Writing about LiteratureYeoJuChoiChristinHunnicutt

Most students need help with . . .Thesis statementArgumentAnalysisLiterary TermsStructure OrganizationIntroduction and ConclusionTransitions, Flow

AnalysisHow one or more aspects of the writing, such as theme, style, or character, contribute to overall meaningThe ambiguity of events in The Scarlet Letter shows us that Hawthorne. . .“The Scarlet Letter” (1860) by T. H. Matteson .http://www.chs.helena.k12.mt.us/faculty/hhillZ/Scarlet.jpg

ComparisonIlluminates two or more works and shows connections between themFocuses on similarities or differences in style, theme, character or other mattersWhen comparing Tom Sawyer to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the reader should bear in mind that, though intended to be companion pieces, . . .

The Elements of FictionPlot and StructureCharacterizationSetting ThemeIronyPoint of View First personThird person (omniscient, participating)SymbolismStyle

Style?When writers talk about style, they usually mean the overall impression gained from the effect of the words—the content, the use of language, the organization. It’s a slippery concept. So, break it down . . ..

Style is . . .Word Choice (Diction)Word Order (Syntax)Sentence lengthParagraph lengthSentence typeSentence LengthToneFigurative language

Fictions: Prompts for Thesis Ideas What was the author attempting to do?Purpose, scope, view, attitudePicture of material presentedIdeas on life, liberty, morals, society, religion, etc.Author’s personal backgroundHow well did the author succeed in his/her attempt?Stylistic faults, excellencies, devicesRelationship between structure and contentTargeted audienceWhat value does the attempt have?Theme and purposeTone: light, serious, etc.Comparison between the author’s intention and the reader perception

The Elements of PoetryVoice: Speaker & AudienceDiction ImageryFigures of SpeechSymbolism AllegorySound, Rhythm, & MeterTheme

Poetry: Prompts for Thesis IdeasIndentify the overall effect of the poemconvert the readercreate shock, nostalgia, fear or another emotionevoke a moodConsider how the poem's parts contribute to the overall effect.structure, organization, language, meter, literary devicesIs there a theme or a thesis to the poem?

The Elements of DramaType: TragedyComedyTragicomedyPlotCharacters: Major, MinorDialogueStagingTheme

Drama: Prompts for Thesis IdeasHow do the roles of the various minor characters expose the major characters or advance the movement of the plot?Compare and contrast the knowledge the audience has that of the characters. Does the difference create dramatic suspense?Analyze the importance placed on the various themes. Are there any changes that occur during the course of the play?Consider the role of physical stage directions and the effect they have on the play as a whole.

Critical PerspectivesThe critical theory that informs an approach to analysis or commentary on a literary textFor a review of approaches: (The Bedford Glossary on the UWC shelf)In advanced classes, students may be required to approach a text from a particular critical perspective; or they may have to select one.Dr. Samuel Johnson, the ultimate critic

Helping Students Select a TopicLook over notes and readings for:key points of emphasisrecurring concernsinteresting questionsAsk proffor suggestions.Talk with other students.Consult other sources of information about the work.

Research The librarians offer help! Check out http://library.tamu.edu/class-guides/englishor http://library.tamu.edu/help/help-yourself/citing-sources.

Thesis StatementsArgue a point about the author or the workAre as specific as possibleAre written in a simple, direct sentenceAct as an umbrella for the content of the essay

IntroductionsName the author and work being discussed.Give the basic premise of the argument byidentifying the subject, orsetting limitations for a unified theme.Create interest by examining the subject from the perspective of a reader. Introduce the thesis.

Primary Sources (what the text says)Primary sources should be quoted directly or paraphrased as needed.Often the author’s exact wording is important, so a direct quote would be warranted.

Secondary Sources (what the critics say)Direct quotes should be used only when the person being quoted is eloquent or very apt; generally, indirect quotes (paraphrases) are needed. The quote’s significance to the argument should be explicitly stated.Every quote should be introduced by a tag or a colon.

Synthesis (what the writer says)The writer’s job is to consider what the critics say and what the text itself says and to bring these together (synthesize them) from a new or original perspective.The best essays help the reader see the work under discussion in a new light.

ConclusionsLeave the reader with a sense of completeness and closure.Summarize the main points in a creative restatement.Place emphasis on significant or memorable points.

ResourcesBaker, Jim. The Aggie Critic. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing, 2002.DiYanni, Robert. Literature: Reading Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 5th ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2002.McKeague, Pat. Step By Step: Writing About Literature. 6th ed. Dubuque, IA: Kendall / Hunt Publishing Company, 1999.“Analyzing General Literature.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April 2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/lit.html>.“Analyzing Plays.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April 2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/plays.html>.“Analyzing Poetry.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April 2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/poetry.html>.“Analyzing Prose.” Texas A&M University Writing Center. 2003. 20 April 2004 <http://uwc.tamu.edu/handouts/writing/prose.html>.