Content-Based Clues:
* Theme: What are the central ideas or messages the work explores? What does the author seem to be saying about life, society, human nature, etc.?
* Characters: What are their motivations, struggles, and transformations? What do their actions and thoughts reveal about the author's message?
* Plot: What are the key events and conflicts? How are they structured and resolved? How do the plot elements serve the overall purpose?
* Setting: How does the time and place influence the story and its characters? Does the setting contribute to the overall message?
* Symbolism: Are there recurring images, objects, or events with symbolic meaning? What do these symbols represent and how do they contribute to the purpose?
* Tone and Style: What is the overall mood or atmosphere of the work? Does it employ humor, irony, satire, or any other stylistic techniques? How does the style enhance the purpose?
Structural and Technical Clues:
* Genre: What type of literature is it (novel, poem, play, etc.)? Does the genre suggest a typical purpose (e.g., a tragedy typically aims to explore suffering and loss)?
* Form: How is the work structured? Does it use a specific narrative style (e.g., first-person, third-person) or a particular form (e.g., sonnet, free verse)?
* Imagery and Sensory Details: How does the author use language to appeal to the reader's senses and create vivid impressions? What effect does this imagery have on the overall message?
* Language and Diction: Does the author use formal or informal language? Is the vocabulary complex or simple? How does the language choice impact the purpose?
* Figurative Language: Does the author use metaphors, similes, personification, etc.? How do these devices contribute to the overall meaning?
Contextual Clues:
* Historical and Cultural Context: What were the social, political, or cultural issues of the time period in which the work was written? How might these have influenced the author's purpose?
* Author's Biography: What do you know about the author's life and experiences? Do any of these connect to the themes or messages in the work?
Important Note:
Determining the author's purpose is not always a simple task. Often, literary works have multiple layers of meaning and can be interpreted in different ways. It's important to consider all these aspects and engage in critical analysis to arrive at a thoughtful understanding.