Writing about Literature Is it analysis or explication?

Two basic approaches Explication –detailed explanation of a work

Explication sometime line by line or word by word interested in how a work means what it means Considers speaker, point of view, connotation, images, figurative language, allusions, form structure, sound, rhythm Close reading

What kinds of work call for explication? must be rich enough to deserve close attention short enough to be encompassed in a relatively brief discussion work best with short poems, passages in long poems, exceptionally rich, crucial passages in prose

Analysis examines one aspect of element or part that relates to the whole elements to consider: –point of view, characterization, plot, setting, symbolism, structure, etc.

Papers Focusing on a Single Literary Work Read the selection carefully. Formulate your thesis Support it with corroborating evidence Make sure you account/examine contrary evidence

Papers for Compare/Contrast Decide whether the similarities or differences are most important Begin with a brief summary of the less significant Concentrate mostly on the more significant

Proving Your Point Looking for proof SHOW how the work or element does what you say it does Do not explain metaphors metaphorically Avoid hypothesizing Avoid personal experiences Identify figures of speech and investigate how it works

Writing the Paper Read the text carefully and thoughtfully. (ANNOTATE!) Put the material aside for a few days Prewrite-jot down ideas, select connecting ideas, formulate a thesis statement Outline-rearrange ideas to best support your thesis

WRITE a rough draft as swiftly as possible. REVISE for logic, coherence, confidence, and completeness of argument REVISE for effectiveness of expression EDIT PUBLISH

How do I do this when I only have 40 minutes, Mrs. Smith? Analyze the topic. –compare, show how, define Prewrite- jot down key words or ideas Begin your answer with a topic sentence that includes all the major points you intend to use in your essay. Don’t give summaries of actions and plots Be specific and concrete. Keep an eye on the clock and budget your time. Review and revise if you have time.