Details to use in a Literary Analysis Applicable to Controlling Idea & Critical Lens Essay in the English Regents

Detail: Quotes Make sure you include context that introduces the quotes. Make sure you fully explain why you are using that quote. Needed: Context (who, what, when, where) & Analysis (why important) Example: When Colm went back to the nest the second time he surprised the wild duck. When he realized the mistake he had made “he stood transfixed.” Colm clearly knew he had made a mistake. This moment brings forth the most significant theme in this short story, the importance of respectfully interacting with the environment.

Detail: Literary Elements Easiest once to use are: Theme (the theme of respect in this story reveals to the reader the importance of not abusing nature) Characterization – Colm is characterized as a curious young boy who needs to learn how to respect nature. OR Colm is the protagonist of this short story… Setting – the setting of this story allows us to appreciate the importance of learning how to interact with nature. This story takes place in a wooded area… Climax – We learn the major lesson of this story when Colm’s intrusion of nature leads to the shattering of the egg. Imagery – The imagery in the beginning of the story helps us to appreciate nature. Notice how in each one, I am identifying the literary element used by the author AND the idea this element helps to convey.

Detail: Character Analysis What conclusions and ideas are you able to make based on the characters – how they act, what they are struggling with, what they are saying, etc.? Examples: Colm throws rocks in the water… Colm grabs the egg… Colm goes back a second time… Colm is worried about what he did…

Detail: Plot Analysis What conclusion and ideas are you getting from the events in the story. Example: In the beginning of the story the environment is peaceful, by the end the natural environment is shattered…

Detail: Language Analysis What conclusions or ideas are you getting from the way things are said? Line to look at: Colm says: “Peader, I’ve a nest- a wild duck’s with one egg.” Colm uses a possessive language here, he doesn’t say, I saw or encountered a nest, he says “I’ve a nest” implying that it is his, that he owns it.