Literary Analysis An analysis explain WHAT a work of literature means and HOW it means it.

How is a literary analysis an argument? When writing a literary analysis, you will focus on specific attribute(s) of the text(s). When discussing these attributes, you will want to make sure that you are making a specific, arguable point (thesis) about these attributes. You will defend this point with reasons and evidence drawn from the text. (Much like a lawyer!)

Elements of Poetry Analysis Theme: main idea—what the work adds up to Characters: people the author creates Including the narrator of a story or the speaker of a poem Setting: when and where the action happens Point of View: perspective or attitude of the narrator or speaker Conflict Rhetorical Devices Structure: Rhyme scheme, line lengths, punctuation

Theme: Main idea or underlying meaning of the literary work. What the author wants the reader to understand about the subject In fables, this may also be the moral of the story

Characterization: A character’s actions A character’s choices A character’s speech patterns A character’s thoughts and feelings A character’s comments A character’s physical appearance and name Other characters’ thoughts and feelings about the character Other characters’ actions toward the character How is the raven characterized in the poem? Give textual evidence.

Conflict: Discuss the importance of one conflict in The Raven. person vs. person conflict : events typically focus on differences in values, experiences, and attitudes. person vs. society conflict: the person is fighting an event, an issue, a philosophy, or a cultural reality that is unfair person vs. nature conflict: the character is often alone dealing with nature in extreme circumstances. person vs. fate/supernatural conflict: the text is characterized by a person contending with an omnipresent issue or idea. person vs. self conflict: the person is conflicted with memories, unpleasant experiences, or issues with stress and decision-making Discuss the importance of one conflict in The Raven.

Setting Time period Geographical location Historical and cultural context Social Political Spiritual Instrumental in establishing mood May symbolize the emotional state of characters Impact on characters’ motivations and options How does setting contribute to establishment of the mood in The Raven? Use textual evidence.

Point of View First Person Narrator is a character within the story—reveals own thoughts and feelings but not those of others Third Person Objective: narrator outside the story acts as a reporter—cannot tell what characters are thinking Limited: narrator outside the story but can see into the mind of one of the characters Omniscient: narrator is all-knowing outsider who can enter the mind of more than one character. From which point of view is The Raven told? How does it contribute to the mood of the poem?

Rhetorical Devices: Mood Climate of feeling in a literary work Choice of setting, objects, details, images, words Symbolism Person, place, object which stand for larger and more abstract ideas American flag = freedom Dove = peace What is the raven a symbol of in the poem?

More Rhetorical Devices Irony: contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is Verbal Irony—contrast between what is said and what is actually meant Irony of Situation—an event that is the opposite of what is expected or intended Dramatic Irony—Audience or reader knows more than the characters know How could the raven being perched upon the bust of Pallas be a form of situational irony?

Even More Rhetorical Devices Figurative Language: language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words Simile Assonance Metaphor Consonance Alliteration Allusion Personification Hyperbole Onomatopoeia Select your favorite example of figurative language from The Raven.

Before you Begin to Write Choose your sonnet. Make sure you have all of the notes you need. Re-read the poem and write down additional comments. Choose three elements of poetry analysis you are going to discuss in your paragraph.

Essential Analysis Questions What purpose do the poetic/literary devices serve? How does the author communicate his or her purpose through the devices? How do readers respond to the poetic device?

Topic Sentence Format (Insert author’s name) uses _______, _______, and _______, (insert three different elements of poetry analysis) in (insert name of “poem”) to (illustrate, convey, reveal, or another verb) (insert the main idea or purpose of the poem). You Try: Using Edgar Allan Poe’s, The Raven, and the format above to create a topic sentence.

Example Topic Sentence Edgar Allan Poe uses sound devices, allusions, and metaphors in The Raven to explore grief’s powerful grip on the human mind. Note: Use the author’s full name in the topic sentence, and then use the author’s last name for the rest of the essay.

Conclusion Restate your main points. Explain why you think the author felt the topic discussed in the poem was important. Explain how the topic/main idea of the poem relates to the outside world.

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