Literary Analysis
What do we know?
What do we know? 1. Describe literary analysis. What is it? 2. Have you analyzed anything before? What? 3. On a scale of 1-10 how comfortable are you with literary analysis? (10 = very confident 1 = don t understand at all )
What is Analysis? Analysis: a detailed examination of anything complex in order to understand its nature or to determine its essential features.
What Kinds of Things Do We Analyze?
What is Literary Analysis?
What is Literary Analysis?.Pretty much the same thing but with literature!
What is Literary Analysis? Literary Analysis: an attempt to evaluate and understand the work of an author
What are the Parts? Symbolism Imagery Theme Characters Tone Setting Figurative Language (simile, metaphor, personification, etc.)
When we analyze we ask: Why is this important?
Scene Explain the scene (what is happening?) Why is this scene emotionally compelling?
Final Thoughts 1. Today we learned about literary analysis define analysis in your own words. 2. Rate your current understanding of literary analysis on a scale of 1-10 3. What questions do you still have about literary analysis? What is still confusing?
Have a great day!
Agenda 1. Turn in Worksheet #2 2. Analysis Questions 3. Review 4. Structure of Literary Analysis 5. Sample Literary Analysis Activity 6. Sentence Frames
Questions 1. Why is literary analysis important? 2. Can we get more examples of analysis? 3. How to do literary analysis 4. Is there an order for literary analysis? 5. How should I use literary analysis in essays?
The Format of Analysis A literary analysis essay makes an argument What are you arguing about?
The Format of Analysis A literary analysis essay makes an argument What are you arguing about? Your interpretation of the literature
The Format of Analysis Example: Up Did we reach the conclusion that Up was emotionally compelling?
The Format of Analysis Example: Up Did we reach the conclusion that Up was emotionally compelling? Your argument should prove why it s emotionally compelling.
The Format of Analysis #1 Introduce: Introduce your point in 1-2 topic sentences. What are you arguing about the text?
The Format of Analysis #2 Evidence: Give evidence from the text that supports your argument. Hint: Look for the parts!
The Format of Analysis #3 Analysis: Explains exactly why the evidence supports your argument. Think: Why is this important?
Example The Married Life clip from Up is emotionally compelling because the contrast between light and dark colors in the scenes represents Carl and Ellie s happiness and sadness, and it helps us to feel happy and sad with them. When Carl and Ellie are moving into their new house, the setting is very bright. The sun is shining and it is a clear day. This is important because bright, clear days are classically associated with happiness and good fortune. Because Carl and Ellie are happily married and starting a life at their new house, the bright, colorful setting leads us to believe that all will be well; thus, we feel happy for the characters.
Sentence Frames In [literary text] the author creates a tone of through their use of. is the main theme in [literary text] as shown through [Author] s inclusion of,, and in the story.
Sentence Frames This is significant because. is important because. The presence of the [literary device] in the story has the effect of because.
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Agenda 1. Return Up Worksheet #1 and discuss 2. Review format of literary analysis 3. Literary Analysis Rubric 4. Practice Analysis Goal: To apply the steps of analysis and craft a short analytical paragraph.
Step #1 Review
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence:
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2 Evidence:
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2 Evidence: Present evidence from the text that supports your argument.
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2 Evidence: Present evidence from the text that supports your argument. Step #3
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2 Evidence: Present evidence from the text that supports your argument. Step #3 Analysis:
Review Step #1 Introduction/topic sentence: Introduce a point that you will be arguing about the text Step #2 Evidence: Present evidence from the text that supports your argument. Step #3 Analysis: Explain exactly why evidence supports your argument.
Literary Analysis Rubric Topic Sentences Topic sentences articulate a precise argument, reflect through and insight, and are linked to the thesis 5 4 3 2 1 Topic sentences articulate a precise argument and are linked to thesis. Topic sentences are present and make an argument connected to the thesis. However, ideas are obvious or basic. Topic sentences are not linked to the thesis. Topic sentences show a misunderstanding of the prompt or text. Topic sentences are not evident or are merely facts or summaries. Evidence For the most part, you have chosen the best evidence to support your point. Evidence is believable and convincing and supports your argument Evidence is present but superficial. Evidence chosen does not support thesis or topic sentences. Little or no evidence is provided. Evidence is highly persuasive and effective in supporting your argument. Commentary (Analysis) Creative and original ideas and insights. Extensive commentary that goes beyond the obvious and basic insights. Analysis is believable and convincing. A few claims may lack specific examples, but claims are still clearly connected to the argument. Analysis supports your argument but the ideas are obvious and basic. Ideas lack development, there is a misunderstanding of prompt or text, or writer makes an illogical argument. Analysis not present simply plot summary. Analysis does not address the prompt.
In the Married Life movie clip, the characters detailed actions make the short film emotionally compelling. When Carl and Ellie are fixing-up their house, they paint the mailbox while smiling lovingly at each other. This is significant because it indicates that Carl and Ellie care deeply for each other. Additionally, Carl and Ellie are shown taking the time to set up a crib and paint the walls in their new nursery. These actions indicate that Carl and Ellie are eager to be parents. Finally, when Carl and Ellie are at the doctor s office, Ellie is hunched over with her head in her hands while Carl rests his hands on her shoulders. Ellie s hunched position shows that she is deeply upset while Carl s hands on her shoulders are supportive and comforting. Because Carl and Ellie s actions in all three scenes are common and quite realistic, we sympathize with and emotionally relate to the characters.
Prompt Write a paragraph (at least 4-6 sentences) in which you answer the question: Is the Married Life scene from Up emotionally compelling? Why or why not? Use evidence such as: setting, character expression, or color (light and dark tones) to prove your argument.
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Agenda 1. Discuss Theme 2. Practice Literary Analysis 3. Practice as Class
Theme
Theme Jurassic Park (any of them): Don t mess around with nature
Theme Star Wars: Rogue One With hope, even the greatest challenges can be overcome
Theme Kung Fu Panda: What we consider to be our greatest weaknesses, may actually be our greatest strengths
Practice Prompt A major theme in The Story of an Hour is that women can t be truly happy unless they are free. How does Kate Chopin use literary devices to contribute to this theme?
Topic Sentence:
Evidence:
Analysis:
Example Kate Chopin uses dramatic irony to contribute to the theme that women can t be truly happy unless they are free. For example, after Mrs. Mallard dies, the doctors say she died of heart disease a joy that kills. In reality, we know that Mrs. Mallard died of sadness. As the audience, we know that Mrs. Mallard was happy to be free. When her husband returns, she realizes she is no longer free. Because we know how she feels through dramatic irony, we realize the theme: women need to be free to be happy.