How can understanding denotation assist in literary criticism?

Understanding denotation is crucial in literary criticism because it involves recognizing the explicit, literal meanings of words and phrases within a text. This foundational comprehension allows for a clearer analysis of the text's message, themes, and character motivations. By grasping the direct meanings, critics can more effectively discuss the nuances of the language used by the author, enabling a deeper understanding of the overall work.

While other options may touch on related concepts, they do not capture the primary importance of denotation in literary analysis. For example, while personal biases can influence interpretation, denotation itself focuses on objective meaning rather than subjective perspective. Although metaphors are an important aspect of literary texts, understanding denotation alone does not necessarily relate to the comprehension of metaphorical language, which often requires examining connotation and context as well. Lastly, stating that denotation has no significant impact overlooks its essential role in establishing the groundwork for literary interpretation.