Analysis Quote by David Lodge
“Paraphrase, in the sense of summary, is as indispensable to the novel-critic as close analysis is to the critic of lyric poetry. The natural deduction is that novels are paraphrasable whereas poems are not. But this is a false deduction because close analysis is itself a disguised form of paraphrase.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Literary Criticism, 1975
Paraphrasing is essential for novel analysis, yet treating poems as un‑paraphrasable is a false dichotomy; both forms benefit from close reading.
In simple terms: Both novels and poems need paraphrase and close analysis.
Key Takeaway
Apply close reading to all literary forms.
Themes
literary criticism
analysis
methodology
paraphrase
Mood
analytical
educational
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- teaching literature
- book reviews
- creative writing
Key Concepts
structuralism
poetics
comparative literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does close analysis differ across genres?
- When is paraphrase insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on one method can limit insight.
