ANNOTATION An annotation of a literary work is a detailed analysis of its language and ideas. A thorough annotation should be the first step in preparing to write about a piece of literature. Annotation can be especially useful for identifying patterns of words and ideas upon which one may structure interpretive claims.

Steps in Annotation The Twelve Step Program of Literary Annotation The core of Annotation is to get to the meaning of a reading selection; to break down material that the reader does not know. (The purpose is not to discuss that which the reader already knows) Annotation is a process of Reading, Deconstruction, Investigation and Analysis and Extracting Meaning.

Annotating helps readers reach a deeper level of engagement and promotes active reading. It creates a reader’s “dialogue with the text” A visible record of the thoughts that emerge while making sense of the reading.

The best way to annotate is to be able to write directly on the text itself (forget what your parents always told you in kindergarten about coloring in your books). #1: Purchase the text so that you can mark it up with your annotations, OR #2: Make a copy of the passage to be closely analyzed If you cannot write directly on the text to be analyzed, then making notations on sticky notes is an alternative. The most effective way of using sticky notes is to: #1: cut the square sticky note into strips #2: place the strip under the word or phrase to be notated OR #3: use sticky notes that have the little pointing arrow, and point it to the part of the text you want to notate.

Step One Read the selection Initial Reaction Record a brief reaction statement between two sentences and a paragraph that explains your first thoughts of the selection. Step Two Author’s Diction. Why does he/she use the words they do, to what effect?. If you do not understand each word, you have no chance to fully understand the selection. So, identify (make a list) all unfamiliar words in the selection

Step Three Vocabulary Definitions – Denotation -Connotations Look up each word in a good dictionary and find the definition of each word. Be sure to have the correct definition for the context in which the word is found. Step Four Character Identification Identify all characters in the selection, the time setting, location and imagery

Step Five ReReading Reread the selection a second time now with an understanding of all with words. Repeat until all words are understood. This is a very important step Step Six Number the lines of a poem or the sentences of prose.

Step Seven Identify unfamiliar historical, geographical references, or allusions to and the Bible or other literary. Define and research the allusions for full understanding of the allusions in the context of the selection. Apply this to anything including the title of the selection. Step Eight Identify any unusual syntax and rephrase the passage so that it is clearly and firmly in mind. Consider what poetic effect might be achieved by disrupting conventional syntax, (word order). Identify references of nouns and pronouns that have been left ambiguous.

Step Nine Peel the onion layers Identify and explain the meaning and purpose of the figures of speech used by the author in the selection. Consider the selection’s literary expressions like similes, metaphors, personification, symbols etc. Explain the levels of the language that means something beyond the literal. Step Ten Rhythm and Beat Is there a rhythm or meter that is important and helpful to understand the selection. This is most often discovered through Reading the work out loud.

Step Eleven What is the overall meaning, is there an extended metaphor or allegory that is important. What is the theme. What is the message, what does the Author want the reader to understand? Step Twelve What have you learned by doing this annotation? And most importantly …

Step Twelve What does it say? What does it mean? Why does it matter?