Elements of literature. Before you jump straight into your analysis of symbolism, diction, imagery, or any other rhetorical device, you need to understand the basic elements of what you are reading. When we read critically or analytically, we may overlook character, plot, setting, and theme as superficial elements of a text. Literacy is seen in a broader context and as part of media literacy. Visual literacy is “defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and communicate information. in any form.