An introduction briefly reviews attitudes that critics have revealed toward the tools which linguistic study has provided for literary analysis. Then two of these linguistic tools--the analysis and description of sound and the awareness of the ways in which meaning is expressed by structure--are discussed and illustrated. "Fringe benefits" of linguistic study, such as recognition of the varieties of spoken and written language and an admission of the inevitability of language change are also viewed as aids to literary analysis and appreciation. (BN)