1. Metacogitive Reading Strategies: Part 5 Analysis! Answering the “So what?”

2. Analyzing! What is analysis? 1) Noticing important elements of a text: Important details –Something that doesn’t belong, has been repeated, or is particularly powerful (“savage”) Literary techniques –Juxtaposition, simile, metaphor, personification, imagery, allusion, etc. etc. etc. Structural techniques –Poetry (syllables, rhyme, stanzas, meter, patterns) –Purpose of paragraphs (counterargument, conclusion, description) Connections –To other texts (DBQ’s!) –Within a single text (seeing similarities, contrasts, patterns, etc.)

3. Analyzing! 2) AND…Answering the “So What?” –This means that in order to analyze, the reader must explain WHY the author used a specific technique. –The reader must see the greater significance of the use of the technique. –We must assume nothing is an accident!

4. Analysis! How does analyzing help us understand what we read? –It helps us see the that even the smallest details of an author’s writing are meaningful and deliberate. –It helps us learn how to see the important elements of texts, see things that don’t fit, see how everything fits together. –It helps us to understand the deep meanings of complex texts.

5. Analysis Example First, the reader notices something significant: Bradbury repeatedly describes Clarisse McClellan as “white” (Bradbury 5). “White,” “Milk-White,” “Pale,” etc. Then, the reader answers “So what?” Why does the author repeat the descriptions of “white”? Bradbury repeatedly describes Clarisse McClellan as “white” in order to paint her as pure and innocent, untarnished by the dystopian society. Because the reader is encouraged to adore this innocent girl, her mysterious disappearance proves even more upsetting.

6. Analysis Example First, the reader notices something significant: Bradbury describes Clarisse’s dress saying, “Her dress was white and it whispered” (Bradbury 5). Personification! Then, the reader answers “So what?” Why does the author personify Clarisse’s dress? Bradbury personifies the dress as “whispering” to further add to Clarisse’s mystery, intrigue, and secrecy. Again, this allows the reader to form an even deeper attachment to this character as unique, special, and someone who has something hidden to discover.

7. Let’s Practice! What do I say when I analyze? “The author uses _______________________ in order to _________________...”

8. Why Does it Matter? Analyzing is the focus of literary study for the rest of high school and for the entirety of college. Analyzing is the most challenging reading strategy! Analyzing successfully is a wonderful achievement. Analyzing helps you truly appreciate the talent great authors have. Analyzing helps you achieve an in-depth, sophisticated understanding of a text, which makes you… ROCK STAR READERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9. The End! (or is it…?)