1. An Introduction to Literary Analysis
Honors English I

2. What makes a text difficult to interpret or understand?
The characteristics that make a text difficult to understand are the same characteristics that the reader must analyze.
Remember to SOAPSTONERS!

3. How do we begin to effectively interpret literature?
In Honors English I we will view literature through the lens of New Criticism.

4. New Criticism
Using the text to interpret itself by focusing on the questions:
What did the author say?
How did the author say it?
What does it really mean?

5. The Tools of the New Critic
Device
Definition
Purpose
Metaphor
An indirectly stated comparison (one tangible and one intangible)
Makes abstract concepts concrete for the reader
Simile
A directly stated comparison
Diction (Rhetorical)
The author’s choice of words
Foundation of all the other element. Reflects and determines the level of formality and shape the reader’s perceptions
Detail (Rhetorical)
Facts, observations, and incidents
Develops a topic by bringing life an color to description, focusing the readers attention and bringing the reader into the scene

6. Tools of the New Critic Continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Imagery
Verbal representation of a sense experience
Evokes a vivid experience, conveying a specific emotion, and suggesting a particular idea
Syntax (Rhetorical)
Grammatical sentence structure (includes verb-tense, punctuation, and word order) and the way the words are arranged within sentences
Imparts personality to the writing and allows the writer to control emphasis to shift the reader’s attention
Tone
Expression of attitude, the writers implied attitude toward his subject and audience
Sets the relationship between the reader and writer. Understanding tone is necessary to understanding meaning

7. The Tools of The New Critic Continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Setting
The setting is the time and location of the action in a story.
In some stories, the setting is just a backdrop. However, in other stories, the setting can shed light on the theme. Pay attention to how the setting relates to characters and events and if descriptions of the setting include words with strong emotional associations
Theme
The central message or insight into life in a literary work.
May be stated or implied. It is the purpose of the work. It usually can be discovered by analyzing if and how the main character changes.
Archetype
A type of character, detail, image, or situation that appears in literature throughout history
Reveal deep truths and ongoing themes in the human experience. Helps the reader connect prior knowledge to what is currently being read. Pay attention to essential opposites like good and evil or dark and light. Notice character types such as the hero, trickster, the warrior, the mysterious guide, etc, Notice reoccurring themes such as love prevails, overcoming fear, coming of age etc.

8. The Tools of The New Critic
Device
Definition
Purpose
Motif
A recurring image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme
Unifies the text while shedding light on the theme
Flashback
A scene within a story that interrupts the sequence of events to relate events that occurred in the past.
Manipulates time in the text and the information presented to provide background information and build interest and suspense.

9. Characterization Continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Indirect Characterization
The personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.
Allows each reader to interpret the character.
Direct Characterization
The author tells the audience what the personality of the character is
Allow the author to create a universal interpretation of the character among the audience
Dynamic
Character that changes.
Undergoes a major change that is usually related to the theme.
Static
A character that remains the same throughout the text.
Either supports the main character or is set up to contrast with the main character
Round
complex and undergo development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader.
Creates a realistic character
Flat
are two-dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work.

10. Tools of the New Critic Continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Protagonist
The main character in the text, usually introduced first to the audience
The character with which the audience should identify
Antagonist
The force or character that struggles against the protagonist
Creates the conflict
Foil
a character who contrasts with another character - usually the protagonist— to highlight particular qualities of the other character
Highlight a particular characteristic or outcome in the pro

11. Tools of the New Critic continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Dialect
The form of a language spoken, people in a particular region or group.
Adds reality to the text and connects the characters to the setting Often it will show the character’s location, educational background, and social class.
Dialogue
Literary form in which two or more parties engage in a discussion
Makes the story more realistic, establishes relationships, and helps the reader identify with the characters
Monologue (Interior)
Technique that exhibits the thoughts passing through the mind of the protagonist without the knowledge of other characters.
Also called stream of consciousness, it allows the reader to understand a characters internal conflict.

12. The tools of the New Critic Continued
Device
Definition
Purpose
Symbols
Any story element, whether an object, a person, a place, an animal, an action, or an image that has both a literal and a deeper meaning.
Creates meaning and emotion in a story while communicate multiple meanings in a few words
Conflict
Internal
External
Conflicts are the struggles characters face. Plot is the sequence of events in a story.
Conflicts always spark the plot and are key to the theme. If the author begins with the conflict it is to immediately engage his audience in the plot. Internal: shows the depth of the character as he struggles to take action, make a decision or overcome a feeling. External: Connects the protagonist to other characters or events in the plot
Theme
The central message or insight into life in a literary work.
May be stated or implied. It is the purpose of the work. It usually can be discovered by analyzing the change in the main character.

13. Tools of the New Critic Device Definition Purpose Plot Structure
Sequence of events in story.
The reader must pay attention to any variance and its impact on the audience.
Exposition
 Refers to the part of a story that sets the stage for the events that follow
Introduces the setting and the protagonist.
Rising Action
A series of episodes in a which occur after the exposition and lead to the climax of the story
Creates suspense, interest, tension and leads to the climax
Climax
The turning point of a narrative; its point of highest tension and drama
Engages the audience
Falling Action/Resolution
Main conflict in the story is resolved
Wraps up the narrative, resolves its loose ends, and brings closure to the conflict

14. Tools of the New Critic Device Definition Purpose Point of View
The perspective from which the story is told.
It determines the amount of information the reader receives
1st person
When a character in the story tells the story. The narrator may be a major character, minor character, or just a witness.
Allows the audience to related directly to the narrator. The reader must question the reliability of the narrator.
3rd person limited
A voice outside the story narrates, but only provides one perspective.
Provides objectivity
3rd person omniscient
A voice outside the story narrates, but can tell reader what any character thinks or feels.
Provides multiple perspectives

15. Can all of these elements be addressed in one reading?
It is difficult to analyze a text simply by reading it one time or by yourself. It often takes collaboration and practice.