Textual analysis Textual analysis is about considering how language has been used in a text, and with what effects Holistic analysis: meaning, context and purpose Specific analysis: how are specific stylistic features used to communicate meaning and achieve purpose?

Textual analysis You need to consider Meaning Purpose Context & Audience Stylistic features (what choices have been made concerning the use of language)

Meaning What is the text about? How does the text treat the topic? What aspect of the topic is focused on? Attitude towards the topic: TONE

Purpose What is the purpose of the text/author? To what extent is the purpose linked to the text type (e.g. adverts, editorials)? How is that purpose reflected in stylistic choices? As a good awareness of purpose is the best way to approach your discussion of stylistic features, it's best to establish purpose early in the commentary

Context and Audience In what ways could the text's context affect its meaning? How might it be interpreted differently in different contexts? Who is the text aimed at, and how has this affected stylistic and structural choices in the text? As with purpose, it's good to establish this early on, as it helps you to analyse the stylistic features

Close analysis: stylistic features In addition to general discussion of the text, your commentary needs close analysis of how language has been used in each text. You need to analyse - instead of just listing stylistic features, you need to discuss what effect they have and how that effect relates to the text’s purpose. Each point should be illustrated with (an) example(s) from the text(s). The next slide reminds you of some of the stylistic features you can focus on.

TEXT Syntax NP modifiers Figurative language Register verb forms lists sentence structure Figurative language metaphor simile Register formal academic colloquial etc. Symbol / allegory Imagery Significant images Image clusters Structure problem - solution cause - effect chronological etc. Diction origin semantic fields style jargon CONTENT Sound rhythm / metre alliteration/assonance rhyme STYLE TEXT NARRATIVE CHOICES Tone contrite irreverent disparaging conciliatory inflammatory etc. Rhetorical devices hyperbole understatement personification rhetorical questions paradox/oxymoron irony repetition juxtaposition parallelism Point of view first/third-person narrative second-person address limited/omniscient Setting time place situation Narrative techniques free indirect discourse stream of consciousness

Structuring the Commentary Introduction Briefly introduce the text (text type and purpose) State what the text is about and how it treats its topic Any relevant points about the text's context/audience Main body Clearly organised point-by-point structure (see next slide) Conclusion Briefly restate main points

Structure: Main body The commentary should be structured on a point- by-point basis. Each point should be clearly structured, for example: Paragraph: narrative point of view TOPIC SENTENCE: introduce point (narrative point of view) and link it to previous discussion Identify/recognise p.o.v. In the text Analyse its effect (+ link to purpose?) Give example

Integrating examples Ideally, examples should be syntactically integrated into your commentary, e.g.: In the text, the semantic field of war plays in important role in establishing the text’s emotional impact and justifying its somewhat judgemental approach. We are told that we must “resist the environmentalists’ latest offensive” (line 14) and that “this is no time to desert” (line 18). Notice the inclusion of line numbers for clarity.