An Introduction to AnalysisAP English Literature

Tips for Strong Analysis

✤ Read and re-read with the goal of understanding beyond the obvious.

✤ Pay attention to PAIRS and PATTERNS embedded in a text. Note where the author builds them AND where the author breaks them.

✤ Produce strong claim statements that consider the entire text (or the portion being analyzed).

✤ Support the claims with strong, sufficient evidence.

✤ Conclude with a final thought on the implications of your claim--answer the "Why?" question.

Examples for The Great Gatsby

Read and re-read with the goal of understanding beyond the obvious.

Multiple reads, even when only of a particular passage, simply allow you to see more than what is at the surface.

On a first read you notice Nick is drunk at the party in chapter 2--maybe caving to peer pressure? Upon re-reading, you begin to recognize the surrealism created by the details throughout the chapter--foggy memory, smoke-filled air, sordid relationships, choppy narrative pace, etc. Nick's drunkenness can now be seen as a vehicle transporting him into Tom's alternate universe. Sober Nick (or anyone who can see clearly) isn't invited.

Examples for The Great GatsbyPay attention to PAIRS and PATTERNS embedded in a text. Note where the author builds them AND where the author breaks them

When any element of a text repeats, pay attention! Look for unexpected ways a pattern may exist. Authors often create binary pairs (opposites), but sometimes blur the lines between them.

The first description we see of Tom and Daisy's marriage references many moves across the country and around the world. On the surface, this could simply reflect their affluence and desire to be trendy; however, the passage's diction establishes a pattern. Words like "drifted," "unrestfully," and "wistfully" are peppered throughout the paragraph and suggest Tom and Daisy are actually miserable. It's also ironic that individuals with such strong family roots live as high-class nomads.

Examples for The Great GatsbyProduce strong claim statements that consider the entire text (or the portion used for examination).

A strong claim is argumentative in nature. Even elements of the text that are not discussed in your analysis should not refute your claim.

One might argue that Tom is angry about Daisy's affair because it ruins their image as the perfect couple/family. There is evidence to support this; however, it's not a great argument if you consider Tom's shameless flaunting of his own affairs. And how would you explain his awkward reaction at the plaza (sending Daisy home with Gatsby in broad daylight)?

Examples for The Great Gatsby

Support the claims with strong, sufficient evidence.

Be sure to use evidence from all relevant sections of a text whenever possible. Readers need to see a pattern to buy your claim, not a single instance.

When making a claim regarding the motif of water throughout the text, use evidence from the beginning (the dust that "floated in the wake" of Gatsby's dream), the middle (the pouring rain on the day Daisy and Gatsby reunite; the body of water that still separates their two homes), and the end (the imagery of a boat "beating back ceaselessly" against the current).

Examples for The Great Gatsby

Conclude with a final thought on the implications of your claim--answer the "So what?" question.

If your claim is a significant one, it will have a significant impact on theme.

At the end of an analysis on Tom and Myrtle's relationship, be sure to acknowledge how the relationship plays a larger role in the context of the novel. How does it characterize Tom as an individual? How does it highlight elements of Daisy and Tom's relationship? How does it impact Nick's perception of the other characters? Answering one of these questions reveals a deeper meaning for Tom and Myrtle.

Analyzing a Painting

Follow these basic principles to analyze "The Surrender" by Joseph Griffith. To reinforce the importance of multiple reads, we will view the painting several times.

✤ 1st view: 10 seconds

✤ 2nd view: 30 seconds

✤ 3rd view: 60 seconds

Each time you view the painting, record the details you notice along with your thoughts.

"The Surrender"Joseph Griffith

Record what you saw and discuss what you make of it.

"The Surrender"Joseph Griffith

Add to your list of details. What did you notice this time? How does that change/affirm your original thoughts about the painting?

"The Surrender"Joseph Griffith

What additional details did you notice on the third read? What connections can you now make? What are your final thoughts on the deeper meaning of the painting?

Put it in writing...

Create a strong claim that analyzes some aspect of the painting. Make this claim the topic sentence of your paragraph. Include multiple pieces (we'll say at least 3) of evidence that support this claim. End with a one-sentence commentary that connects your claim to the overall meaning of the painting.

Remember, your claim should be argumentative!

Your paragraph is due tomorrow.