What is cubing in literature?

In literature, cubing refers to the technique of analyzing a text by examining it from multiple perspectives or "views." It is a three-dimensional approach employed to gain comprehensive insights into a literary work by considering its various aspects and facets. The term is often attributed to the renowned literary theorist Northrop Frye, whose work revolutionized literary analysis and interpretation in the 20th century. This approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and exploring the richness of literary texts. Through cubing, readers can delve deeper into the intricate details and gain a more profound appreciation of the complexities of a literary piece.

The term "cubing" is derived from the concept of a three-dimensional cube, which has six faces. Each face of the cube represents a distinct perspective or dimension from which the text is analyzed. The following are some key elements considered in cubing:

1. Language and Expression: This aspect examines the author's use of language and how it contributes to the overall meaning of the text. Elements like diction, syntax, imagery, and rhetorical devices are analyzed to understand the author's style, tone, and overall craftsmanship.

2. Structure and Form: This includes examining the organizational patterns of the text, such as plot, narrative technique, and literary devices. It allows readers to explore the structure and coherence of the work, while considering its influence on the reading experience.

3. Content and Themes: The analysis here delves into the ideas and messages embedded within the text. Major themes, motifs, and patterns are identified and examined to uncover the deeper significance and symbolic layers of the work.

4. Characters and Character Development: This involves studying the traits, actions, motivations, and relationships of characters within the text. Character arcs, conflicts, and interactions are analyzed to explore psychological and emotional dimensions.

5. Context and Background: Situating the text within its historical, cultural, and social context helps in understanding its relevance and resonance beyond the immediate narrative. This may include examining the author's life, literary movements, and social conditions of the time.

6. Intertextuality and Allusions: This aspect examines references, allusions, and intertextual connections to other works of literature, history, art, and culture. By drawing connections to external sources, readers gain insights into the author's influences, inspirations, and the work's place within a broader cultural context.

By cubing a literary work, readers can break it down into its constituent elements, examining each aspect in depth, and then reassemble the pieces to form a more enriched understanding of the whole. This multifaceted analysis enables a comprehensive and nuanced interpretation, revealing the interconnected layers of meaning and significance within a text.