Analysis Summary vs. Analysis

Summary vs Analysis A SUMMARY is a retelling ANALYSIS is a conclusion that you draw based on the EVIDENCE that you have on hand. So how is that different from a summary? Let’s try an experiment…

“I am a cripple. I choose this word to name me. I choose from among several possibilities, the most common of which are “handicapped” and “disabled.” I made the choice a number of years ago, without thinking. People – crippled or not – wince at the word “cripple,” as they do not at “handicapped” or disabled.” Perhaps I want them to wince. I want them to see me as a tough customer, one to whom the fates/gods/viruses have not been kind, but who can face the brutal truth of her existence squarely. As a cripple, I swagger.” –Nancy Mairs Write a SUMMARY in your notebook.

So… If a SUMMARY is a RETELLING of the main events or ideas, what does that make an ANALYSIS?

How to… To conduct an ANALYSIS, one must go beyond what the story is about to HOW the story is written and WHY. How does the author’s writing fulfill his/her purpose? How does the text create meaning? Why did the author make the choices he/she did? How effective are the author’s choices? Why?

How does the writing fulfill the author’s purpose? Things to consider about the WRITING… Literary Elements: How does the author use characterization, setting, plot, point of view, tone, genre? Imagery: What details does the author include? What figurative language is used? Why? Word Choice (Diction): Does the author use big words? Why must he/she do that? Connotation? Sentence Structure (Syntax): Does the author write in really long dramatic sentences? Or does he/she prefer short, lean ones? Why did he/she make that choice? Organization: How has the author organized his/her information? Does it help or hurt the message he/she’s trying to communicate?

…fulfilling author’s purpose Things to consider about AUTHOR’S PURPOSE for nonfiction: What is the author’s purpose? To persuade? Inform? Critique? How does the writing prove the author’s thesis? What is the theme of the story? How does the writing contribute to that theme? How does the writing illustrate the author’s main point?

How to ANALYZE in two easy steps Step 1: Observe What patterns do you notice? What literary devices are used? What is emphasized? What words stand out? What organizational structures are used? Step 2: Interpret and Connect What is the effect? What does it add to the story as a whole? Why did the author make that choice? How does it fulfill the author’s purpose?

“I am a cripple. I choose this word to name me. I choose from among several possibilities, the most common of which are “handicapped” and “disabled.” I made the choice a number of years ago, without thinking. People – crippled or not – wince at the word “cripple,” as they do not at “handicapped” or disabled.” Perhaps I want them to wince. I want them to see me as a tough customer, one to whom the fates/gods/viruses have not been kind, but who can face the brutal truth of her existence squarely. As a cripple, I swagger.” –Nancy Mairs Write an ANALYSIS in your notebook.

Summary vs. Analysis: Get it??? SUMMARY = What the story says! Details Quotes Characters ANALYSIS =HOW the author says it and WHY! Literary Elements Style Organization X

One more thing: Be SPECIFIC! Give specific examples from the text.