Writing the Literary Analysis

An analysis explains what a work of literature means, and how it means it.

How is a literary analysis like an argument? When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) (a piece of information) of the text. When discussing these attributes, you will want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes. You will defend this point with reasons and evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

Meaning of the Story Essential Elements Rhetorical Devices Symbolism What do I look for? Meaning of the Story Essential Elements Rhetorical Devices Symbolism

How to Analyze a Story Meaning of the Story (Interpretation) Identify the theme(s) and how the author announces it. Explain how the story elements contribute to the theme. Identify contextual elements (allusions, symbols, other devices) that point beyond the story to the author’s life/experience, history or to other writings.

How to Analyze a Story Essential Elements of the Story Theme: main idea—what the work adds up to Plot: Relationship and patterns of events Characters: people the author creates Including the narrator of a story or the speaker of a poem Setting: when and where the action happens Point of View: perspective or attitude of the narrator or speaker

Identify the author’s use and explain their importance How to Analyze a Story Rhetorical Devices: Identify the author’s use and explain their importance

Common Rhetorical Devices repetition: the use of the same word, phrase, or sound more than once for emphasis parallelism: the use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or of equal importance rhetorical questions: questions that need no answer because their answers seem obvious

ALLITERATION RHYME The repetition of the same sounds at the beginning of two or more adjacent words or stressed syllables. The formalized consonance of syllables. It has two types: Internal rhyme and External rhyme or end rhyme

Repetition and Parallelism Repetition and parallelism are rhetorical devices in which repeated words and patterns provide rhythm, enhance ideas, and organize complex passages. In the following example, notice the parallel grammatical form (noun+ action verb) plus the repetition of the one word, change, create strong rhythms when the text is spoken, cementing the message in listeners' minds. EXAMPLE Times change. People change. Companies change. Have you changed?

Rhetorical Questions Most rhetorical questions prompt thought or focus discussion and are not meant to be answered literally. Rhetorical questions in persuasive texts often are meant to sway audiences to agree with the writers' arguments or opinions.

Rhetorical Questions EXAMPLE And what is so rare as a day in June? Is this question meant to persuade or to summon an image or feeling?

I came, I saw, I conquered. Example 1 Try it out— For each example, decide which rhetorical device is being used by identifying characteristics of the device, and then explain the effect it creates for each piece of text. Example 1 According to the ancient historian Plutarch, the Roman emperor Julius Caesar spoke these words, one of history’s most recognized utterances. I came, I saw, I conquered.

Parallelism I came, I saw, I conquered. The parallel grammatical forms (pronoun I + past-tense action verb) have a potent rhythm, giving weight and authority to the saying

Example 2 President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address on January 20, 1969 moved many Americans with its call to action. Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?

Rhetorical Questions Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? Kennedy’s rhetorical questions are addressed directly to the audience. The implied “yes” answer to each question, prompts listeners to accept the challenges named in the speech.

Metaphor A comparison that doesn’t use “like” or “as”—such as “He’s a rock” or “I am an island.”

PERSONIFICATION SIMILE Nonhuman things or abstractions are represented as having human qualities. EXAMPLE  “A tree that may in summer wear a nest of robins in her hair” (from “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer) A comparison of two things that is essentially different, usually using the words like or as.  EXAMPLE “Oh my love is like a red, red rose.” (from “A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns)

Foreshadowing A technique in which an author gives clues about something that will happen later in the story.

Tone Author’s attitude—stated or implied—toward the subject Revealed through word choice and details

Irony: contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is Verbal Irony—contrast between what is said and what is actually meant Irony of Situation—an event that is the opposite of what is expected or intended Dramatic Irony—Audience or reader knows more than the characters know

Figurative Language: language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole

Person, place, object which stand for larger and more abstract ideas Symbolism Person, place, object which stand for larger and more abstract ideas

See if you can explain what the following symbols mean:

Concept Development: Symbols A symbol is often an event, object, person or animal to which an extraordinary meaning or significance has been attached. Pair/share: What ideas do these pictures symbolize?

Concept Development: Where do Symbols come from? Symbols can be inherited or invented. Ex. The Statue of Liberty came to symbolize freedom for people immigrating to the United States by way of Ellis Island.

Importance: Why Create Symbols in literature? Symbols allow writers to suggest layers of meanings and possibilities that a simple literal statement could not convey as well. Symbols allow writers to convey an idea with layers of meaning without having to explain those layers in the text. A symbol is like a pebble cast into a pond: It sends out ever widening ripples. Pair/Share: Tell your partner a symbol from one of our readings this year or last year.

Symbols in past stories we have read… The Lottery: Character Names: Symbol for ____________ Texas vs Johnson: American flag: Symbol for _______________ Macbeth: Blood : Symbol for _______________

Independent Practice Think of a movie or book that utilizes a symbol (you cannot use an example from this powerpoint!) Name the movie/book Identify the symbol Identify the literal meaning of the symbol Identify the figurative (symbolic) meaning of the symbol Explain why the symbol was used