What does the term 'denotation' refer to in literary analysis?

Denotation refers to the explicit, literal meaning of a word or phrase, devoid of any emotional or cultural associations. In literary analysis, understanding denotation is crucial because it helps to grasp the basic meaning of the text without the influence of the feelings or interpretations that might accompany it. This foundational understanding allows for a deeper exploration of the text by creating a clear distinction between what is directly stated and what might be inferred or interpreted through connotation, which encompasses the emotional associations and implied meanings that words can carry.

While emotional associations and implied implications are important aspects of literary analysis, they fall under the broader category of connotation, not denotation. Additionally, slang usage can contribute to a text's tone or character but does not define denotation itself. Therefore, identifying denotation as the literal meaning is essential for an accurate interpretation of literary works.