: The poem’s title, “It is not growing like a tree,” introduces the simile of growth. Jonson draws a comparison between the tree’s growth and the nature of life, suggesting that life is not always about slow, steady growth.
Irony: There's an ironic twist in the poem's message. Although the tree lives for 300 hundred years, it is not necessarily better than the lily that only lasts for a short time. Lily, though it rise in may as it season and die that night, it often very admirable during it stay.
Personification: The tree is described as eventually becoming "dry, bald, and sere," which personifies the tree, making it seem as if it too has a life cycle with a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Diction:
The choice of words is critical in establishing the contrast between the two life forms:
“Growing” and “bulk” refer to the tree’s slow, steady expansion, indicating a life that moves gradually and predictably.
“Fairer” and “flower of light” describe the lily’s temporary beauty, suggesting that its brief existence is full of brightness and purity.
Words like “dry,” “bald,” and “sere” emphasize the tree’s eventual decay, reinforcing the idea that time eventually takes a toll on longevity.
3. Tone:
The tone of the poem is reflective and thoughtful, as Jonson meditates on the nature of life and growth. It is neither mournful nor celebratory but balances a sense of regret with appreciation for the fleeting beauty of the lily.
4. Mood:
The mood created by the poem is contemplative and somber. It invites the reader to think about the passing nature of time, the impermanence of beauty, and the potential for something brief yet significant to carry more meaning than something that endures without change. The comparison between the lily and the tree stirs feelings of admiration for short-lived beauty, as well as acceptance of the inevitable decay that comes with time.
5. Theme:
The central theme of the poem is the contrast between longevity and beauty. Jonson suggests that a long life or experience (like the tree) is not necessarily superior to a brief but intense life (like the lily). The poem conveys that quality and impact are more important than duration. This aligns with a more modern view of living a full, meaningful life, regardless of its length.
6. Style:
Jonson’s style is concise, clear, and classical. The poem is structured in a simple form, but its meaning is profound, requiring the reader to engage in deep reflection. The use of classical imagery (tree, lily) and direct language allows the poem to remain accessible yet layered with multiple interpretations.
Conclusion:
By analyzing “It Is Not Growing Like a Tree” using the textual approach, we understand that Ben Jonson is exploring the value of life experiences. Through literary devices like metaphor and simile, careful diction, and a reflective tone, Jonson encourages readers to reconsider how they perceive growth and meaning in life, suggesting that beauty and significance are often found in the short but powerful bursts of life rather than in long, slow processes.
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