Understand the components of good writing: Understand ... · PDF fileOBJECTIVES Define...
Transcript of Understand the components of good writing: Understand ... · PDF fileOBJECTIVES Define...
OBJECTIVES
■ Define literary analysis■ Understand purpose of literary analysis■ Understand the components of good writing:
depth, complexity, quality■ Tips for effective analysis■ Analysis of Literary Elements: diction, conflict,
character, images, symbols, figurative language, theme and form/style
LITERARY ANALYSIS
A literary analysis explains a literary work in a formal essay. The work (novel, short story, or poem) is described by the use of the literary elements and the intention of the author.
LITERARY ANALYSIS
➢ Literary analysis assumes knowledge of the work and therefore does not provide a summary.
➢ Each analysis paper supports a clearly defined thesis to be proved about the work; it is PERSUASIVE.
PURPOSE OF ANALYSISThe ultimate end of analysis is a deeperunderstanding and a fuller appreciationof the literature – you learn
to see more, to uncover or create
richer, denser, more interestingmeanings.
To begin to analyze written work a common way of identifying the qualities that characterize it as 'good' by examining its ….
YOU MIGHT BE ASKING---
WHAT DO I LOOK FOR?
When we are looking deeply into the text we see that we are formed largely by culture
➢ we have common human needs (Remember: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?)
➢ we experience life with complexity ➢ our lives hold symbolic and historical
meaning
When you read remember that authors aredemonstrating to us that there is more to lifethan our physical sense of it.
Authors seek to define some of the forces andfeelings which give importance to our being.
Think in terms of our human experience as:
➢ being made up by interacting factors -- environment, character, situation and so forth, and
➢ comprised of a number of different elements -- thought, feeling, sensation, memory, imagination, significant symbols, culturally-formed ways of saying and thinking.
Our experience is complex.
➢ In order to suggest the complexities and the depth of experience, literature has to use all of its resources well.
➢ The more the resources of language and meaning are used to reveal the depth and complexity the more we say this work has QUALITY.
STRATEGIES TO FOLLOW FOR EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS
➢ Read the text
➢ Consider related viewpoints ➢ Consider literary elements
Quick Tips Critical viewpoint
➢Political viewpoint: consider how political systems and politics are portrayed in the work;➢Feminist viewpoint: consider how the work portrays women and approaches gender roles; ➢Ethnic viewpoint: consider how ethnic groups are portrayed within the work
Quick Tips Critical viewpoint
Consider other perspectives where appropriate
➢ religious➢ psychological➢ belief systems
The caution here is to accurately represent the text and support all interpretations by evidence in the text.
First….
and read the novel. Take notes along the way,
considering the literary elements while you read
STOP
Literary Elements CHARACTER
Consider what consistent qualities the character has, what motivates the character, what complexities the character shows, does the character change or remain the same.
Are the characters dynamic, static, round or flat?
Character Types• Flat Characters: one-sided or less developed characters. These characters are usually minor characters or represent something stereotypical.•Round Characters: are multi-dimensional and are usually the protagonist. These are more developed characters and seem more real.•Dynamic Characters: are characters who go through a significant change in the story. The protagonist is usually a dynamic character.•Static Characters: are characters who do not change throughout the story.
•When we discuss character types, we look for qualities that are:•Physical – hair color, physical description•Implied/Inferred – these are characteristics about their personality (shy, funny, racist, amiable)
Character Types• In the story Cinderella, how would you describe these characters?
•The Prince • Flat and Static
•Cinderella• Round and Dynamic
•The Evil Stepmother•Flat and Static
•In describing Cinderella, the writer might say:•Cinderella is a beautiful, young woman with blonde hair (physical). She is sweet and kind (implied). She is the protagonist of the story and is a round, dynamic character.
Literary Elements DICTION
Focus on of the work. Ask:
Is the language clear or does the author use metaphors and similes?
Is this the language of emotion or reason?What images are created?How has dialogue been used? Does it add
meaning to the novel?
THE WORDS
CONNOTATIONAnalyze the figures of speech and sound effects of the work.
These elements add to the meaning.
Literary Elements CONFLICT
List all of the conflicts or tensions in the work and
fill them out with examples or evidence from the work
Draw conclusions about the conflict.
Consider the universal ideas of conflict:•Man vs. Man•Man vs. Nature•Man vs. Society•Man vs. Self•Man vs. Religion•Man vs. Machine•Man vs. Supernatural
THEME➢ As you already know, theme is the central idea or
message the author is sharing with the reader.➢ It does not make a judgment. For example: “Drugs are bad” is not a theme.➢ It merely states something that is true about life
and the human condition.➢ Your theme is the opinion component of your
thesis statement.
Literary ElementsTHEME
Look for the meaning in the text, but don’t settle for the first thing you see.
Make a list of all possible themes stated in complete sentences and in universal terms
Example:One theme of “The Pearl” is that greed can be a destructive force.
How do I find the THEME?➢ Read the entire
novel.➢ Consider the literary
elements.➢ What message are
the literary elements trying to convey to the reader?
➢ What is the author trying to say about life?
Literary Elements FORM/STYLE
Poetry is examined through rhyme, rhythm, sound devices, and format
Each genre or type of literature has its own principles of style and form.
Fiction is examined by considering narrative point of view, setting, word choice or characterization.
Drama’s unique element is staging, the props, actors’ gestures, lighting, the set, and visual effects.
Literary Elements IMAGES
Most literature can be analyzed through images and symbols.
➢Scan the work, listing images, symbols, searching for patterns and repetitions.
➢Write down page references and your first interpretations.
REFERENCESBauman, M. G. (2007). Ideas & details: A guide to college writing. Massachusetts: Thomson
Wadsworth: 273-307.
Images from Microsoft Office 2003 clipart
Knott Poetry Analysis Using TPCASTT retrieved on January 25, 2008 from images.
schoolinsites.com/.../BakerHigh/Uploads/Presentat ions/Poetry%20Analysis%20Using%
20TPCASTTknott.ppt
Lye, J. (2000). Critical reading: A guide. Retrieved August 15, 2003 from http://www.
brocku.ca/english/jlye/criticalreading.html
Poetry explications. (2007). The Writing Center. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved on January 17, 2009 from http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/poetry-explication.html
Quotations about Poetry, (2008). The Quote Garden: A Harvest of Quotes for Word Lovers
Retrieved on January 30, 2008 from http://www.quotegarden.com/poetry.html