3. Literature Analysis Methods
SIFT
SCASI
PETER
4 Roles of Discussion
Characterization and STEAL

4. SIFT
S – symbol – examine the title and text for symbolism (a symbol is any object, person, place, or action that has both a meaning in itself and that stands for something larger than itself, such as a quality, attitude, belief, or value – example: a dove in a story isn’t just a bird, it often symbolizes peace)
I – images – identify images and sensory details (how does something look, feel, taste, smell, sound? Why is this important?)

5. SIFT
F – figures of speech – analyze figurative language and other devices (examples: simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, apostrophe, oxymoron, paradox, pun, etc.)
T – tone AND theme – discuss how all devices reveal tone and theme (tone – writer’s/speaker’s attitude toward a subject, character, or audience; conveyed through author’s diction and details – theme – central message of a literary work; usually expressed as a statement. Ex: Power is hard to control.)

6. SCASI Setting Character Action Style Ideas
SIFT
Symbol
Images
Figures of Speech
Tone AND Theme
SCASI
Setting
Character
Action
Style
Ideas
PETER
Point
Evidence
Technique
Effect
Response
4 ROLES
Connector
Questioner
Cool Thing
Illustrator
STEAL
Speech
Thought
Effect
Action
Looks

7. SCASI Setting When and where the story takes place Character
Who are they, features and traits that form the individual, round, flat, stereotype, etc., how are they related
Action
What happens, storyline
Style
Narrative, Expository, Persuasive
Ideas
Themes, Motifs

8. PETER Point Author’s Claim- What is he saying? Evidence
from the text to support the claim
Technique
what literary devices does the author use?
Effect
on the characters and the reader
Response
Critical response AND how did YOU react to the piece?

9. 4 Roles of Discussion Connector
Connect the piece to other literature, characters, or events
Questioner
Dialogue with the text. Why? Why? Why?
Cool Thing
What is fun or unusual?
Illustrator
Create visuals- a moment, thought, theme, character, imagery, setting, symbol, etc.

10. Characterization
STEAL method

11. Speech
What does the character say? How does the character speak?
Thoughts
What is revealed through the character’s private thoughts and feelings?
Effect (on others toward the character)
What is revealed through the character’s effect on other people? How do other characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?
Actions
What does the character do? How does the character behave?
Looks
What does the character look like? How does the character dress?

12. The End

13. Santaland Diaries

14. Santaland Diaries
By David Sedaris