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Analysis and Literary Analysis
- 1. ANALYZING A TEXT with LiteraryAnalysis
- 2. WHAT IS ANALYSIS? An interpretation of a text Understanding not only what the text says, but also how it tries to persuade its readers and influence them
- 3. KEY FEATURES SUMMARIZETHE TEXT Tell the reader about the main ideas of the text. If it is a well-known text, you do not have to have a lot of summary. ATTENTION TO CONTEXT What else is being said about the topic? Is the text itself a response to a larger conversation? CLEAR INTERPRETATION/JUDGMENT Lead your readers through a “careful examination” of the text to show your interpretation of the content. Interpret – Explain what you think the text means. REASONABLE SUPPORT FOR CONCLUSIONS Using the text to back up your claims/ideas.
- 4. GENERATING IDEAS Your goalis to understand what the text says, how it works, and what it means. Read the text carefully Annotate and take notes for yourself on the content. Decide what to analyze Don’t try to analyze the entire text. Look at one or two specific ideas that connect. Think about the larger context (next slide) Consider what you know about the writer/artist Do research on the author. Study how the text works How is it structured? Analyze the argument (next slide) Come up with a thesis (next slide)
- 5. THE LARGER CONTEXT Toconsider the larger context, think about these things: Who else cares about the topic? Who is the text written for? Why should the reader care? Ideas presented What ideas does the author present? What ideas do you have based on the text Terms used Are there any terms that you are unfamiliar with? Do the terms used show a specific audience? Citations made Who has the author referenced?
- 6. ANALYZE THE ARGUMENT What is the claim? What is the paper’s thesis? What is the stance of the author? What support does the writer offer for the claim? What reason and evidence does the author supply for their argument? How does the writer appeal to readers? Appeals to emotions, logic, and character How evenhandedly does the writer present the argument? Does the writer use any logical fallacies? What authorities or other sources of outside information does the writer use? How does the writer address you as the reader?
- 7. COMING UP WITHA THESIS In an analysis, you are arguing that a text should be read in a certain way. Identify your analytical goal: how do you want the reader to interpret the original text? A thesis is NOT a summary of the text.
- 8. Organization, Beginnings & Endings Wewill discuss this in class. However, prepare yourselves by looking over the chart on page 76 in the textbook. Beginnings – pg. 77 Endings – pg. 78
- 9. TAKING STOCK OFYOUR WORK For a “checklist” to go over before handing in a final draft, review page 81 in your textbook.
- 10. Reading Assignment For anunderstanding how how an analysis works, please read William Safire’s “A Spirit Reborn” on pages 62-64 in your textbook.
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- 12. A LITERARY ANALYSIS… …studies a literary text closely to understand messages, interpret meanings, and appreciate the writer’s techniques.
- 13. KEY FEATURES ARGUABLETHESIS Argue for your interpretation of the text’s meaning CAREFUL ATTENTION TO THE LANGUAGE What language does the author use? How does it affect the text? ATTENTION TO PATTERNS OR THEMES CLEAR INTERPRETATION Support your thesis/claim by using evidence from the text itself Show readers one way the text may be read and understand (as you understand it)
- 14. ELEMENTS OF LITERARY ANALYSIS Character The “people” of the story. Who the plot happens to. Plot The action of the story. What events happen to drive it forward. Setting Where the story takes place; When the story takes place.
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- 16. Please read… “Ways ofOrganizing an Analysis of Causes and Effects” on pages 320- 31.
Editor's Notes
- #2 Norton Field Guide to Writing, 3rd edition – with Readings & Handbook