1. A way to analyze literature
SIFT
A way to analyze literature

2. S = Symbol
Examine the title and the text for symbolism
What is the significance of the symbol? Does the symbol contribute to the theme?

3. I = Images
Identify any imagery (sensory details – visuals, smell, touch, hearing, taste)
What effect is the author trying to convey with these images? What kind of information or message do they provide?

4. F = Figures of Speech
Figurative Language =
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Personification
Irony
Allusion
Plot Structure – this isn’t technically a figure of speech, but the organization of the story can add to your analysis.
How do figures of speech enhance the meaning of the story?

5. T = Tone and Theme
Note that S –I – F all lead to tone and theme. All literary devices support your analysis of tone and theme.
Tone is the attitude the author takes toward the audience, subject of the story or characters in the story.
Mood is the emotion the reader feels with reading the story; the atmosphere of the story.
Theme – The life lesson or moral that the story provides. Use the SIFT process to help you identify a theme. Remember that this should be a theme statement and not just a word (Love, Friendship, etc…)
What is the purpose in the author’s writing?

6. With your Pod…
…analyze “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge.” Talk through S-I-F-T.
Highlight examples that you see and write about the impact of those examples on the story in the margin note.
On the back page write your thoughts about Tone and the Theme statement.
Turn in the story and your Gothic Elements worksheet in the basket
Pick up “The Black Cat” to read for Monday. Note that I’m asking you to highlight examples that support that human nature has a dark side.