Literary Analysis Final Version

7/31/2019 Literary Analysis Final Version

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How to Build a Foundation forStudent Learning


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The components of a written literary analysis

Different types of literary analysis (Focus)

Research resources Assessment rubrics

In this session, you will learn:

Literary

Analysis


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Overview

What is it?

A literary analysis can be thought of as an argument.

Involves a discussion of a text as writing.

Can analyze a character, idea, or theme.

Why is it important?

Helps with reading comprehension

Allows students to dig deeper

Helps students logically understand the piece

Shows that students can both apply their own ideas

and use information from sources


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So

How can I help my students understand?Visual aids

Clear guidelines for the assignment

Let them know your expectations (rubric)


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Sources

THESIS Statement

Context

MLA

Format/

Citation

Rhetorical

Elements

Essential

Elements

S

UP

P

O

R

T

You can helpyour students

learn how to

construct aliterary analysis

by having them

think of it as thecomponents of a

house.IntroBody Pghs

Conclusion


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The roof represents the sources (both

primary and secondary) that are used in

literary analysis.

Sources

THESIS Statement

Context

Knowing the historical, social, andpolitical context of a work opens the

door to further areas of discussion.

The thesis statement is the foundation

of a strong literary analysis essay.

How to

construct the

perfect literary

analysis: MLAFormat/

Citation

Think of MLA format and citation as the

chimney. While it is a small part of your

construction, it is still very important!

Your windows into the work are what

will help your reader better understand

the piece. These may include rhetorical

devices (like mood, symbolism, irony, or

figurative language) and essential

elements (such as theme, plot, point of

view, setting, and characterization).

Remember: Like the four walls of a house,

you must support what you are saying inyour analysis. This may include quotes or

brief summaries of key events from the

piece.

S

UP

P

O

R

T

Rhetorical

Elements

Essential

Elements

Intro

Body Pghs

Conclusion

Remember the steps in writing an essay.

Youll need an introduction, bodyparagraphs, and a conclusion.


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Components

The foundation: Thesis

The walls: Support

The windows: Rhetorical and Essential

elements

The door: Context

The roof: Sources

The chimney: MLA Formatting/Citation

The stairs: The steps needed to write any

essay


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Founding a Thesis

Defining statement

of paper

Surrounded by

backup, not fluff Usually within first

paragraph

Possible Activity:

Have students write

first paragraph and

identify thesisstatement


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A Window into Literary Soul

Writing should use

rhetorical and

essential elements

to describe the textand support their

claims.

We need to be able

to see into thehouse, after all.

Possible Activity:

For rhetorical elements,

have students come up

with their own andthen find them in the

text.


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This is what

the front side

of theworksheet

looks like.


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And this is

the back.


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Opening the Door: Context

Different critical

lenses: Historical,

political, personal,

and so on. Allows for further

discussion by

inviting ideas in.

Possible Activity:

Have students research

the author as it

provides potentialmaterial for the essay.


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Keeping the Weather Out: Sources

Sources are used to

cover the support

Primary v.

Secondary Can be in print or

digital

Databases Is Wikipedia a

source?

Validity of sources

Possible Activity:

Have students interact

with search engines,

and databases.


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Primary /

SecondarySources

Worksheet


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The Chimney: Citation

Documentation is

key.

What is plagiarism

and how should it bepunished?

Citation styles and

formats

Possible Activity:

After the last activity,

have students complete

a research scavengerhunt.


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The Stairs: Steps in Writing Essays

Intro (1st step) is

intentionally linked to

thesis (foundation)

Middle steps = bodyparagraphs

Final step (to get out

of the house) =

conclusion

Possible Activity:

Have your students get

together in groups of

five and collaborate ona five paragraph essay.


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Name: ________________________________ Pd. ______ Date: _____________________

My Literary Analysis ChecklistDirections: Please read each question carefully. If you can answer yes and if the step has been completed, you may check off the box.

Do I have a clear, specific thesis statement?

-> What is it? _____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Do I have an introduction, at least three body paragraphs, and a conclusion that are all well supported?

Have I researched the historical, political, and social background of the time in which the novel was written OR of

the setting in which the novel takes place?

Have I shown evidence of support in my analysis? Remember, this may include summarizing key scenes from the

novel or paraphrasing key events.

Did I discuss some of the rhetorical devices that the author used? (Refer to your list to double check)

Did I address the essential elements of the story? (Refer to your list to double check)

Have I consulted both primary and secondary sources to help back up my ideas?

Did I double check that my paper is formatted correctly and that I have used proper citation?

Did I proofread my paper carefully for errors in spelling and grammar?

Once you have completed this sheet, you may turn in this paper and your final draft to me.


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Different Types of Analysis

Character analysis

Plot analysis

Historical analysis (Requires outsideresearch)

Movement analysis (May require outside

research)


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Clear Guidelines

What do you want

done?

How can your

students do it? What should the end

product be?


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Clear Guidelines


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Establish expectations

Sample

Based on PSSA scoring

rubric

4 point scale How will you be scoring?

What does the student

have to do to

Get a 4? A 3?

A 2?

A 1?


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You canmake teaching literary analysis less

painful!

Remember:

Use visual aids

Set clear guidelines

Establish expectations

Be there for your students!

It will be difficult to teach especially as beginning

teachers, but if you have the right attitude it will be

a lot easier!

Wrap Up


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Are there any questions,comments, or concerns?

Documents

Literary Analysis Final Version