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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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?

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?

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

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