What do YOU have to say about it? Analysis What do YOU have to say about it?

What is literary analysis Delving into-reading closely and criticizing-a work of literature in order to react to it, evaluate it, interpret it, draw conclusions, find meaning, and connect it to other works of literature, real-life situations, and thematic ideas. Notice, the word identify is not used in the definition. It is not simply pointing out devices and elements and identifying certain aspects of a work of literature.

First, I look at… The devices and… Diction Characterization Syntax Metaphors Similes Hyperbole Symbolism Imagery Repetition and… Characterization Understatement Imagery Sarcasm Alliteration Assonance Dialogue Irony

Then, I decide… How do these devices shape the elements: Character Mood Tone Narrator/Point of view Setting Plot/Conflict

Now, I find the theme What do I learn about the character through dialogue? What do I learn about human nature by looking at the dialogue between two characters? What can I infer about the author’s message through the characterization tools he uses to create his nefarious antagonist? What can be said about the nature of life through the author’s use of dark, negative diction in this story?

And what is a theme? A theme is not one word: love, human nature, tension of opposites. It is, instead, a universal phrase that everyone can understand. It may be centered around one word, but something must be said of that word. Let’s illustrate: In Dostoevsky’s novel, The Brothers Karamazov, the overarching theme, which is centered around revenge, is: No matter how badly someone has hurt another, revenge is never an act that should come to fruition; revenge will tear at one’s heart, causing him or her to live with guilt the rest of his or her life. A message with meaning

Universal themes What is to be said about… Love Revenge Pain and suffering of the innocent Dark/Evil vs. Light/Goodness: Tension of Opposites Guilt Death War One’s place in the universe/afterlife Life Growing old

The process Equation: The device/s creates the element The element is then analyzed, which leads us to the message The theme is discovered

characterization: point of view-first person declarative statement Purpose: Theme Plot Setting Point of View Mood Characters Tone imagery understatement characterization: point of view-first person declarative statement diction characterization syntax symbolism sarcasm rhetoric repetition

Owning it! The trick to solid literary analysis is: Find five-seven devices that you understand well Find two to three elements that you understand well Write down three to five themes Start really building your literary analysis by answering the question “So What?”

My process My top five to seven devices: My top two to three elements: Diction Syntax Symbolism Imagery Irony Characterization Figurative Language My top two to three elements: Tone Characters Point of View

Breaking it apart Diction What do you notice? Alyosha sat “broken” and “dejected” in his study. The “dark”, “lonely” space surrounded him. His “gaunt” face and “empty” eyes taunted him as he gazed into the “sardonic” mirror.

All negative diction This scene comes into play after Alyosha avenged his father’s wrath. Now that we have established the diction as being negative, what can be said about the overall tone? It is? Angry? Bitter? Anxious? Broken?

Putting it all together Revenge Clearly, Dostoevsky purposely chooses his diction to create a theme: a message to reveal to his readers. But what is it? I’m looking at the angry tone, which is displayed through negative diction, and I find… Dostoevsky uses negative diction in this scene to reveal his truth that revenge is never an act that humans should partake in, as it riddles one with guilt and a bleak, lonely existence.

The language of analysis So how do I, a student, say something new or in a new way to my audience? Ask yourself: SO WHAT? What does this mean? What does it reveal about: Human nature The human condition Life in general The characters Major themes and how they are communicated Historical context (what does this text reveal about a certain time period)

Phrases to utilize Most important things to remember: What is the impact on the reader? WHY and HOW a work was written? The struggles that Romeo and Juliet face demonstrate the reality that… Without Poe’s bold tone, the overarching thematic idea that ______ would not be so recognizable to the reader. Through the use of imagery, the reader is able to… The impression the use of characterization makes on the reader is…

Now, it’s your turn Please read Poe’s short story, Tell Tale Heart, one time through without annotating. Look for conflicts, characters, and other elements of the work. Then, highlight and annotate the short story, specifically pointing out the devices you would like to “own”. Make sure to annotate in the margins, briefly discussing the impact of these devices on the creation of the elements. Start thinking about the thematic ideas being developed here.