Harrison Bergeron vs. Thank You, Ma’am Literary Analysis

Goals for this lesson and the unit Lesson target: I can effectively compare and contrast two short stories by American authors. A few unit goals: To read and study American short fiction To learn the history of American authors To better see how fiction is a reflection of our lives

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007 Popular author that often used dark humor and satire Famous works: Slaughterhouse Five Cat’s Cradle Mother Night Harrison Bergeron

Langston Hughes February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967 Popular poet and writer who was a strong voice in the early civil rights movement Famous works: The Harlem Renaissance The Ways of White Folk Not Without Laughter Thank You, Ma’am

Literary Analysis Literary analysis focuses on how plot structure, characters, setting, and many other techniques are used by the author to create meaning.

Literary Analysis Steps If you’ve been asked to analyze a piece of literature, try following these steps: Identify the author's purpose.  What did the author want us to do with this information? Think of the characters, tone, setting, rhythm, plot, imagery, etc. as tools that help ensure that the reader "gets" the meaning that the writer intended. Ask yourself, why did the author choose to use these devices, in these particular ways?

Literary Analysis Examples Story Summary Literary Analysis Robin Hood Robin Hood stole goods and money from the rich residents of his town to give to the town’s poorer residents. The use of a monarchy or kingdom setting in Robin Hood allowed the author to portray the abuses of power that often occur among the wealthiest members of a community. Cinderella Cinderella tells the story of a young girl whose evil stepmother tries to keep her from her true love. The author of Cinderella paired lazy female characters with a hard–working female protagonist to show that hard work leads to love and happiness.  From http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/writinglitanalysis1.html

Literary Analysis Examples Story Summary Literary Analysis The Crucible Residents in 1690s Salem begin falsely accusing each other of witchcraft, which led to the unjust executions of many of the citizens. From http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/writinglitanalysis1.html

Important Vocabulary Literary Analysis Author’s Purpose Satire Using clues to determine the hidden meaning Author’s Purpose Why did the author write this? What does the author want us to do with this info? Satire Criticism of society + humor = satire Think Stephen Colbert or Family Guy

Literary Analysis Steps If you’ve been asked to analyze a piece of literature, try following these steps: Identify the author's purpose.  What did the author want us to do with this information? Think of the characters, tone, setting, rhythm, plot, imagery, etc. as tools that help ensure that the reader "gets" the meaning that the writer intended. Ask yourself, why did the author choose to use these devices, in these particular ways?

Harrison Bergeron Author’s Purpose? What tools is the author using to convey meaning? What is the hidden meaning?

Thank You, Ma’am Author’s Purpose? What tools is the author using to convey meaning? What is the hidden meaning?