An introduction to literary analysis AP Style

Literary analysis starts with close reading When we read closely, we observe facts and details about the text and how the author uses language. Our aim is to notice the striking features of a text, including resources of language, narrative techniques, structural elements, cultural references, and allusions – to name a few!

How to begin a close reading ALWAYS read with a pencil (or pen) in hand and ALWAYS annotate the text. Annotating means underlining or highlighting key words and phrases as well as making margin notations that explain your thinking.

How do I know what to annotate? Annotate those things that strike you as surprising, significant, or that raise questions as you read. Be on the look out for the elements of analysis: resources of language and narrative techniques. Look for patterns in the things you’ve noticed – look for repetitions, contradictions, similarities. Ask questions about those patterns – especially how and why they occur.

Analysis depends on close reading One follows the other – we can’t analyze without first reading closely. When we read this way, paying attention to the literary evidence in a text, we ask questions that lead us toward an interpretation of that text. Doing so allows us to reason toward our own ideas about a piece of literature. As a result, we move away from well-dressed plot summary (masquerading as analysis) toward well- developed and supported literary analysis.

Analyzing Fiction The AP way!

Plot Character Setting Point of view Tone Diction Syntax Prose Analysis: composed of various elements that fall into two categories Narrative Techniques Resources of Language Plot Character Setting Point of view Tone Diction Syntax Imagery (auditory, visual, tactile) Figurative Language (simile, metaphor, personification) Symbolism Allusion

Narrative Techniques Plot Characterization Examining a story’s main conflict helps to reveal: Characters Meaning of the work Examining character allows us to consider: How did the author create the character(s)? Why did the author create such a character? How is the character’s growth or lack of growth significant?

Narrative Techniques Setting Point of View Examining a story’s setting allows us to consider: What relationship is there between setting and meaning? How does the sensuous world of the work, the time of the action, the social environment, and the atmosphere matter? Examining POV leads us to consider: Why did the author use one rather than the other? Did the choice emphasize one character over another? Why? Can and should we trust the narrator?

Narrative Techniques : Tone Defined as: The writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward his/her subject Tone is so important that… …to misinterpret tone is to misinterpret meaning.

Resources of Language Working with syntax involves: Diction Syntax Examining word choice involves: Looking at individual words Considering their connotative and denotative qualities Noting patterns Considering effect on meaning Working with syntax involves: Looking at and identifying sentence structures used by the author Noting patterns Considering effect on meaning

Resources of Language Figurative Language Symbolism An analysis that includes figurative language must: Correctly identify simile, metaphor, personification Note the pattern of usage Connect to meaning Before our analysis, we must know… That a symbol means what it is and something more (a rose, for example) That a symbol is likely to be repeated or given some other importance Then we can ask: What is the object’s symbolic meaning? How does it connect to meaning?

Resources of language Working with imagery involves: Allusion Working with imagery involves: Recognizing different kinds of imagery besides visual Noting patterns Connecting image and pattern of images to meaning Definition: Allusions are hints or references to other works of literature, such as the Bible, or to history, used by the author to enhance meaning. Allusions are a kind of literary short hand, and recognizing them vastly increases a reader’s understanding of the work. Here too, we should identify, note patterns, and connect to meaning.

Analyzing literature – it’s a lot to think about! Noting the author’s use of techniques and resources is only the first step. These devices are always used in pursuit of creating meaning! Our task is to connect the two.

Patterns we may note: Contrast Repetition Similarities Cause-Effect Narrative Techniques and Resources of Language create patterns that lead to accurate analysis. Patterns we may note: Contrast Repetition Similarities Cause-Effect

These patterns create theme. Theme moves from the concrete situations in the work… to generalizations about people and their behaviors… to comments about the human condition.

THEME Makes the work relevant Allows literature to become a form of philosophy Provides universal wisdom about the nature of reality

Themes tend to deal with 4 areas of human experience… The nature of humanity The nature of society The nature of humankind’s relationship to the world The nature of our ethical responsibilities

On a practical note: Subject vs. Theme A subject is usually one word or a simple phrase: love, revenge, the impetuousness of youth A theme is what the author has to say about the subject: Shakespeare suggests in Romeo and Juliet that young people, without the guidance of responsible adults, will often behave impetuously with disastrous consequences.

And now for something funny… Movies in Real Life