Literary Term – Evidence

 

Literary Term – Evidence 

Evidence – Definition

Evidence refers to the facts, details, quotations, examples, or incidents from a literary text that a writer or speaker uses to support an interpretation, argument, or claim about the text.

In literary analysis, evidence is usually taken directly from the text and may include:

Direct quotations

Paraphrased ideas

Specific events or actions

Character behavior or dialogue

Imagery or symbols

 

Purpose of Evidence:

Evidence helps to prove that an interpretation is valid, making analysis logical, convincing, and text-based rather than opinion-based.

Example:

Claim: Macbeth is ambitious.

Evidence: He admits, “I have no spur… but only vaulting ambition” (Act 1, Scene 7).

Here, the quotation serves as evidence supporting the claim.

 

In simple words:

Evidence is proof from the text that backs up what you say about a poem, story, novel, or play.

 

Types of Evidence

In literary analysis, evidence is used to support interpretations or arguments about a text. The main types are:

 

1. Direct Quotation

Using the exact words from the text.

Example:

“All the world’s a stage” (As You Like It)

✔ Most strong and commonly used evidence

 

2. Paraphrased Evidence

Restating the author’s ideas in your own words.

Example:

Macbeth admits that his actions are driven purely by ambition.

✔ Useful when quotations are too long

 

3. Summary Evidence

Briefly describing a larger section or event of the text.

Example:

In Animal Farm, the pigs gradually take control of the farm.

✔ Helps give context

 

4. Textual Detail

Specific details such as setting, imagery, symbols, or descriptions.

Example:

The recurring darkness in Macbeth reflects moral corruption.

✔ Shows close reading

 

5. Character Actions

What characters do, not just what they say.

Example:

Brutus joins the conspiracy, showing his inner conflict.

✔ Reveals motives and themes

 

6. Dialogue

Conversations between characters used as proof.

Example:

The exchange between Romeo and Juliet reveals instant love.

✔ Highlights relationships and conflict

 

 

7. Imagery and Symbolism

Use of symbols, metaphors, or images as evidence.

Example:

The conch in Lord of the Flies symbolizes order and authority.

✔ Useful in poetry and novels

 

8. Structural Evidence

Evidence from form, style, or structure (acts, stanzas, narrative voice).

Example:

The sonnet form in Shakespeare’s poems emphasizes emotional control.

✔ Advanced analytical evidence

 

9. Historical or Contextual Evidence (Secondary Evidence)

Information from history, culture, or author’s background.

Example:

Victorian morality influences themes in Dickens’ novels.

✔ Supports interpretation but must connect to text

 

10. Critical or Scholarly Evidence

Views from critics or scholars.

Example:

A critic argues that Hamlet represents Renaissance humanism.

✔ Used in higher-level academic writing

 

Evidence in Literature

Evidence in literature means proof taken directly from the text to support an idea, interpretation, or argument. It shows that your point is based on the text—not personal opinion.

Types of Evidence with Examples

 

1. Quotation

Using the author’s exact words.

Example:

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

— Lord Acton

Use: Proves a theme or idea clearly.

 

2. Paraphrase

Restating the author’s idea in your own words.

Example:

In Macbeth, Macbeth realizes that ambition alone pushes him toward murder.

Use: Helpful when quotes are long.

 

3. Summary

Briefly describing a larger event.

Example:

In The Prodigal Son, the father welcomes his lost son back without punishment.

Use: Provides context.

 

4. Character Actions

What a character does to show traits or themes.

Example:

King Lear divides his kingdom based on flattery, showing poor judgment.

 

5. Dialogue

What characters say to each other.

Example:

Romeo and Juliet’s first conversation uses a shared sonnet, showing harmony.

 

6. Imagery

Descriptive language appealing to the senses.

Example:

In The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the image of a lifeless sea emphasizes isolation.

 

7. Symbolism

Objects or actions representing deeper meanings.

Example:

The conch shell in Lord of the Flies symbolizes law and order.

 

8. Setting

Time and place used as evidence.

Example:

The bleak setting in Wuthering Heights mirrors emotional turmoil.

 

9. Theme-Based Evidence

Events or lines supporting a theme.

Example:

In the Bible, Joseph forgiving his brothers supports the theme of forgiveness.

 

10. Structural Evidence

Evidence from form or organization.

Example:

Shakespeare’s use of soliloquies reveals characters’ inner thoughts.

Model Exam Answer

Point: Macbeth is ambitious.

Evidence: “I have no spur… but only vaulting ambition.”

Explanation: This line directly shows Macbeth’s motive.

 

One-Line Definition:

Evidence is textual proof—such as quotations, actions, or details—used to support a literary argument.